When Dave Gettleman and the New York Giants sent Odell Beckham Jr. packing some thought it would break the offense, but it hasn’t seemed to have much of an impact. Daniel Jones is doing a great job as far as passing with 15 passing touchdowns in 8 games, per football-reference. So what should be appealing about drafting a wide receiver in the first round?
Track Record
When trying to figure out what a General Manager will do, his track record is more important than what any of us think is most logical. Dave Gettleman has now been a General Manager in the NFL for 7 seasons and has left us a large sample-size of 1st round selections to analyze.
Of the 9 first-round selections he’s made, here are the positions he has invested in:
- Quarterback
- Running Back
- Linebacker
- Defensive Tackle
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
Notice how he’s never drafted a pass-rusher or offensive tackle in the first round. The two positions most fans are calling for most. The running backs he selected were both top-10 picks in the draft.
Gettleman’s Draft Philosophy
Dave Gettleman hasn’t been afraid to disregard positional value in the past. When asked about feeling pressed to draft certain positions he has responded with “not forcing it” and “drafting the best overall talent.”
Dave Gettleman passing on a quarterback for Saquon Barkley should say everything about how Dave Gettleman wants the best possible player, rather than filling important team-needs.
Special Wide Receiver Class
It’s hard to disregard wide receiver prospects like Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb. Both are considered to be “blue-chip” or “do-it-all” wide receiver prospects. Both are also considered to be some of the best overall draft-eligible prospects.
When speaking to NFL Draft scout Brad Kelly he told me: “Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs are at the top my board in overall talent.” Indicating many see wide receiver not only as a deep position but one that contains the very best players in the 2020 draft class.
While another wide receiver isn’t the largets need, there’s a good chance Dave Gettleman and the New York Giants see the best player in the draft at wide receiver. He’s made it clear in the past he drafts the best player first and figures out what he needs later. If Chase Young is unavailable to Dave Gettleman on draft day, don’t be surprised if he drafts a wide receiver.