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New York Giants: Should Giants Trade Back in the 1st Round?

By Michael Stewart @golferbad

The New York Giants will be selecting 2nd overall in the 2018 NFL draft in April with all eyes directed at two quarterbacks (Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold) as possible targets. Both have had impressive college careers and both have declared to enter the NFL as underclassmen.

The Giants newly appointed GM Dave Gettleman has already stated that he is a big fan of building a team from the inside out; which translate to the offensive and defensive lines. Also “Big bodies gives you a better chance of winning” stated Gettleman in a recent press conference. Gettleman also added that he would review the game film on Eli Manning to determine in his evaluation if Manning is still able to lead the Giants in 2018.

Finally, let’s not forget 2017 3rd round selection QB Davis Webb would hasn’t played a single snap in 2017, but has been given high praise for what he has shown in practice and has the tools to be a successful starting QB in the NFL. All these factors should and will determine which direction the Giants go in the draft.  Now with that being said, I believe Gettleman is a man of his word and if he builds from the inside out and feels that Manning’s down year was more to do with the inept offensive line than Manning himself, well there is a strong possibility that we don’t see a QB selected with the 2nd overall pick.

Instead, Gettleman could select the BPA (either Saquon Barkley or Bradley Chubb) or do something that former GM Jerry Reese never did and that was trading back in the 1st round. Recent history suggests that the Giants could benefit from trading back for additional picks to improve their overall talent and depth on the roster. In 2017, the Chicago Bears traded one spot down (2nd overall) with the San Francisco 49ers who received the 3rd overall pick, 3rd, 4th and a 3rd in 2018.

In 2016, the Eagles acquired the 2nd overall pick (Carlson Wentz) from Cleveland for their 8th overall pick, a 3rd, 4th and a 1st/2nd rounder’s in 2018. 2012 Redskins traded three 1st round picks and a 2nd rounder between the years of 2012 to 2014. These three examples indicate that the Giants could get a pretty good package for their 2nd overall pick. So who would the Giants trade with if this is the route Gettleman decides to take? Below are my top 4 teams that the Giants could make a deal with:

Cleveland: Would Cleveland entertain a trade with the Giants? Cleveland has a total of 12 picks in this draft; which includes the #1 overall pick and also the 4th overall pick. Trading with the Giants would ensure them of getting their top 2 prospects on their board in the 1st round. Cleveland would get the Giants 2nd overall pick in exchange for their 4th overall pick & two 2nd round picks. This trade would still give the Giants a chance to draft either Rosen or Darnold, while getting extra picks as the Colts are not rumored in drafting a quarterback.

Denver Broncos: It’s no secret that the Broncos will be in search for a QB in the draft and if they feel that either Rosen or Darnold are the only legit franchise quarterbacks available, perhaps they would be willing to put together a hefty package to move up 3 spots. Offering the Giants their 5th overall pick, plus Denver’s 2nd & 4th in this year’s draft?

New York Jets: The Jets are sitting with the 6th overall pick and are rumored to be looking to draft a quarterback in the 1st round. Would the Jets be willing to give up 3 or perhaps 4 draft picks (their 1st, 2nd & 4th) to move up 4 spots and a chance to select their franchise quarterback? If so, the Giants would have 2 additional picks to improve their roster.

Cincinnati: The Bengals select at #12 in the first round and are believe in search of a quarterback. Trading back 10 spots would more than likely give the Giants more picks as Cincinnati would most likely surrender their 1st, 2nd & 4th in this year’s draft and perhaps a 1st and a 3rd in the 2019 draft. Giants could still draft get a QB at #12 where many believe Josh Allen and possibly Lamar Jackson could still be available or look at other positions of need; such OL, LB or DL in the 2st and maybe select a quarterback with one of their two picks in the 2nd round.

Now of course, Gettleman could sit still and select a QB or possibly another position player (Perhaps RB Saquon Barkley or maybe DE Bradley Chubb). I believe the Giants already have their future quarterback already on the roster in Davis Webb as his college career matches up well in comparison with both Rosen and Darnold.

If the Giants were to draft either one, the likelihood of them playing in 2018 is very slim barring a serious injury to Manning. If by chase Manning is not back in 2018, starting a rookie quarterback would certainly be considered a rebuilding year and I’m not convinced GM Dave Gettleman wants to take that route.  Both Rosen and Darnold are coming out of college early, Rosen is a junior and Darnold is only a sophomore. Both are very talented and both will have a very big learning curve once drafted. For me, I think the Giants would be better suited if they entertain the option of trading back to add additional picks to improve their overall roster talent not only for 2018 but for years to come.