03/26/2024
Another long New York Giants/NFL read:
The more that I read on fan groups and NFL sites, the more that I realize that there are many NY Giants football fans that have no clue about the game. And they'll argue and make some of the most absurd assumptions and statements of "fact" that I've heard.
Obviously, I have my own opinions, and I like to believe that they're the results of decades of following sports AND a realistic outlook about my favorite team and not some pie-in-the-sky fantasy. With that being said, here are some recent observations. Daniel Jones and Tommy DeVito are NOT the answers. Jones' failures are not because of the offensive line, they're because of Daniel Jones’ limitations. At basically $40m/year, you're being paid to overcome the limitations, not be protected by a series of excuses. DeVito is a practice squad QB at best, regardless of how much fans love him and his personality. If Jones and DeVito are so "good," then why did Tyrod Taylor, a journeyman backup, completely outplay them when given a chance? Because he understands the position. Now, with the impending draft, I'm listening and reading about Giants fans that want another shiny new toy added to the team. I'm hearing them say that they need weapons for Jones to succeed.
The Giants currently have the sixth pick in the NFL Draft next month and there’s been plenty of speculation and conjecture about what they might do and who they might pick. However, some of the fans are failing to realize that the Giants, through 3 different GM’s, have made it a habit of drafting flashy, skill set players with their first pick despite their glaring needs to draft and build a foundation (offensive and defensive linemen).
I’ve posted this for the past decade, and this year is the no exception. I originally wanted the Giants to draft one of the top tackles that might project to RT or move back and add draft capital to solve the line issues. They’ve addressed a lot of that already via free agency, so this gives them the chance to draft an impact player despite having a liability at quarterback. Yes, Jones is a liability – both as a QB and as a salary drain. So, what do Giants fans want?
1. They’re clamoring for the Giants to trade away their current and future draft capital to move up into the top 3 picks and take one of the top quarterbacks in Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels.
2. They are saying that the Giants should draft Georgia TE Brock Bowers since he’s the next Rob Gronkowski/Travis Kelce at TE while conveniently forgetting that most 1st round TE’s have been less than expected – most recently Kyle Pitts taken at #4 overall in 2021.
3. They want Malik Nabors as their flashy new receiver, forgetting that they’ve basically tried that a few times of the past several seasons with the results being abject failure. Kadarius Toney flopped and was sent to KC. Wan’Dale Robinson has been ineffective.
4. They want Tommy DeVito to be given a chance to be compete with Jones to be the starter.
5. They think Daniel Jones is a top-level quarterback but hasn’t succeeded because he hasn’t had a line.
6. They laugh at the mention of J.J. McCarthy as a potential QB pick – calling him a game manager. Fans see how Michigan played and don’t see the underlying skill set that McCarthy possesses.
NEWSFLASH: This draft class for QB’s is pretty deep, but it is also a bit overhyped at the top, in my opinion. Could Williams be the next Mahomes? Sure. But he could be the next David Carr, JaMarcus Russell, Alex Smith, Sam Bradford, Macus Mariota, and Zack Wilson, too.
So, do the Giants risk taking a QB early, again? Moving up to #4 might be the safest and least expensive move. This would probably yield McCarthy. Despite the naysayers, he is fantastic on the short reads and throws and trusts the routes of his receivers while also having the arm for the deep ball and quick outs – which translate far better to the NFL than to Harbaugh’s restrictive, ground control and short pass collegiate offense. McCarthy is going to be an early pick (perhaps before the Giants select – even if they move up to #4) and should be an effective NFL QB (better than Daniel Jones). So, if they bypass the QB, then the next move is WR since they’ve filled many of the holes in the OL via free agency.
Malik Nabors evokes memories in fans of Odell Beckham and Ja’Mar Chase as fellow LSU Tiger. He has some incredible upside, but he’s another smallish 6’ WR. I personally really like Rome Odunze. He reminds me of Plaxico Burress (without the baggage) with his size and would allow the Giants to be more effective in the red zone and better utilize the underneath strengths of Wan’Dale Robinson. If they really want to push the envelope, I also like Keon Coleman/Xavier Legette or Malachi Corley with their second and/or third round picks.
Don’t underestimate what Drew Lock can do if given the chance. He may actually be better than Jones, costs a lot less, and doesn’t have the injury concerns or long-term salary load. If the Giants opt to take a QB with a later pick (Milton/Rattler/Travis), it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have them sit and learn while Lock runs the team. Jones’ days are numbered and Giants fans bemoaning that he was never given a chance – STOP IT! It has been 5 years already!!!
Your mileage may vary...
