There’s nothing in the rule book that guarantees a first-round quarterback being a franchise player in the NFL, but it does increase the probability. The New York Giants brought in head coach Pat Shurmur to help develop younger passers, something he did well in Minnesota with the undrafted Case Keenum.
Shurmur’s developmental skills allow the Giants to consider taking a quarterback outside of the first-round if the potential is there. Options like West Virginia’s Will Grier are enticing, as they present raw abilities and intangible skills.
The New York Giants need to focus on defense:
With the upcoming draft heavily stocked with talented defensive players, it only makes sense for the Giants to begin allocating more resources towards the building of the unit. The defensive line, linebackers, corners, and safeties all lack depth and starting talent.
Prospects like Quinnen Williams, Devin White, and Josh Allen could be available with the 6th overall pick – elite pass-rushing and impact players to add to the team. All three are natural born leaders and are capable of starting immediately. It’s hard to imagine the Giants passing on any of these options in favor of a quarterback, but if they do, in fact, value a signal caller enough to place a first-round grade on them, they shouldn’t hesitate to take them.
Finding a successor for Eli Manning is essential at this point, as his age will certainly begin to take a toll on his efficiency. This reality puts GM Dave Gettleman in a tough spot, despite thinking Manning has plenty of gas left in the tank.
The Giants could theoretically package several picks and move into the top of the second round where they could snag Grier. It would allow Gettleman to find a premium pass-rusher, a potential linebacker and a right tackle at the top of the second-round. Filling those three positions with high value picks will help balance the team moving forward in a cap-friendly 2020.