The New York Giants should not draft a quarterback in the first round
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past few weeks, there has been speculation that the New York Giants might draft a quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft.

If the New York Giants decide to take a quarterback in the first round, they would be making a huge mistake.

Two of the quarterbacks that have been mentioned about if they fall to 23 are Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson and North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

While Watson and Trubisky have promising futures, barring an injury to Eli Manning, they wouldn’t see any action next season.

The Giants are coming off an 11-5 season and will be one of the favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LII. So they need to use their first round pick and take someone who can be a starter in 2017, rather than someone who will just hold a clipboard.

The Giants are in need of a backup quarterback, but not nearly as much as they need an offensive tackle, offensive guard and tight end. So, drafting an offensive tackle such as Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk or Alabama tight end O.J. Howard would make more sense.

Yes, Eli Manning is 36, but he hasn’t shown any decline in his arm strength and just threw for 4,000 yards for the third year in a row. Given the fact that he never gets injured, he could easily play another two or three years, which means Watson or Trubisky wouldn’t play until 2019 or 2020. The Giants can address their backup quarterback needs in the late rounds by taking Colorado Quarterback Sefo Liufau or signing a veteran quarterback such as Josh McCown.

If Jerry Reese wants to win his third Super Bowl as general manager, then he needs to use his first pick on someone that can help Eli Manning, rather than drafting his successor.

Jason's first love was football while growing up in northern New Jersey. For the past three years, he has covered the New York Giants, as well as several boxing events along the East Coast.