With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

ByMaxwell Ogden|
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Rosen #3, quarterback of the UCLA Bruins, warms up before the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 9, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Rosen #3, quarterback of the UCLA Bruins, warms up before the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 9, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

The New York Giants have a number of viable options here, but this comes down to one of two players. Either the Giants can go with the best talent in this draft class in Saquon Barkley or find an heir apparent to 37-year-old quarterback Eli Manning.

Barkley could transform this offense into a temporary juggernaut, but finding an adequate running back will be easier than finding an even serviceable quarterback.

The Philadelphia Eagles may trick some into thinking quarterback play isn’t as important as it seems, but let’s apply context to what Nick Foles did. He may not be a star by name, but he undeniably played like one throughout the 2018 NFL Playoffs.

Between the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, Foles threw for 725 yards and six touchdowns. In other words: New York needs a quarterback.

Josh Rosen is somewhat polarizing, but he’s a fundamentally impeccable player who wants to win championships. He may be mindful of a life after football, but it’s premature to label him as a player whose heart isn’t in the sport.

Rosen takes too many chances—sound familiar, Giants fans?—but he’s a gifted player who leaves it all on the field whenever he plays.

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