It’s time for the New York Giants to draft their future franchise quarterback. One player they should consider selecting is Missouri signal-caller Drew Lock.
The New York Giants need a new franchise quarterback. That goes without saying. With the number six overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Big Blue should have their pick of among the elite signal-callers in this year’s extravaganza. One of those premier quarterbacks is Drew Lock from the University of Missouri.
The 6-4, 225-pounder was a second-team All-SEC selection last year in leading the Tigers to an 8-5 record (4-4 in the SEC). During his four-year career in Columbia, Lock fired 99 touchdown passes, including 28 last year against eight interceptions.
He improved his completion percentage every season with the Tigers but still finished his career by completing just 56.9 percent of his throws.
Let’s take a look at some of his highlights via YouTube:
PROS: Lock has solid size for a NFL quarterback and possesses a very strong arm. He can make every throw from a deep post to a fade into the end zone. The Columbia, MO native stayed home to play for the Tigers and he’ll probably be drafted in the top half of the opening round due to his high ceiling.
Lock owns a quick release and throws with anticipation. He goes through his reads effectively. He’s a fine athlete and is known to scramble out of trouble when the pressure mounts. Lock is not afraid to attempt difficult throws down the field either, he is that confident in his arm strength. He escapes pressure in the pocket well and is capable of making impressive tosses while on the run. He’s not blessed with much speed but is a tough, physical runner, especially in the red zone.
CONS: Although Lock improved his completion percentage to a career-high 62.9 percent during his senior campaign, he was still inconsistent with his accuracy. At times, he fired the pigskin with too much zip when a lighter touch would suffice. As the video above shows, many of his throws came with virtually no pressure on him — he’ll have to prove he can stick a pass in tight windows with a collapsing pocket at the next level.
Lock also recorded just 14 touchdown passes with seven interceptions against SEC opposition in 2018. He struggled mightily against two of the top squads in the country, Alabama and Georgia.
SUMMARY: Lock should evolve into a very solid signal-caller in the NFL but it would probably benefit him if he became a starter in 2020. His accuracy needs to improve on the pro level and he must prove he can step up in the pocket under duress and complete all the difficult throws. He’d be a fine fit with the Jaguars or the Giants. It’s finally time to find Eli Manning’s successor. The G-Men have to make their move this year.