The New York Giants and the 2019 NFL Draft

Much has been written and discussed about the New York Giants and their need to draft a Quarterback to replace Eli Manning.

Much has been written and discussed about the New York Giants and their need to draft a quarterback to replace Eli Manning. But the Giants’ brass has indicated that they are not ready to close the book on Eli and do not appear to be sold on the QB crop in the 2019 class.

The thinking goes that if they were not sold on the QB crop in 2018 for their pick at No. 2 in the draft, then they will have the same belief for 2019 where they have the No. 6 pick in the first round where the QB crop is considered to be much weaker than the 2018 group. And another consideration being that they have Eli Manning under contract for one more year so trying to replace him this year would be awkward to say the least, keeping in mind what happened when they tried that last year.

So then a simple but solid plan for building a foundation for the future would be to rebuild the defense which isn’t playoff-ready at this point, do some filler work on the offense and hope to be in a position to draft one of the top QBs next year such as Tua Tagovailoa from Alabama, Justin Herbert from Oregon, Jake Fromm from Georgia or whoever else emerges just as Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins emerged this year.

And if the Giants brain trust doesn’t have a firm conviction on the three QBs mentioned, it would be time for a career change.

And even though I am a big proponent of trading back to accumulate more draft capital, the Giants have historically not done so and this year they do have 12 draft choices with two No. 1’s, although most of the rest are Day 3 picks, which percentage wise hold more failure than success.

1 (6) DEVIN WHITE, ILB, LSU – considered elite in the run game and in pass defense, he is also a leader who was Captain in 17 & 18. Outrageous 4.42 forty.

1 (17) BRIAN BURNS, Edge, Florida State – was 220 Lbs. in 2017, 231 Lbs. in 2018 to 249 Lbs. at the Combine in 2019 where he still ran a 4.53 forty with a 1.57 ten yard spilt. This is an explosive athlete who had 10 Sacks in 2018 and is still improving. Some would opt for DE Clelin Ferrell here, but Burns explosiveness wins the day.

2 (37) ANTHONY NELSON, DE, IOWA – 6-7 271, would be considered to be a reach here so maybe could trade back to get him. Declared early for the draft as did Burns, he has ideal size for DE/DT in a 3/4 defense. Had 9.5 Sacks in 2018 and ran a 4.82 forty with a 1.65 ten yard split at the Combine.  If the Giants couldn’t trade this pick back and think too rich to take Nelson here, then could take JUAN THORNHILL, FS, Virginia, who would be the playmaking centerfielder that the Giants have lacked for years and would team with Jabrill Peppers to form a dynamic duo at the Safety positions.

3 (95) TERRY MCLAURIN, WR, OHIO STATE – explosive receiver who was underutilized in the Buckeyes offense with only 35 receptions but for a 20.0 yard per catch average and 11 TDs. He aced the Combine with his 4.35 forty, aced the Senior Bowl practices and his Pro Day drills.

4 (108) ISAIAH PRINCE, RT, Ohio State – 6064 305, did well against Gary & Winovich of Michigan.

4 (132) JOSH OLIVER, TE, San Jose State, or if gone, FOSTER MOREAU, TE, LSU, would fill the in-line TE spot as both can block and catch. The 4th Rd. is also where teams take a flyer on QBs so JARRETT STIDHAM of Auburn is a possibility here, but the Giants have so many needs, better to take a player that you know can play.

5 (142) CORBIN KAUFUSI, DE, BYU – 6-9 278 – played with injuries in 2018 and still 8.5 Sacks. Coach claims he has high motor and improved every year. Is older but worth a shot.

5 (143) DONNIE LEWIS, CB, TULANE – 3 Interceptions, 18 Passes Broken Up in 2018.

5 (171) TANNER FARMER, C/G, NEBRASKA – State Champ in Wrestling, went 5-1 on Neb. Wrestling Team. 39 on Bench Press at Pro Day and 9’10” Broad Jump which was better than any Offensive Lineman at the Combine. The 39 Bench Press tied the best at the Combine. Has done a 765 Lb. Squat.

6 (180) QADREE OLLISON, RB, PITT – Depth and a big back option.

7 (233) NATE BROOKS, CB, North Texas – 6 Interceptions & 10 Passes Broken Up in 18.

7 (245) DAVID BLOUGH, QB, Purdue, or TAYLOR CORNELIUS, QB, Oklahoma State

And after the draft is concluded, the Undrafted Free Agency frenzy begins and we would have the Giants be very active here, especially in signing two or three Safeties and two or three Wide Receivers.

In 2017, there were 117 Undrafted Free Agents who made the 32 NFL teams. Guard Andrew Norwell was a UDFA in 2014 and became All-Pro; and last year, RB Phillip Lindsay from Colorado became a star with the Broncos.