The rumors that the New York Giants would take USC quarterback Sam Darnold with the second pick in the draft has been gaining momentum over the last several days.
Today Matt Miller of Bleacher Report has reported that if the Cleveland Browns take Josh Allen with the first pick, the New York Giants will take Darnold with the second pick.
Asked a handful of NFL scouts and execs who the #Giants draft if Josh Allen goes first overall.
Every one replied Sam Darnold.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 2, 2018
Darnold is seen by many as the best quarterback in this draft class.
In his final season at USC, he completed 303 out of 480 passes for 4,143 yards and 26 touchdowns while completing 63.1% of his passes. The only concern about Darnold is that he had 22 turnovers a season ago (13 interceptions and nine fumbles).
Despite the turnover concerns, NFL executives remain high on Darnold after a solid showing, at the NFL combine and at the USC Pro Day.
Miller’s report shouldn’t come as a surprise as a few weeks ago on ESPN’s First Take, former New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty thought it was possible that the Giants may trade up to one to take Darnold.
Apparently the Giants only have eyes for one quarterback and @ChrisCanty99 thinks it’s Sam Darnold. pic.twitter.com/EtQKgudPli
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 23, 2018
The Giants desperately need to find a successor to Eli Manning who turned 37 in January and only has two years remaining on his contract. The other quarterback on the Giants roster Davis Webb has yet to take a snap in the NFL and doesn’t have the upside that Darnold has.
It’s rare that the Giants are this high in the draft, so this gives general manager Dave Gettleman the perfect opportunity to grab his quarterback of the future.
