Here is the Giants update for February:

 

Big Blueheads into the offseason with the #6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. There is much debate as to what the Giants will do with the pick but at this point it is simply conjecture as the NFL Combine and Pro Day workouts are still to come. That’s where the rubber meets the road in terms of talent evaluation.

 

QB Eli Manning will be playing his last year, as he will turn over the reins to an understudy who will likely watch and learn most if not all of 2019. In my opinion, throwing a rookie quarterback to the wolves is usually not the best strategy. There are some exceptions of course. The best quarterback in this draft class is Ohio State’s QB Dwayne Haskins. If the Giants love him, expect them to take him, even if would mean trading up if he won’t be there at 6. I don’t see them trading down or falling in love with any other candidates but that can change after the workouts. One scenario I saw was trading up with the Raiders who have the 4^th pick. Another scenario is acquiring QB Josh Rosen from the Cardinals assuming they draft Kyler Murray. There will be a lot more to come here as QB Kyle Lauletta is not a NFL quarterback in my opinion.

 

RB Saquon Barkley had an outstanding rookie campaign as he became only the 3^rd rookie with 2,000 yards from scrimmage and led the NFL in this category. He won numerous rookie of the year awards and confirmed his #2 overall draft selection in my opinion. He will be a dangerous and versatile weapon in the years to come. RB Jonathan Stewart was released as he contributed nothing in 2018 and is not a part of the 2019 plans. RB Wayne Gallman was a capable backup and is very affordable.

 

WR Odell Beckham Jr. will be 100% and should be ready to roll for OTA’s. In spite of his big contract, he will continue to play hard and contribute. It will be interesting to see what happens with WR Sterling Shepard. He is a very solid #2 and should be signed to a long term deal.

 

TE Evan Engram shook off an injury-riddled first half of 2018 to finish the season strong. He is a weapon that should be utilized, especially by a young quarterback.

 

This is a draft rich with defensive line depth so do not be surprised if the G-Men make a move to shore up their depth. They also can use help at linebacker and in the secondary.

 

PK Aldrick Rosas had an outstanding campaign and went to the Pro Bowl. So much for a sophomore slump!

 

That’s it for now. More to come in March….

 

End.