Dwayne Haskins — Image Credit: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
When Dwayne Haskins throws at the NFL combine this week, the Giants will be among a handful of teams taking a long look at him. Haskins is projected by many mock drafts to be the first quarterback off the board. The timing is right for the Giants to draft a successor to Eli Manning. Haskins can solidify his status with a strong showing at the combine.
When it comes to NFL teams needy for a young quarterback, the Giants qualify. Manning is 38 years old and has enough self-awareness to know his playing days are almost at the finish line. All indications point towards Manning returning for the 2019 season. So, it makes all the sense in the world for the Giants to bring in a young talent he can mentor and groom for the job.
Haskins finished third in the Hesiman voting this season. He was impressive in his only season as starting quarterback for Ohio State. As a redshirt sophomore, he threw 50 touchdown passes. That set a Big Ten conference record. The Buckeyes finished with a 13-1 record.
Haskins is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he has a rocket for a throwing arm which led the nation with over 4800 passing yards. Giants head coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Dave Gettleman are believed to have a preference for tall quarterbacks. That line of thinking would pull them away from Kyler Murray, another talented quarterback that might be available when it’s New York’s turn with the sixth pick.
Murray, listed at 5-foot-10, has the type of potential that’s difficult to turn away from. He can throw the football, he’s accurate, and he’s mobile. His ability to beat opponents with his arm and legs are where the league’s style of play is trending towards. Murray has the “it” factor which will sell tickets.
It would be difficult for the Giants to pass up on Murray. But Haskins presents a strong case to justify going with him instead.
In his last three college football games, Haskins was money. Those games, respectively, were against conference rival Michigan, Northwestern in the game to clinch the conference championship, and Ohio State’s Rose Bowl win over Washington. Haskins totaled 14 touchdowns and one interception. All three games were wins for the Buckeyes. The Highland Park, New Jersey native has shown he can excel on the big stage.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) lmage Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
There’s pressure for the Giants to make sure they hit on this year’s pick. They have other needs, specifically on the offensive line and on defense. But expectations are they’ll finally draft a quarterback this year they believe can take over from Manning.
Haskins is from the area and has admitted to watching Manning lead the Giants to two Super Bowl victories. He’s a high-character youngster who could thrive once the team is ready to pass the torch.
Last year the Giants drafted running back Saquon Barkley, they saw enough in him to not take a quarterback. The move paid off because Barkley went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year with over 1300 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 261 carries.
Barkley, wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shephard, and tight end Evan Engram all are playmakers. The Giants have an opportunity to draft someone who can get them the football for the next 10 years. If Haskins is still on the board, Gettleman should take him.
It was a roll of the dice last year to pass on three of the four best quarterbacks on the board. But now the Giants are back on the clock, this time four spots lower on the board. It’s possible Haskins improves his draft stock at the combines to where the Giants may have to trade up from the sixth spot to get him.
Haskins is worth the look. The Giants need to start looking ahead to life after Eli Manning, that time is now.
