The “worst kept secret” during NFL Combine week belongs to the New York Giants, per one insider. That secret involves the team’s pursuit of landing a franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
But just how interested the Giants are in taking a quarterback at the top of the first round was clarified on Friday in Indianapolis by a team insider.
Do the New York Giants Really Want a Quarterback? Insider Weighs In
Connor Hughes of SNY TV shared where the franchise really stands in their desire to nab a signal-caller.
Many fans believe the Giants would consider taking a passer at the No. 6 spot over other needs such as offensive tackle or wide receiver. Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, though, mapped out a scenario where the Giants would have to make trades and move up from their sixth spot to grab Jayden Daniels.
Hughes, however, used Friday to clear the air about the Giants’ QB pursuits.
“The worst kept secret of the NFL Combine might not just be the Giants’ desire to select a quarterback in the upcoming draft but their willingness to trade up to go get a quarterback in this year’s draft,” Hughes said. “The problem, though, is will there be one to go up there and take?”
Hughes has already ruled out one prolific QB prospect heading to New York after hearing the rumors about one possible scenario.
“Caleb Williams: There were some rumors and rumblings that the Bears might trade the No. 1 selection or stick with Justin Fields. It doesn’t seem like that’s going to be the case. He’s going No. 1 overall,” Hughes said.
Insider Dives Further on Possible Draft Scenarios Involving a QB Going to Giants
With Williams not labeled as a strong suitor for the Giants, “that leaves Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels,” as Hughes reminded.
But the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots are both quarterback-needy. Hughes believes both teams will go all in on taking a passer. Early projections have Maye and Daniels going Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, come April.
Hughes, though, does acknowledge that the Giants “want a quarterback” this offseason.
“They seem like they want to find a replacement for Daniel Jones,” Hughes said.
Jones, once taken No. 6 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, has battled significant injuries, which leads to many across the league believing he’ll be on the move this offseason.
However, by Hughes’ words: “That player might not be there this year.”
The next move from there will be to “pivot,” as Hughes described it.
“That’s exactly what Joe Schoen [Giants general manager] would do,” Hughes said.
KEEP READING: Mel Kiper Is Strongly Against the Giants Taking a Quarterback — ‘Daniel Jones Is the Right Man for the Job’
That’s where Hughes believes the Giants will turn to wide receiver instead at the No. 6 spot. And who did Hughes say New York would turn to at that selection?
“The player to keep an eye on: Malik Nabers, the receiver out of LSU,” Hughes said. “He would give the Giants their first true No. 1 receiver in quite some time.”
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