The New York Giants season didn't go as anticipated in their first season under Pat Shurmur. The Giants ended the year with a record of 5-11—which was last place in the NFC East. There were some bright spots on the season though. Saquon Barkley—the Giants first-round pick in 2018—was absolutely phenomenal.
Barkley led the NFL with 2,028 yards from scrimmage despite Eli Manning struggling again under center for another season. How long can the Giants keep moving forward with Manning as their signal-caller?
This draft has to be the one where they attack the quarterback position. The Giants can't keep wasting the prime years of Odell Beckham Jr. just because they refuse to part ways with Manning.
The good news is, due to the Giants struggles this season, they are gifted with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Here are five guys who could hear their name called when the Giants are on the clock.
5. Jachai Polite (OLB, Florida)
One of the biggest needs for the Giants this offseason is an edge rusher. With the Giants switching to a 3-4 scheme in 2018, their need for an edge rusher becomes more important.
With the Giants selecting at the sixth overall pick, it's unlikely that Josh Allen will be available. If he is, of course you'd rather have Allen but Jachai Polite wouldn't be too shabby either.
Polite comes from Florida, where he amassed 15 sacks, 28.5 tackles for loss, and eight forced fumbles in three seasons. He was outstanding in 2018, where he had 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles.'
Due to his lack of size, people are skeptical if he can be a difference maker in the run game. Polite is a prototype edge-rusher who is a very dynamic pass rusher.
If Polite can improve on stopping the run, he can become an elite outside linebacker in the NFL. The Giants would be smart to select Polite in the first round if they decide to go the route of outside linebacker.
4. Greg Little (OT, Ole Miss)
Another glaring need this offseason for the Giants is help along the offensive line. For years now, the Giants have struggled to protect the quarterback consistently.
Since they hit and missed with Ereck Flowers, the Giants need to find a guy who can be a mainstay on their offensive line.
Look no further than Greg Little from Ole Miss. Little is a very athletic tackle for his size. Standing at 6'5″ and weighing at about 325 pounds, Little can play either tackle spots.
If you want to make it in the NFL as an offensive lineman, you have to be able to play multiple positions. Little is capable of doing so and could excel in the NFL.
Little's ability to be quick to get to his blocks and his length is what makes him intriguing. If the Giants decide to bulk up their offensive line, don't be surprised if they select Little.
3. Jonah Williams (OT, Alabama)
Again, a need for the Giants this offseason is offensive line help. The left side of the line is set with Nate Solder—even though he struggled in 2018—and Will Hernandez but the right side is far from set in stone.
Whenever the Giants find their next franchise quarterback, they'll need an offensive line who can protect him. They also need a line who can create more opportunities for Barkley to make plays.
Jonah Williams wouldn't be a terrible pick for the Giants. Williams played college football at Alabama, where he played both tackle spots.
Williams was a mauler at Alabama—where they are known for their elite offensive line play. His hand technique is fundamentally sound and he is great at sustaining blocks.
Scouts have questioned his size and length at the next level but he is a very polished blocker. If the Giants don't go quarterback with the sixth overall pick, Williams could be the move for the Giants.
2. Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio State)
Now we get into the real need for the Giants moving forward—their quarterback spot. With Manning turning 38 years old already this year, the Giants have to start working towards their plan on replacing him.
If the Giants decide to land their guy in this draft I expect them to go with Dwayne Haskins from Ohio State. Haskins started just one season with Ohio State but was spectacular in that one season.
The red-shirt sophomore threw for 4,831 yards, 50 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. If you let Stephen A. Smith talk to you, you'd think Haskins is a mobile quarterback.
Haskins is athletic in a sense but is nowhere near the athlete of some of the other quarterbacks in this draft. His arm strength and ability to get the ball out with anticipation are nice traits he possesses.
With the Giants offensive line struggling, it's unknown if Haskins can get better at facing pressure. Haskins struggled with pressure at Ohio State. If the Giants go quarterback, it's likely they take Haskins.
1. Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma)
If I were in the Giants' front office, I'm taking Kyler Murray. Murray could easily become the best quarterback in this draft class.
Everyone thought that Murray was on his way to the MLB after the college football season ended. People were pleasantly surprised when Murray declared for the NFL Draft and recently he has stated that he will attend the NFL Combine.
Murray would be a perfect fit for what head coach Pat Shurmur likes out of his quarterback. He is mobile and his ability to throw downfield is a positive.
You add someone as dynamic as Murray to an offense that includes Barkley, Beckham, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram and you have something to play with.
Of course, the one knock on Murray is his size. I'm not overreacting with his height, I'm more concerned with his weight.
If he can bulk up and maintain his elusiveness that'd be extraordinary. If the Giants go quarterback, Murray should ultimately be their choice.
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