NFL Draft Results: Eagles trick Giants into not taking quarterback at No. 2 overall

The New York Giants really did it.

They stayed put at No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft and selected a running back. A RUNNING BACK!

Look, Saquon Barkley is a really good prospect. Some even thought him to be the best overall player in this year’s class. There’s no question this move helps the Giants in the short-term.

But here’s the thing about that: the Giants aren’t built to seriously compete in the short-term ... because their quarterback isn’t any good!

Let’s be real. Eli Manning is basically cooked at this point. But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what Big Blue View’s Ed Valentine recently wrote:

Statistically, Eli Manning was awful in 2017. His 61.6 completion percentage was his worst since 2013. His 3,468 passing yards his lowest since 2008. His 19 touchdown passes marked only the second time in his career as a full-time starter he didn’t reach, though of course he sat out one game last season. His 6.1 yards gained per passing attempt marked a career low. His 231.2 passing yards per game were Manning’s worst since 2008. His 80.4 passer rating was his worst since 2007. His 41.7 passer rating was also a career low.

In fairness, Manning did have a select few good moments in 2017. Two of those games came against the Eagles. And the great thing about that is Giants general manager even cited those games as why they still believe in him!

“Eli has won a lot of games. He’s a great competitor. He’s very intelligent and he and I are going to talk. And if what I saw in Philadelphia (Manning passed for 434 yards against the Eagles two weeks ago) was not a mirage, and I don’t believe it was, then we’ll just keep moving.”

I think it’s at least a little possible Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz conned the Giants into thinking New York could run it back with a 37-year-old Manning.

I know people are going to complain about the Eagles having to face Barkley but let me assure that the Giants taking an actually good quarterback would have been way worse. Everyone knows that taking running backs this early in the draft just isn’t what smart teams do.

Another crazy thing about the Giants taking Barkley is that they didn’t just simply take him at No. 2. They likely turned down AT LEAST three second round picks in order to pass on a quarterback and take Barkley. That’s crazy.

The 2018 NFL Draft is off to a good start for the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles.