2018 NFL mock draft: Baker Mayfield heads to Jets

The New York Giants were expected to challenge for a playoff spot this season, but injuries, and inconsistent play really hurt them. In addition, head coach Ben McAdoo proved he did not belong as the main man on the sidelines, making questionable decisions throughout the year. His biggest mistake was benching star quarterback Eli Manning for Geno Smith late in the season, which is likely the move that cost him his job.

Due to the Giants 3-13 record, the team decided to not only part with McAdoo, but general manager Jerry Reese. Reese has been replaced by former Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman, while former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur takes over at head coach. Shurmur has said he will stick with Manning at quarterback in the short-term, but that does not mean the team won’t use the No. 2 overall pick on his successor.

Say the Giants do not trade the pick away, and stick at No. 2, Sam Darnold from USC could be the choice this early in round one. Some believe that Darnold is the best quarterback in this draft class, but he could use a year or two sitting behind a player like Manning at the next level. That would enable Darnold to slide into the job in year three, and having already playing under the bright lights of USC football, making the move to the Big Apple should be a lot easier for him.