Getty Gallery: 2/6
No. 1 New York Giants: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
No. 2 Indianapolis Colts: DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
The Giants passed on a quarterback in last year's draft, and it looks like they could have an opportunity to take a QB early in 2019. Even if the team plans on sticking with Eli Manning, the team would still be wise to consider taking a young quarterback for the future.
With Odell Beckham Jr.'s recent comments about Manning, fans have to wonder if Manning still has the respect of the locker room. There will be several quarterbacks in the running to be the first signal caller taken in the draft. Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is the early favorite, but there is still plenty of time for that to change.
Justin Herbert's younger brother, Patrick, is headed to Oregon to play next season. While there has to be an appeal to playing with his brother, Herbert is projected to be a top 10 pick as of now which would be difficult to pass up.
Herbert has thrown for 1411 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions through five games. Herbert is mobile enough to also hurt defenses with his legs. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller reported Herbert is likely to be the top quarterback selected next spring, but Miller noted the Oregon quarterback could benefit from another college football season.
"Justin Herbert is everything the NFL wants in a franchise quarterback. In a year not dominated by pass-rushers Ed Oliver (Houston) and Nick Bosa (Ohio State), he would be a bona fide No. 1 overall prospect. The NFL is ready for Herbert, but he might not be ready for the NFL...
The 20-year-old has the types of tools sending scouts to Eugene, Oregon in herds this season. 'He's a bigger Marcus Mariota' is what one longtime evaluator said of Herbert this summer. Another, speaking this week, said, 'You watch guys like Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck ... that's the type of player he is in terms of traits and potential.'"
Nick Bosa Is Still in the Running to Be the No. 1 Pick Despite Injury
Nick Bosa still has a chance to be the No. 1 pick, despite being sidelined with a core muscle injury. Bosa is expected to be sidelined until at least November when he will be re-evaluated.
Bosa will be battling other top defensive linemen like Houston's Ed Oliver to be the first defensive player selected and potentially the top overall pick if a quarterback-needy team does not land the No. 1 spot. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah believes the younger Bosa plays similar to his brother.
"Every opposing team tries to throw multiple blockers at Bosa throughout the game, and he still finds his way to the quarterback," Jeremiah wrote before the college football season. "It doesn't matter if he's being doubled by a tight end or chipped by a running back -- he just refuses to be blocked. He's one of the best pure pass rushers I've evaluated. I've seen guys with more size or explosiveness, but his innate feel and polished technique put him in the elite class."
As for the Colts, they need just about everything, so Indianapolis is likely to take the best player available wherever they wind up drafting.
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NFL Mock Draft 2019: Giants Take Oregon QB Justin Herbert