Justin Herbert, quarterback out of Oregon, is on the radar for the Giants.
We’re days away from the NFL Draft, teams are finalizing their plans and backup plans.
The Giants will be looking to upgrade the offensive line and their defense. But, what about at quarterback?
According to NFL Network insider, Ian Rapoport, the Giants have taken an interest in Herbert.
The draft prep for new head coach Joe Judge also included FaceTime conversations with Herbert.
Herbert is projected by draft analysts as one of the three top quarterbacks on the board, along with likely No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa.
General Manager Dave Gettleman took heavy heat last year when he used the No. 6 overall pick to draft Daniel Jones. Jones, out of Duke, was projected as a borderline first-round talent.
Gettleman and the Giants didn’t just have the sixth pick, they also had the 17th overall pick. At the time, many believed the Giants could’ve waited to get Jones. Gettleman, however, wanted his quarterback.
“But the one thing I’ve learned is you don’t fool around with a quarterback,” Gettleman told Peter King of NBC Sports. “If he’s your guy, you take him.”
Two weeks into the season Jones took over from Eli Manning. He went on to complete 61.9 percent of his passes. That’s not bad for a rookie. In perspective, Manning didn’t hit better than 60 percent until his fifth NFL season.
Jones showed enough potential to ease any doubts about him handling the responsibility of replacing a Giants’ legend.
So, why show so interest in using a top-six pick on another quarterback?
Because, it’s what comes with draft prep. The more options a team has to work with on draft day, the better.
It’s unlikely the Giants would close the door on the Daniel Jones era after just one season. If that’s the case, why would Gettleman even still have an access card to the building?
The Giants could be putting their No. 4 overall pick in play for a potential trade.
Herbert is expected to the third quarterback taken off the board, behind Burrow and Tagovailoa. There’s also a growing belief that Herbert could be selected ahead of Tagovailoa.
It’s important to remember, however, mock drafts are nothing more than projections.
Looking into Herbert gives interested teams something to think about.
Do these teams want him bad enough to trade up and get him?
If the answer is yes, Gettleman and the Giants could secure more assets.
