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The New York Giants‘ sufferings this season have exasperated all nearby fans and media. But those exasperating thoughts have quickly evolved into delusions as the latest rumor has circulated in more than a few articles.
The rumor is if Florida State phenom Jameis Winston falls to the Giants in the 2015 draft, would the Giants consider taking him? ESPN’s Johnette Howard insinuated that if Winston were available at the Giants’ selection they should consider taking him, especially if the Giants are under a new regime at head coach. That led to more speculation that perhaps quarterback Eli Manning would be on the move to a better place to win.
Howard’s article completely ignores a report from Manning just a few short weeks ago. Manning told ESPN’s Dan Graziano that he doesn’t want to be “anywhere else” but New York. That indirectly answers Howard’s speculation about Manning wanting a greater payday elsewhere. Is it a guarantee that Manning remains a Giant next season? Nothing is in football, but this is as close to a guarantee as there can be. Manning’s word has meant a lot to the Giants over the last 10 years, so don’t expect that to change.
Even if the Giants were in dire need of a quarterback they likely wouldn’t take Winston. That type of personality is a huge risk to most teams and why he’s rumored to fall in the first place. The fact that the Giants have a quarterback right now with the complete opposite personality tells you everything you need to know about the type of character this team is looking for in a quarterback.
Not to mention the circus-like atmosphere that Winston brings to any team he gets drafted by. Imagine if the New York Jets decide to go with Winston. The media storm that would brew as a result of his presence would increase tenfold. The amount of Winston crab leg jokes would be heard even more frequently than before. That type of environment is what the Giants would have to deal with upon hypothetically drafting Winston.
The Jets going down that route can be a bit more imaginable, but that doesn’t make it any better of a decision. It’s a terrible decision to draft Winston unless you have all the pieces around him. The only reason it’s easier to imagine with the Jets is because owner Woody Johnson has wildly misguided the Jets for the past four seasons.
The Giants and Jets have struggled equally, but neither of them should take Winston. This kid could have all the talent in the world, but his confidence will shatter in a heartbeat if the offensive line cannot protect him, which is the case with both the Giants and Jets. His personality is already a well-known issue, so combine that with a lack of confidence and you’d have an utter disaster — in New York, no less. Don’t count on it in either case.
Manning’s winning percentage has declined rapidly in recent seasons. The players around him are not as good, and he’s proven he needs help up front and at wide receiver. But Manning’s confidence will not decline at this point in his career. His big game resume is too high for him to have that issue. Winston, or any other rookie for that matter, can crumble rapidly if not treated properly.
This is why fans need to remember that drafting a quarterback is the last thing a team should do. Confidence is everything in the NFL, especially at quarterback. Young players deserve the right to prosper. Manning was given that at a young age and it paid off in the past. The Giants are trying to get back to what that used to be.
No contract offer will force Manning away from the Giants. Howard forgot to mention that Manning isn’t even a free agent at the conclusion of this season. The Giants could hypothetically not offer him a thing and he’d be back in blue in 2015.
The goal this offseason is simple: Get Manning protection. There’s no question he’s capable of performing at a high level when he has that. Don’t ruin it all by bringing in a personality like Winston’s. Stop with the crazy talk, because that’s what Winston in Giants blue would be: crazy.
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