2019 NFL Draft: Eli Manning assuming Giants will select a QB
By Bryan Perez
New York Giants QB Eli Manning is taking the right approach toward the team’s likely decision to select a quarterback in the 2019 NFL draft.
The New York Giants are one of several teams selecting in the top 10 of the 2019 NFL draft who could spend their first-round pick on a quarterback. With prospects like Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins and Missouri’s Drew Lock each garnering first-round praise, New York may determine one of them is the perfect fit to be the heir to Eli Manning’s throne.
In fact, Manning expects the Giants to select a quarterback in this year’s draft, even if it comes at some point after the first round.
“Yeah, I figure the Giants are going to get a young quarterback. So I understand that,” Manning said Monday via ESPN. “I still have to do my job, and I’ll do my part. And my job as I see it is to go out there and play quarterback and win football games. That is what I’ll do.”
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This is the right approach from Manning, who, let’s be honest, really can’t go about it any other way. At 38 years old, the end is near for the two-time Super Bowl winner. There’s a good chance 2019 could be his last season as the Giants’ starter.
But before New York can realistically move on from Manning, they have to find his replacement. This year’s draft includes quarterback prospects worthy of consideration in the second round, too, with players like West Virginia’s Will Grier leading the charge. The Giants could also opt to pursue a trade with the Cardinals for Josh Rosen, but at this point in the draft process, there’s been no indication New York is willing to part ways with their second-rounder for the former UCLA standout.
At least New York can feel good about Manning’s attitude and approach toward whichever young quarterback joins the team in April, especially if it’s via a big investment like a first-round pick.