2019 NFL Draft: New York Giants have desperate needs at multiple positions
By Curt Macysyn
The New York Giants need to find their quarterback of the future but they also have a desperate need at edge rusher along with other spots.
The New York Giants have draft capital at the ideal time—if they’re ready to use it. The team needs to find a successor for Eli Manning, and Dave Gettleman has the assets in play to grab his favorite. The only question is his willingness.
Then again, the Giants also have other significant needs, including an emergency siren going off at pass rusher. What will the Giants do in the draft? They’ve got 12 picks to do as they please.
State Of The Team
New York Giants fans weren’t left with a ton of confidence after last year that things are going to be getting better anytime soon. The team passed on Sam Darnold in the draft, taking Saquon Barkley instead in an effort to win now.
Winning didn’t happen, and now things are in despair.
Eli Manning remains the starting quarterback, despite the fact that he’s hardly been effective in the last few seasons. The sting of watching Darnold show promise with the Jets only makes the lack of success sting even more. Adding Golden Tate in free agency was soured by losing key pieces like Landon Collins and Oliver Vernon (on the heels of trading Damon Harrison in 2018), is something that sends a mixed message on where the Giants stand.
Are they rebuilding or are they trying to contend, writing off last season as a hiccup? It’s hard to tell but another bad season in New York will not go over well with anyone.
Total Draft Picks
With three picks in the top 37 and 12 overall, the Giants have more draft ammo than most.
- Round 1: No. 6 overall
- Round 1: No 17 overall
- Round 2: No. 37 overall
- Round 3: No. 95 overall
- Round 4: No. 108 overall
- Round 4: No. 132 overall
- Round 5: No. 142 overall
- Round 5: No. 143 overall
- Round 5: No. 171 overall
- Round 6: No. 180 overall
- Round 7: No. 232 overall
- Round 7: No. 245 overall
Top 3 Draft Needs
Pass Rusher: The trade of Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns has turned this existing need into a Code Red situation to obtain an edge rusher.
Right Tackle: Acquiring guard Kevin Zeitler from the Cleveland Browns rids the Giants of another O-line weak spot, but right tackle remains a sore spot.
Quarterback: The Giants are sticking with veteran Eli Manning for another season, after paying him a $5 million roster bonus on March 17th. Still, his days in the league are numbered.
Top 3 Draft Targets
Decision Maker (Or Who To Blame If Things Go Wrong)
After allowing safety Landon Collins walk in free agency, and trading Odell Beckham to the Cleveland Browns, there’s no doubt that general manager Dave Gettleman calls the shots. director of college scouting, Chris Pettit, is well respected within the franchise, as is director of player personnel, Mark Koncz. By all appearances, Gettleman has had a solid working relationship with head coach Pat Shurmur too. Co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch have not typically been activist owners when it come to the NFL Draft, so make no mistake, the buck stops with Gettleman.
Best/Worst Pick In Current Draft Slot
Historically, who was the best pick and the worst pick based on where the team is currently picking.
Best Pick: Phil Simms, quarterback, No. 7 overall in 1979 NFL Draft
The Giants best pick in this general area of the draft has to be Phil Simms, who was an immediate starter at QB for the Giants. Simms went 95-64 as a starter in his 14-year career.
Worst Pick: Billy Hillenbrand, running back, No. 6 overall in 1944 NFL Draft
Hillenbrand cost the Giants an early pick way back in 1944, but instead he went to fight in the war. When he was ready for football two years later, he ended up playing in another league entirely before returning to the NFL to play for the Baltimore Colts.
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