The New York Giants may have received some inspiring news outside of their organization for their NFL Draft plans on Tuesday. Everyone knows how the quarterback position can make NFL teams do some pretty wild and creative things. The Giants could be in prime position to capitalize.
When will Tua Tagovailoa be ready?
In November, Tua Tagovailoa had major hip surgery after sustaining a season-ending injury against Mississippi State. Many wondered how significant the injury would be to the mobility of one of the most sought after QB prospects in quite some time. On Tuesday, Tua and the NFL received some promising news.
Tagovailoa’s agent, Leigh Steinberg, reported that the quarterback could be back to throwing and working out before next month’s NFL Combine. Although he will be at the Combine, he will not be participating in the NFL’s workout. Instead, expect Tua to show off his recovery in a scheduled throwing session before the Combine, or at Alabama’s pro day in March.
Who is Joe Brady?
Also on Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers announced the hiring of LSU QB coach, Joe Brady, as their offensive coordinator. Many New York Giants fans may be familiar with that name, as he has been linked to Matt Rhule throughout the hiring process.
Joe Brady has quickly become one of the hottest names in the coaching ranks. A grade assistant at Penn State from 2015 to 2016, Brady found himself making quite a leap into the NFL. After his stint at PSU, Brady was hired by the New Orleans Saints as an offensive assistant from 2017 to 2018. That is when LSU came calling, making Brady their passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.
This past season, Joe Brady was honored with the Broyles Award, given to college footballs top assistant coach. His work with eventual Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Burrow, has been recognized as one of the greatest seasons ever. The Ohio State transfer finished off his Heisman season by breaking the FBS single-season record for touchdown passes with 60, including 12 in the College Football Playoff alone. That success paid off, not only for the eventual 1st overall pick in Burrow but also catapulting Brady into the offensive coordinator role with the Carolina Panthers.
How does this help the New York Giants?
The Giants, picking 4th overall in April’s draft, could be in prime position to capitalize on what could be a rush on top QB prospects.
The Miami Dolphins, picking 5th, have been linked to Tua Tagovailoa for nearly more than a year. The phrase “Tank for Tua” was often iterated following a Dolphins loss in the 2019 season. With five picks in the first two rounds, including three in the first, Miami has all the ammo necessary to ensure that they get the coveted quarterback. They may aim to trade up above the New York Giants, knowing that the Lions, who pick 3rd, could also be a potential partner for another team in the QB market. It seems unlikely that the Washington Redskins would be willing to give up the highly regarded Chase Young, but what if Miami calls with an offer they can’t refuse?
Another team of intrigue is the Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton’s time with the Panthers seems like it has a real chance of being over. The oft-injured QB is heading into the final year of his contract. If the Panthers were to move on from Cam, he would free up more than $19 million in cap space and cost only a $2 million cap hit. So how does this help the Giants?
Panthers give New York Giants another option.
The Panthers seem poised to claw into the new era with changes across the board. Hiring the young Matt Rhule and bringing in an even younger, quarterback savvy offensive coordinator screams overhaul. Bringing in a guy that turned Joe Burrow from transfer to record-setting Heisman winner, National Champion and likely 1st round pick, could spell QB change in Charlotte. Carolina may not have the same resources as Miami would to sway Washington, or even Detroit, but what about the Giants?
It’s no secret that the Giants need all the help they can get. Unfortunately, that may mean a process extending beyond this season. Would an offer of multiple draft picks, including a pick or two in the 2021 Draft, be enough to get Dave Gettleman to trade down for the first time in his career? If Carolina does move on from Newton, expect them to try to get into position for Oregon QB Justin Herbert. Herbert, a 6’6″passer with excellent mobility, often draws comparisons to none other than Cam Newton. It seems like a perfect fit to me.
Is the Chase Young dream still alive?
Probably not, but let’s speculate for a minute. What IF the Miami Dolphins use multiple 1st round picks to sway the Redskins out of the 2nd pick? What IF the Panthers, Chargers, or even Raiders get Detroit to budge from the 3rd pick in order to get Justin Herbert? I know, I know… that’s a lot of “if’s” and a lot of luck. However, is it that unlikely? Could the Giants still end up with the pass-rushing prospect they’ve needed?