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New York Giants: Why not drafting a quarterback makes sense

By Michael Pallas

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass during warmups for the NFL game against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass during warmups for the NFL game against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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The rumors are flying about the New York Giants, and it appears they may not take the quarterback of the future at No. 2 overall, and that’s the right move.

The New York Giants are an aging veteran team. So, the assumption is that they’ll start over they way they did in 2004 when they traded for Eli Manning on draft day. The Giants might not be in that mode of thinking. They may be in win-now mode.

The Giants may believe Manning still has a little left in the tank, and that building around him to get a third Lombardi trophy is the right move. If new general manager Dave Gettlemen can work some cap magic, it may be possible.

In 2017, the Giants were 28th in time of possession, and that’s not good for an aging defense. The Giants may feel that if sure up the offensive line and get a top flight running back, they will improve the running game and keep the aging defense off the field. Thus, being able to win more games.

With Odell Beckham as their top receiver, and possibly adding a No. 2 receiver in the draft, that’ll help Manning. Also, they have an emerging tight end they can use as a pass-catching weapon.

Manning has two years and $45.4 million left on his deal with a full no-trade clause. The money alone makes him difficult to trade. Also, If the Giants and Eli both still think there’s something left the shoot for the third Super Bowl title. It would put Eli Manning in rarefied air. He would be only the fifth quarterback with three Super Bowls, and he’d almost guarantee a bust in Canton (becoming the 20th member of the franchise to be enshrined).

If the Giants think they can build a team that can get one more title out of Manning, then so be it. They can draft a quarterback next year and use him as the bridge next year with a solid team in place. Have the team set up for the next guy rather than build around him. Who knows? It may be best for the short-term and the long-term.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine 3-Round projection

Frankly, it doesn’t matter that it’s rare for the franchise to be picking this high. We’ve seen good quarterbacks go later recently. (See Tom Brady and Russell Wilson.) The Giants have a franchise quarterback for two more years. They should just go for it!

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