Two Reasons Why The Giants Should Take a QB #2

by Mario Granata

​Much has been made this offseason with the trades and the free agent signings that have happened already in the NFL.  The hot-button topic is "Where will OBJ end up?" if contract talks stall in New York.  With OBJ making his stance about 'not stepping foot on the field' without an extension, could this lead the Giants to have a complete overhaul of their team, given that they are in salary cap jail?  Two names to consider when thinking about the Giants taking a quarterback: Terry Bradshaw and Dan Fouts.

The quarterback class of 2018 has been heralded as the best class to come out since 2004 and could rival the class of 1983 with the prospects that could be taken in the 1st round. A look back at the 1983 class, could serve as a history lesson for the Giants as they look to make history and not repeat it.

With a completely new look for the Giants (New Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator AND General Manager) these four might want to recreate the Giants in their image, which would mean that a lot of the cornerstones of the organization could follow OBJ as being traded or phased out this 2018 season.  We have already seen JPP sent to Tampa Bay, which led many to believe that the Giants might select Bradley Chubb with the 2nd overall pick.  However, the Giants could be making a big mistake if they decided to take that path.

Terry Bradshaw:
In 1983, the Pittsburgh Steelers held the 21st overall pick and had Dan Marino staring them in the face.  However, on their roster was a 4-time Super Bowl Champion (and like Manning, a 2-time Super Bowl MVP) by the name of Terry Bradshaw.  Looking to rebuild their team, the Steelers decided to go with Gabe Rivera, a NT from Texas Tech aptly named 'Senor Sack' in the hopes that they can capture the magic from the early 70s teams and build their roster defense first.  This approach backfired on the Steelers as their 35-year old quarterback only played one game and was forced to retire.  Manning is 37 by the way.

Dan Fouts:
Specutlation (and depending on who you talk to) many thought that the San Diego Chargers were going to be major players in the John Elway sweepstakes in 1983.  Speculation coming from the fact that the Chargers were only leaking those rumors to sign Dan Fouts to a contract and that would be leverage to do so.  

The Chargers that year held the 5th, 20th and 22nd pick in that draft, essentially passing on Marino 3 times because they had 32-year old Fouts at the helm.  Fouts only played 4 more years for the Chargers amassing a 21-26 record while throwing more interceptions than touchdowns during that time.  I bet they wish they could have that back?

​So while it seems (for the time being) that the Giants are leaning toward taking JPP's replacement in the 2018 Draft and stick with Eli Manning, perhaps a draft class like this (that comes along once every 35 years) might not be the best option for them.  I have no doubt that they are fielding calls from various teams, but the smart money might be to trade out and acquire more assets to build his team, Shurmur and Gettleman might just take their quarterback of the future with the #2 pick.