New York Jets: Grades and Analysis Against the Atlanta Falcons

New York Jets, Luke Falk

The New York Jets come out of Atlanta with their first win of the preseason, and they showed a lot of promise across the board. Here is my analysis of the game and some team grades.

Sam Darnold is looking good

Sam Darnold is looking like the real deal. After completing 5 out of 7 passes for 46 yards, the Jets signal-caller looks like he has total command of the offense. Darnold showed grace under pressure by keeping himself composed while evading defenders in the pocket. Darnold also showed his ability to perfectly place the ball by throwing behind Robby Anderson on a go route and almost completing a beautiful dime on the move to Quincy Enunwa in the endzone.

If Darnold continues to show this kind of quality, then Jets will finally have the franchise QB they’ve been looking for, for the past 50 years.

Front seven is deadly

The New York Jets front seven has been dominant allowing 124 rushing yards combined in the first two preseason games. This unit has the potential to be good with C.J. Mosely operating the ship. Henry Anderson was lights out, putting a lot of pressure on Matt Ryan. Quinnen Williams was also showing up tonight being a disruptive force down the middle, specifically on third down.

The New York Jets have something special going on in the front seven. It’ll be up to the secondary to complete the defense and make it a top unit.

Secondary getting torched

The Jets secondary, specifically their cornerbacks, are getting manhandled every down. The secondary couldn’t stop a person with paraplegia if there were one on the field. To make matters worse, the football gods handed out their weekly slap to the face to Jet fans by injuring some of the no names in the already thin secondary. The Jets secondary situation is in DEFCON 1; Joe Douglas needs to make a move now if not, the results could be disastrous.

Still, don’t have a kicker

Taylor Bertolet is the only kicker on the Jets roster right now, and the Jets should seriously consider adding some competition. Bertolet wasn’t awful, but he also wasn’t that good. Bertolet had a rocky start after missing an extra point to start the game but redeemed himself by hitting a 49-yard field goal. Bertolet did have a small sample size tonight and should be given another shot, but I don’t think any Jet fan is comfortable with him being the only kicker on the roster.

Offensive Grade: B

The offense tonight was good all around no matter who was on the field. The biggest issue was the fact that O-line looked inconsistent throughout the whole game. Another issue I had was that the running game was nonexistent after Ty Montgomery left the field. Other than those two problems, I think they looked solid.

Defensive Grade: B-

This grade is most reflective on the front seven; however, as the game progressed, the secondary did look a little better. The New York Jets still have work to do on the defensive side of the ball, but tonight they looked alright.

Special Teams Grade: B

The only reason this grade isn’t an A or an A- is because of the missed extra points by Bertolet. Other than Bertolet’s mistakes, they were average group tonight.

Overall Grade: B

 

 

New York Jets: Jachai Polite Can Be The Steal Of The Draft

The New York Jets drafted Jachai Polite in the third-round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

New York Jets rookie defensive end Jachai Polite was regarded early on in the NFL draft process as one of the top edge rushing prospects. However, after the NFL combine and interview process character questions and athleticism questions arose.

This ultimately caused Polite’s stock to drop. Earlier on it seemed as though he would be an early day two or a late day one pick but instead, he found himself falling into the laps of the old Jets front office regime. 

Jachai always had the potential to be an amazing addition to whatever team he joined. He began his career at Florida with 11 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 3.5 TFLs. He only played 9 games and showed potential for greater results. Then in 2017, Jachai started off strong but ended up suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He finished the season with 22 tackles,  5.5 TFLs and 2.0 sacks.

Last season, he showed the world what he could do. Jachai finished with 45 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, 11.0 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. That’s an impressive stat line that doesn’t even fully speak to what he did on the field. Jachai consistently made life hell for the opposition. 

Now, Jachai joins the Jets looking to prove he was the steal of last year‘s draft. The Jets have lacked a genuine edge-rushing attack for what feels like forever.

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How is the New York Jets defensive line looking?

Now with Henry Anderson, Leonard Williams and Quinnen Williams providing a dangerous interior rushing attack, it’s time for someone to step up off the edge. Who else but the guy who was overlooked and underestimated throughout his college career and NFL draft process to step up and become the edge rusher the Jets have lacked for so long.

Jachai is out to not only prove his doubters wrong but to show the world he can be a dominant edge rusher in this league. Expect some success from him early but in the future, this man will be a monster. So, maybe not this season but in the long haul, why can’t Jachai Polite be the answer to the Jets edge-rushing woes?

New York Jets: This Season Is A Fork In The Road For Leonard Williams Career

Leronard Williams, New York Jets

New York Jets defensive end Leonard Williams aka “Big Cat” has been a fan favorite and a reliable player since being drafted in 2015. He was regarded as the best player in the class before the draft. The expectations for the DE were high right off the bat.

Williams delivered with a pro bowl appearance in his first season. He finished with 3.0 sacks, 63 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 20 QB Hits. Williams was disruptive and immediately made an impact. He continued that in his sophomore campaign with 7.0 sacks, 68 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 19 QB Hits (Pro Football Reference).

Then in 2018, his production dipped with 47 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 3 TFLs, and 25 QB Hits. It became apparent that the double teams were hurting him and he needed back up. The Jets brought in Henry Anderson who had a phenomenal year but didn’t really help Williams much.

Leonard put up good pressure numbers but continued to lack his dominant presence shown earlier on when he had back up. This was evidenced in his 5.0 sacks, 42 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 20 QB hits. This seemed to be Williams ceiling with the Jets if backup never showed up.

Then the Jets took the monster from Alabama, Quinnen Williams. Just like that, the Jets formed a Williams 2x duo that will wreak havoc and kept Henry Anderson along as well.

It has become evident Anderson and Quinnen Williams will be big pieces on the defensive line for the future. Leonard Williams is in jeopardy, however. The Jets aren’t going to bring him back if he disappoints this upcoming season.

This is a contract year and without a doubt the biggest year of Williams’ career. A fork in the road one might call it. Two directions, two results, and one season to prove his worth once and for all.

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Will he step up and show what he can do and earn himself an extension or will he disappoint and end up in a situation with his future up in the air? There is no doubt in my mind the disruptive pass rusher can be a productive player in this league, but his dominance has faded as double teams became more prominent.

Hopefully, adding a quality player like Quinnen will allow him to return to his former self.

New York Jets: Quinnen Williams will face challenges in his rookie season

New York Jets, Quinnen Williams

From first glance, New York Jets first-round pick Quinnen Williams looks like a big baby with braces, but on the football field, he was one of the most dynamic and devastating interior defenders at the collegiate level.

His immense force and footwork only hit on two of his strengths, and he’s expected to dominate at the next level give the success he enjoyed in 2018. Totalling 48 solo tackles, 19.5 for a loss and 8.0 sacks, Williams isn’t only primed to be a killer with the Jets, he’s expected to be one.

At this point in time, though, Williams is holding out, waiting to sign his rookie contract and get the best deal possible from his new club. The Jets originally planned to bring him and finalize the contract, which would guarantee his presence for training camp, but he didn’t get on the flight.

Certainly, not the best way to start your career as a rookie, but all will come around and pass over.

While NFL.com graded Williams has a potential Pro-Bowl player in their pre-draft analysis, there will be hurdles he has to face before reaching his potential.

Some of the issues include keeping his weight up, his physical attributes don’t stand out, not as effective against down-hill runners, and ultimately undersized. His speed and quickness masked those deficiencies well with Alabama, but they will stand out at the professional level.

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I don’t imagine them hindering his abilities, considering the dynamic defensive scheme Gregg Williams enjoys, but working around his lack of size will be difficult at times. When he’s expected to burst through double teams and wreak havoc in the trenches, he will disappear in his rookie season. The experience from his first season will help him refine his game and develop into the player he’s capable of being, but in the meantime, joining his teammates and signing his rookie-deal should be the priority.

New York Jets: 4 Bold Predictions for the 2019 Season

New York Jets

With under 50 days left until week 1 of the 2019 NFL season the New York Jets are considered one of the most improved rosters in the league. Many Jets fans expect the team to finally break its almost decade long playoff drought, and many others around the league expect the team to flop like it usually does. Here are some bold predictions for the New York Jets this upcoming season.

New York Jets will have a top 3 defense:

Gang Green made multiple splash moves this offseason to convert their defense into one of the top units in the league. The additions of Gregg Williams,  Quinnen Williams, and C.J. Mosely give the Jets an aggressive style of play which they lacked under former head coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers.

Expect the rebuilt defense to blitz a lot this year under new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams who is one of the most aggressive play-callers in the league. A big key to the Jets having a top 3 defense is whether the front seven can work together to put pressure on the QB since the Jets lack a premier pass rusher.

Robby Anderson will have over 1000 receiving yards

Robby Anderson has slowly turned himself into one of the best deep threats in the league accumulating 1,693 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons according to Pro Football Reference. This is the year that Anderson takes his game to the next level and becomes the number one wide receiver the Jets haven’t had in years. Anderson’s ability to take the top off the defense will open up the playbook for head coach Adam Gase who has had success with players like Robby Anderson.

Williams duo will be the most important piece to the defense

This year’s first-round draft pick, Quinnen Williams, will make a tremendous impact on the Jets defense this year — 2015’s first-round pick Leonard Williams has been a good player but is constantly getting double-teamed due to the lack of talent around him on the front seven.

Quinnen Williams will help alleviate the number of double teams Leonard Williams receives, and in turn, will help boost Leonard’s production. Williams best season came when he was on a line that featured Muhammed Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. Expect these two to be one of the most disruptive duos in the league.

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The New York Jets will finish 8-8

Unfortunately, not all bold predictions are positive, and this is one of them. The Jets on paper have a top ten roster in the league, but it’s hard to trust a franchise that always seems to be one of the most incompetent in the league. Adam Gase underwhelmed as head coach in Miami leading them to a 6-10 and 7-9 record his last two years.

Gase never was able to develop Ryan Tannehill into the franchise QB the Dolphins imagined he’d be. The Dolphins over the past 3 years have ranked amongst the worst when it comes to offense. Clearly, Gase has been a below-average head coach. For this prediction to be wrong Adam Gase needs to learn from his previous mistakes in Miami and correct them, or else he’ll be a colossal failure in New York.

New York Jets Training Camp 2019 6 Players to Watch

New York Jets, Robby Anderson, Sam Darnold

New York Jets Training camp is right around the corner, and there is finally some hope for Jets fans this upcoming season. After a very successful offseason acquiring top tier talent, an offensive-minded head coach, and rebranding the organization, Gang Green is ready to take the next step into becoming contenders and it all starts in training camp.

In order for the Jets to reach their full potential and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2010, they need certain players to step their game up and take the team to the next level.

Here are 6 players to watch in New York Jets training camp this summer:

Robby Anderson

Robby Anderson has been one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL for the past two seasons. With his blazing fast speed, steady hands, and his tall athletic frame he’s quickly become one of the top deep threats in the NFL but is that enough? Anderson is arguably the best receiver on the team, but he hasn’t shown any promise into becoming a number one receiver due to the previous coaching staff.

New head coach Adam Gase has raved about Anderson’s ability to stretch the field and add an element of speed on a team that doesn’t have any other deep threats.

Gase has had a good track record with wide receivers who have game-breaking speed like Robby Anderson, usually turning them into an X factor every Sunday. If Gase’s infatuation with Anderson is real don’t be surprised to see him finally get his first thousand-yard year.

Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold is entering his second year in the league and has an enormous amount of pressure to take the New York Jets to the next level. The recent trend for successful young quarterback’s in the league has been that in their second year they have breakout years and turn their team to legitimate contenders (e.g. Carson Wentz, Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, Mitch Trubisky, etc.).

Darnold had an up and down rookie year battling injuries and turnovers but had an amazing final four weeks of the season having the highest grade for a QB on PFF over that span. In order for Darnold to take that next step, the New York Jets must let him air it out downfield and take more chances.

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Le’Veon Bell

First things first, Le’Veon Bell doesn’t need to step up his game whatsoever he’s a top 5 running back in the league and in my opinion the most versatile offensive weapon in the league. That being said, Le’Veon does have a chip on his shoulder after taking one year off due to contractual reasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Many people have written off Le’Veon Bell as just a product of his offensive line in Pittsburgh. Le’Veon Bell has constantly played in the shadow of other great players such as Antonio Brown, but now the offense will revolve around him and he will make people remember why he is the most dangerous player whenever he steps on the field.

Darryl Roberts

The Jets defense on paper is one of the best in the league and is mostly complete, but their biggest hole is at the second cornerback slot. Darryl Roberts has made quite the career for himself considering that he was a seventh-round pick in 2015 by the New England Patriots and this year he will be battling for the chance to start opposite of Trumaine Johnson.

Darryl Roberts is the most accomplished corner on the team after Trumaine Johnson and signed a three-year extension with the team worth $18 million dollars. The expectations are high for Roberts especially if Trumaine Johnson continues to deal with injuries. Roberts will maximize his potential in Gregg Williams scheme which is infamous for elevating defensive backs games.

Quinnen Williams

This year’s first-round pick Quinnen Williams has some big expectations coming into his rookie year after dominating the SEC for Alabama. The draft hype surrounding Quinnen Williams was unreal, he was even rated higher analytically than his Heisman trophy finalist QB Tua Tagovailoa.

Quinnen was often compared to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Quinnen’s best traits coming out of college were his hands and ability to process what was going to happen before the play even finished. Quinnen Williams could be the star pass rusher that the Jets desperately need and can completely change the outlook of the Jets season by himself.

Jonotthan Harrison

After Sam Darnold, all eyes on the offensive side of the ball will be set on this year’s starting center Jonotthan Harrison. No one really knows what to expect from Harrison, but after a nice job filling in for Spencer Long the final few weeks of the year there is hope that he can be a solid center. Harrison has shown flashes of being a suitable starter, but the question is can he be consistent with it.

If Harrison can duplicate his play from last year the New York Jets will have a decent offensive line for Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell to work with this year.

 

 

 

New York Giants Could Draft ‘Massive’ Impact Player At No. 6, With Some Luck

The New York Giants would be lucky to snag Quinnen Williams with the No. 6 overall pick.

Predicting the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft is nearly impossible. The top 2 options are usually clear-cut, but everything after is a toss-up. It will be no different in 2019 and the New York Giants are in a position to snag a true impact player.

With any luck, star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams will drop right into their laps, erasing the thought of drafting a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick. A player of Williams’ caliber only comes around every few years, especially at the defensive tackle position.

Adding Williams to the Giants’ 3-4 scheme would be not only exciting but simply just what the doctor ordered. The unit has struggled to rush the passer in recent years, sitting at 31st in total sacks in 2018. While the Alabama product would line up on the interior, his presence is significant and he is a pile-driving force off the line.

Last season, he earned 18.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and a safety. Williams is a true impact player with the ability to change the game at any point.

What makes Quinnen Williams so great?

Leverage. His ability to work from a low stance and drive his assignment back onto their heals is impressive. In addition to his strength, his hands are quick and accurate, shedding blockers and moving quickly into the pocket. His instincts are elite, as he’s capable of spotting runners and slowing them down if not completely tackling them.

The negatives point towards his weight and lack of physical stature. If he can put some muscle mass on and maintain his weight, Williams could quickly climb the totem pole of best defensive lineman in the league.

Joining an already promising New York Giants line:

Adding him to a line consisting of B.J. Hill and Dalvin Tomlinson would immediately upgrade the unit to a point of optimism. Last season, the duo was effective but lacked consistency at times. Hill showed impressive athleticism and ability to get into the backfield. Williams’ presence would essentially make it impossible to block the three big men from wreaking havoc on the line.

 

New York Giants: Should The Giants Trade Up For An Elite Defensive Prospect?

How will Quinnen Williams impact the New York Jets' defense?

The New York Giants have holes all over their roster after a pitiful 5-11 season. The Giants have come up in plenty of rumors surround trades for quarterbacks. However, a trade not a lot of people have mentioned is one for an elite defensive prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Who Might The Giants Target In A Potential Trade?

The Giants currently hold the 6th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. They do have a high pick, but they still are not likely to land one of the top 3 defensive players in the draft class unless a team in front of the Giants does something unexpected. There are 3 truly elite defensive prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.

Josh Allen is probably the best 3-4 outside linebacker in this draft class. He was spectacular during his collegiate years at Kentucky. Allen holds Kentucky’s all-time sack record. In his junior season, Allen racked up an impressive 17 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss. He had a total of 88 tackles and even forced 5 fumbles. Allen was an impact player game in and game out. After an impressive close to his collegiate career, Josh Allen finds himself as a lock to be a top 4 pick in the draft. If the Giants want Josh Allen, they will need to trade into the top 4.

Quinnen Williams is not an edge rusher but he is still an elite, impact defender. Williams is an interior defensive lineman from Alabama. He has been praised as the 2019 Draft’s “can’t-miss” player. Quinnen was nearly unblockable in 2018. He finished the season with 71 tackles, including 19.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. Williams was also especially impressive at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. His 4.83 40-yard dash caught the attention of scouts throughout the league. Quinnen Williams does not usually make it past the top 4 picks in mock drafts, so the Giants will need to trade up a few spots to land him.

Nick Bosa was considered the sure-fire 1st overall pick for quite a while. However, it looks like the Cardinals will be going quarterback with the 1st pick. Bosa will not have to wait long to be drafted though. He seems to be a lock at the 2nd overall pick to the 49ers. Bosa is a tremendous talent. Nick Bosa is the brother of NFL pass-rushing superstar Joey Bosa and has the potential to be better than Joey. In 2017, Bosa totaled 8.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 66 total pressures. If the Giants want Nick Bosa, they will need to trade up to the 2nd overall pick.

Why Would The Giants Trade Up For A Defender?

The Giants seem to be set on waiting as long as they can to get their next quarterback. It does not seem like they will be trying to draft one in the top 10 picks of the 2019 NFL Draft. If that truly is the case, why not go all in on defense and try to get the best player possible?

The Giants need an impact player on defense. The 2019 NFL Draft is filled with defensive talent. If the Giants are serious about improving the defensive side of the football, they should consider making a trade into the top 3 picks of the draft.

What Would The Giants Need To Trade?

The Giants hold the 6th pick and would need to trade all the way up to the 2nd overall pick in order to secure one of these players. The 6th pick is worth 1,600 points and the 2nd pick is worth 2,200, according to the Drafttek NFL Trade Value Chart.

This means the Giants would need to create an additional 600 points on top of the 6th pick. The 17th pick is worth 950, so the Giants might be able to trade both of their 1st round picks in order to get one of these players. However, if the Giants do not want to give up the 17th pick, they could still make the trade.

If the Giants offered the 6th pick, their 2nd round pick (worth 530 points), and their 3rd round pick (worth 120 points), they will have made up enough points to move up 4 spots and select a game-changing talent. Sure, the Giants could hold their breath and hope one of these players falls in their lap at 6. But if the Giants want to ensure they land a blue-chip prospect, they certainly have the draft capital to trade for one.

New York Giants Could End Up With An Elite Defender And Quarterback In 2019 Draft

Could the New York Giants find a way to secure Quinnen Williams?

The New York Giants face a dilemma in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Giants have decided to completely rebuild the team. They allowed their starting safety, Landon Collins, to walk in free agency and traded away superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns.

This leaves the Giants with holes all over their roster that they will need to fill in the 2019 NFL Draft. Some fans want to see the Giants draft the next franchise quarterback. Other fans want to see the team take an elite defensive prospect. There is a way the Giants could end up with both.

How The Giants Could Get An Elite Defender

The 2019 NFL Draft class is filled with defensive talent. The top defensive prospects in this class are elite, potentially future all-pro players. Players like Nick Bosa, Josh Allen, and Quinnen Williams are being looked at as elite prospects.

These players should all go in the top 5. However, there is a way the Giants could get one of these players with the 6th pick.

One of these players will have to fall due to a team trading up for a quarterback, or a team in the top 3 reaching on a player at a position of need. The Jets have been consistently brought up in trade rumors. If they trade their pick to a quarterback-needy team, such as the Dolphins, that would mean one of these players will fall.

In addition, if a team like the 49ers decide to skip out on one of these prospects, that would cause a defender to fall. The 49ers traded for Dee Ford recently, so it would not be a surprise if they decide they are fine on defense. The 49ers could take wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. They need a receiver, so it would not be surprising if they reached on one.

Assuming the Cardinals draft Kyler Murray 1st overall, the 49ers draft D.K. Metcalf, and the Jets trade away the 3rd pick, the Giants will be able to draft one of Bosa, Allen, or Williams. The top 3 picks will be crucial for the Giants and there quest to draft a top 3 defensive prospect.

The Raiders, more likely than not, will draft one of the elite defenders with the 4th pick. The Buccanneers will probably draft the best player available, however, it is possible they do not take Bosa, Allen, or Williams. The Buccaneers have been linked to linebacker Devin White.

If these possible outcomes happen, the Giants can end up with either Quinnen Williams, Nick Bosa, or Josh Allen. At the very least, they will be able to draft Devin White. These players would be instant-impact starters on the Giants defense and could change the course of the franchise for the next decade.

If the Giants draft a defender with the 6th pick, how will they be able to draft a quarterback, too?

How The Giants Could Get A Franchise Quarterback

By trading Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants were able to acquire the 17th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Additionally, this trade might also allow the Giants to draft their next franchise quarterback. The 17th overall pick will be a key selection for the Giants’ future.

The Giants have plenty of options with the 17th pick. If they want to use it to draft a quarterback, they could stay put and draft the best one available. Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, or Will Grier will be names to watch at 17.

However, if the Giants do not want to stay at 17, they could potentially trade their way back into the top 10 and draft a quarterback. In this scenario, the Giants could end up with Dwayne Haskins and an elite defender- this would be most Giants fans’ dream draft.

If a team does not trade up with the Jets to draft Dwayne Haskins, and the Giants draft an elite defender, Haskins will most likely fall all the way to the 10th pick before a team considers drafting him. The Giants will be at 17 and could potentially trade up to the 9th pick to keep Haskins away from Denver. The Bills hold the 9th pick and drafted their franchise quarterback last year.

According to the Walter Football NFL Draft Value Chart, the 17th overall pick is worth 950 points. If the Giants are looking to trade back into the top 10, it will cost them their 17th pick (950) and their 2nd round pick (530). The 9th pick is worth 1,350 points, so the Giants’ 17th and a 2nd round pick could get the deal done. However, the Bills will have all the leverage, so the Giants might have to throw in a future pick or maybe even a player.

The Giants have a rare opportunity here. They could acquire the face of the franchise’s defense and offense in the same draft. The 17th pick is only 8 spots behind the 9th, so the Bills would not lose out on too much if they traded back with the Giants. If the Bills intend to draft a receiver, the 17th pick will still get them a top 3 receiver in this draft class, and load up on extra draft picks from the Giants. It is a win-win situation.

Imagine a New York Giants roster that features Dwayne Haskins AND Quinnen Williams/Nick Bosa/Josh Allen

What If The New York Giants Do Not Acquire A Quarterback In The 2019 Offseason?

New York Giants, Justin Herbert

The 2019 offseason has been an interesting one for the New York Giants. So far they have traded away their star receiver in an attempt to rebuild the offense. However, they also decided to keep 38-year-old Eli Manning as their starting quarterback. This has left fans and analysts confused as to what direction the team is going.

General manager Dave Gettleman claims to have a plan. Not many people see a clear and concise plan being executed at this moment in time. One thing seemingly everyone (except Gettleman, for some reason) can agree on is that the Giants need to find a quarterback in the 2019 offseason.

Eli Manning’s age and expiring contract lead many to believe he will retire after the 2019 NFL season. This is why fans and analysts think the Giants should find a quarterback this offseason. However, some reports seem to indicate that the Giants are considering not getting a quarterback this offseason.

If the New York Giants do not obtain a quarterback in the 2019 offseason, they will have plenty of other options in the 2019 NFL Draft and they will also need to look ahead to their quarterback options in 2020 and beyond.

How This Would Affect The 2019 NFL Draft

Fans and analysts are expecting the Giants to take a quarterback with the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, or at least some point in this draft. However, if they do not draft a quarterback, the Giants will be able to address a lot of other positions of need.

The 2019 NFL Draft class is loaded with defensive talent. With the 6th pick in the draft, the Giants could potentially take a defensive superstar. Teams might trade up ahead of the Giants to select a quarterback. This would cause the elite defenders to fall right into the Giants’ lap.

If the Giants have the opportunity to draft Quinnen Williams, Devin White, Josh Allen, or Nick Bosa, they need to do it (if they are choosing to wait on a quarterback). If any of those defenders are available, the Giants cannot waste their pick on an offensive lineman or any other position. Those players are elite prospects who have all-pro potential.

The Giants had one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2018. Any of those players would be able to step in and make an immediate impact.

The Giants Could Make A Run At An NFL Veteran

The 2020 offseason is set to be filled with quarterback talent. In the NFL, a few veteran signal-callers are set to become free agents in 2020, barring any mid-season contract extensions. One name to pay extra attention to is Russell Wilson.

Russell Wilson has spent 7 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He has won a Super Bowl and thrown for at least 30 touchdowns in 3 of his 7 seasons. He has never had a season with less than 20 touchdown passes. Wilson is an elite quarterback. His next contract, whether it is with Seattle, New York, or another team, will likely make him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

Wilson has not ruled out the possibility of playing in New York. He was rumored in February to have interest in joining the Giants. However, when asked about it, Russell Wilson admitted he does not think Seattle will let him go. If he manages to become a free agent, expect the Giants to make a serious run at the future hall-of-fame quarterback.

Quarterback Options Through The Draft

Outside of free agency, the 2020 NFL Draft will have great options at football’s most important position. The Giants were heavily scouting Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert in 2018 before he decided to stay at school for another year. He will be in the 2020 NFL Draft and if the Giants do not have a young quarterback by then, they will be more than interested in Justin Herbert.

Justin Herbert threw 29 touchdown passes in 2018 to only 8 interceptions. He also threw for 3,151 passing yards. Herbert decided to stay in college for one more year, but he will be a highly-ranked prospect in 2020.

Two more quarterback prospects are worth keeping an eye on for the 2020 NFL Draft. Georgia’s Jake Fromm and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa could be in next year’s draft class.

Both of these quarterbacks will be juniors next season, so it is possible that neither of them declares for the draft next offseason. However, if they do, they will both draw top-10 interest, just like Justin Herbert.

In 2018, Jake Fromm threw for 2,761 passing yards with 30 touchdown passes and only 6 interceptions. Fromm helped lead the Georgia Bulldogs to an outstanding 11-3 record in 2018. Georgia made it to the SEC Championship and lost to Alabama.

Alabama’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa lead his team to a 14-1 record. Tua was able to throw for 3,966 yards and 43 passing touchdowns as a sophomore in 2018. Alabama made it all the way to the College Football Championship before losing to Clemson.

Clemson’s football team features the crown-jewel of quarterback prospects: Trevor Lawrence. Trevor Lawrence stepped in as a true freshman and threw for 3,280 passing yards with 30 passing touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Lawrence was so impressive in 2018 that he drew comparisons to Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and John Elway. Some analysts think Trevor Lawrence could succeed in the NFL if he were able to play in it today.

Trevor Lawrence would be an awesome player for the Giants to draft, however, waiting until 2021 to draft a quarterback seems dangerous. Waiting until 2021 could potentially waste two years of Saquon Barkley’s career and rookie contract.

The Giants have plenty of future options at quarterback. Fans everywhere should hope that they pick the right one and do so as soon as possible.