John David Mercer- USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants selected quarterback Ryan Nassib from Syracuse University with the 110th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
While Nassib is a player that many analysts have praised for his massive upside, the Giants’ selection of him left many people confused. Moreover, according to USA Today Sports, GM Jerry Reese has stated that he hopes Nassib “never plays”.
Regardless, people need to ask the following question: are the Giants looking to develop talent in order to prepare for the post-Eli Manning era?
It doesn’t seem plausible, but the NFL is a cruel business. While Manning’s play wasn’t stellar in 2012, he has brought two Super Bowl victories to the Big Apple. Moreover, his play should recover with the return of Hakeem Nicks and a bolstered offensive line.
Manning, who was selected as the first pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, is a mere 32 years of age—that is still young for an NFL quarterback. Just breaking the threshold of double-digit NFL seasons, Manning—barring any catastrophic injury—should have six more productive seasons before age becomes a concern.
However, Reese has stated his intent to develop Nassib behind Eli Manning. Most likely, Nassib will compete with David Carr for the No. 2 quarterback slot on the depth chart, and the new rookie shouldn’t have to worry about competition from Curtis Painter.
Furthermore, according to NFL.com, Manning has gone on record to say that Nassib’s presence on the Giants was “good”, and that he was prepared to take Nassib under his wing and assist in his success at the NFL level.
Nassib won’t be competing with Manning in the foreseeable future, but it is doubtful that Nassib came into the league with the intent of being a backup—he’ll want to get an opportunity somewhere.
If such an event happens, then the Giants’ brass is going to need to make a difficult decision that would be comparable to the San Francisco 49ers‘ quarterback controversy between Joe Montana and Steve Young—do you keep the beloved veteran or the unproven, but younger, player?
But, these scenarios—if they arise—are still several years away. Hence, this makes the Giants’ selection of Nassib seem a bit out of place.
While Nassib isn’t a bad player, him going to the Giants is somewhat questionable. His selection doesn’t address a dire team need, and he isn’t an immediate starter that can benefit the Giants’ roster going into 2013.
Needless to say, there must have been more viable options in the fourth round for the Giants, who still had some defensive needs that required addressing.
Jeff Nelson is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JNelson53_12, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
