New York Giants: Arguments For and Against Drafting QB

The New York Giants have everybody guessing about what they plan to do with their #2 overall pick on April 26th, but is it really that complicated?

In essence, this draft comes down to two courses of action for GM Dave Gettleman. Does he take a quarterback or does he not take a quarterback? It’s that simple but also represents two completely different philosophies. This is where people are hung up. Exactly what is Gettleman thinking? To better help understand the situation, it’s probably best to understand what’s at stake.

To do that the best thing is to understand what each side of the argument favors. In this case, the people are for taking a quarterback and those who are against it. Neither side is wrong but a decision, either way, would bring certain consequences. That is why the draft is so compelling. Which side will you fall on?

For:  Favorable odds to get Manning’s successor

The general belief is a team needs a top five pick in order to secure a great quarterback these days. Since 1970, a total of 29 Pro Bowlers have been selected in that range. Outside the top five? It’s 63. So of the total number of Pro Bowl QBs in the NFL since that time, a total of 31.5% were selected in the top five. That’s a third of the entire quarterback crop. Fairly conclusive evidence that it’s a good idea to get your guy there when the chance is available.

Over that same time span, the Giants have held such a high pick a total of six times. The last time was back in 2004, a total of 14 years ago. Teams can’t always bank on drafting that high from year to year. Not unless they intentionally try to tank, something the Giants organization would never allow. Thus it comes back to the original problem. New York has an aging QB. They hold the second most valuable pick in the draft. How can they justify not finding his successor?

Against:  Manning isn’t that bad and the roster needs so much work

People are convinced Manning is done because of what happened in 2017. Granted, he didn’t look good for much of the year but was it all really just because his talent is fading? He finished with 3400 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The interceptions were actually the lowest number he’s posted since 2008. As for the low touchdown mark, it’s easy to forget he lost two of his best targets early in the year with both Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall going down to injury.

Next: New York Giants: People Are Overlooking Quenton Nelson at #2

Throw in a clear lack of backing from the coaching staff and a porous offensive line, it makes sense he struggled. At 37 he’s not young anymore but Tom Brady and Drew Brees continue to show winning is possible if the Giants build a good structure around him. That means better protection and a running game. Neither of those problems is likely to get solved if they take a quarterback. Quenton Nelson? Saquon Barkley? Either of those would be instant helps towards this problem.