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New York Giants: Kyle Lauletta can be Eli Manning’s heir apparent

By Maxwell Ogden

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kyle Lauletta #5 of the Richmond Spiders looks for an open passer during a game at Scott Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kyle Lauletta #5 of the Richmond Spiders looks for an open passer during a game at Scott Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /
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All eyes are on Saquon Barkley, but Kyle Lauletta could prove to be the most significant acquisition that the New York Giants made at the 2018 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants entered the 2018 NFL Draft with a 37-year-old starting quarterback and a backup whose future is undecided. Thus, the expectation existed for the Giants to select a future franchise field general at No. 2 overall.

While the Giants may have passed on the opportunity to select a quarterback in the first—or second, or third—round, they may have still found that player.

Eli Manning is penciled in as the starter for the 2018 season and Davis Webb has upside that will be explored. The future of the quarterback position is generally unclear, however, which is a troubling reality for any team, let alone a franchise with an All-Pro wide receiver.

In the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, however, the Giants selected a quarterback who has the tools to emerge as Manning’s heir apparent: Kyle Lauletta.

Lauletta may not be a household name, but he has all of the necessary traits to become a full-time starter in the NFL.

Lauletta is a bit of a gunslinger, but he’s a player who’s at least somewhat in the right to trust his instincts as a passer. He can throw his receivers open, has pinpoint accuracy when his shoulders are squared, and can play outside of the pocket.

Some have compared Lauletta to Alex Smith due to his possession of ideal size, mobility, and accuracy as a passer, as well as his overall understanding of the game.

If Lauletta develops into that type of player, then he could be exactly what Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. need at quarterback.

Beyond the field, Lauletta was widely regarded as the leader of the Richmond Spiders. He commanded the locker room, displayed poise under pressure, and communicated with his receivers in practice settings to understand their tendencies.

Coupled with the natural arm talent to make deep throws when his mechanics are sound, Lauletta should experience a successful NFL career.

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The question is: Will the New York Giants provide Kyle Lauletta with the structure and opportunity to maximize his potential?

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