The Giants' draft targets at quarterback and specialist

A glimpse at how the Giants could attack the quarterbacks and specialists in the upcoming NFL draft:

GM Dave Gettleman and coach Pat Shurmur made it clear they are committed to 37-year old Eli Manning as the starting quarterback, despite the brutal 2017 offensive production. It does not appear as if this crop of quarterbacks in the draft enthralls the Giants, at least not up so high with the No. 2-overall pick.

Could they take a shot on a quarterback in a later round? You bet. A developmental player works in this plan, as he could come in and compete with Davis Webb, an extremely hard worker who did not get a single snap in his rookie year. If someone such as Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State drops into the second round, he could be an enticing option with the 34th pick. Clearly, though, the Giants feel no sense of desperation to find a quarterback.

After jettisoning punter Brad Wing, they still have rookie Austin Rehkow of Idaho on the roster and they acquired Riley Dixon Friday in a trade with the Broncos. It will be a surprise if the Giants take a kicker late in the draft, only because they do not have a sixth or seventh-round pick. Gettleman took kicker Harrison Butker in the seventh round in 2017. Strong-legged Aldrick Rosas, an undrafted free agent, endured an uneven rookie season, hitting 18 of 25 field goals and 20 of 23 extra points. The only other kicker on the roster is Marshall Koehn of Iowa, who has never appeared in a regular-season NFL game. Help is needed, but probably won’t come in the draft.

Top 10 quarterbacks

1. Sam Darnold
USC, 6-foot-3, 221 pounds

His intangibles, clutch gene and prowess at making plays off platform enable most NFL decision-makers to overlook his elongated throwing motion and propensity to fumble. Accurate on the move with good anticipation.

2. Josh Allen
Wyoming, 6-5, 237

Looks like Tarzan, is as accurate as Jane. Biggest upside. The prototypical size and rare arm talent will seduce many, but this is the definition of a project. Boom or bust. Whoever drafts him will ignore his 56.2 completion percentage.

3. Baker Mayfield
Oklahoma, 6-1, 215

More Drew Brees and Russell Wilson than Johnny Manziel, but he’s still a shade under 6-1. Accurate alpha dog with a forever chip on his shoulder. Inspirational leader with accuracy, mobility and moxie.

4. Josh Rosen*
UCLA, 6-4, 226

The most pro-ready of the bunch comes armed with baggage — durability (two concussions, shoulder) and his love for the game. Silky smooth throwing motion. Is he too smart for his own good? Too entitled? How much does he love football? Why would UCLA coach Jim Mora say that Darnold would be a better fit in Cleveland?

5. Lamar Jackson*
Louisville, 6-2, 216

“A spitting image of me,” according to Michael Vick. A taller, righthanded version. Former dual threat Heisman Trophy winner who will need time and a system designed for him. “The most spectacular athlete in this draft,” NFL analyst Mike Mayock says.

6. Mason Rudolph
Oklahoma State, 6-5, 235

Will need time to adjust to pro game, and some question his arm strength and eacapability, but he did throw 92 TD passes in a spread system, and he has size, smarts and character.

7. Kyle Lauletta
Richmond, 6-3, 215

A poor man’s Jimmy Garoppolo. “He doesn’t have the big arm that’s gonna push it deep or vertical,” says Joe Marino of NDT Scouting, “but he can keep an offense on schedule and hit throws in rhythm.”

8. Chase Litton*
Marshall, 6-5, 230

“He throws well on the move, he’s got a big arm, but his decision-making needs improvement, he needs mechanical adjustments so that he can stay on top of the ball better so it doesn’t float on him,” Marino says.

9. Riley Ferguson
Memphis, 6-2 ¹/₂, 212

“He reminds me of Ryan Fitzpatrick,” Marino says. “He doesn’t necessarily look very fluid with what he’s doing, but he gets the football out on schedule.”

10. Mike White
Western Kentucky, 6-4, 224

“He’s a below-average prospect,” Marino says. “He’s got a big arm, but his footwork is so slow and so robotic. … I think he’s a one-read guy and then he really panics when that first read’s not there.”

Late riser
Kyle Lauletta, Richmond: Stock rose dramatically at Senior Bowl, could now go as high as second round.

Dropping fast
Kurt Benkert, Virginia: Flawed passer with big arm.

Small-school wonder
Logan Whiteside, Toledo: Not the greatest physical tools, but accuracy makes him interesting.

Top five specialists

1. Quadree Henderson
Pittsburgh, 5-8, 190
Two long punt returns for touchdowns this season and seven for his career. A WR who is also dynamic as a kickoff returner.

2. Dante Pettis
Washington, 6-1, 192

A WR whose nine punt return TDs are an NCAA record.

3. Nyheim Hines*
N.C. State, 5-9, 197
Electric Leon Washington-like RB with 4.3 speed and two kickoff return TDs and one punt return TD.

4. Daniel Carlson
Auburn, 6-4, 223

Big-legged FG kicker who was 92-for-114 (80.7 percent).

5. Michael Dickson*
Texas, 6-3, 205
Aussie rules punter (47.4-yard average) and Ray Guy Award winner could go as early as fourth round.

*underclassman

— with Steve Serby

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