Draft Hunter and sign Darnold?

[DaveBrown74]

Assume for this exercise that Hunter is available when we pick.

Rather than draft a QB in the first round, how would you feel about signing Sam Darnold to a multi-year deal and drafting Travis Hunter? Do you like this idea? Why or why not?

[T200]

I've been advocating for Daboll to get a QB he wants.

If he thinks Darnold can pick up his system in short order, I would be very happy with Hunter, Nabers, Hyatt, Johnson, and Robinson catching passes from him.

That would also mean I'd lose a bet that I have with one of my friends 😆 (I said the Giants will draft Sanders or Ward).

[babywhales]

Do you consider Hunter a top 5 CB?

Do you consider Hunter a top 5 receiver ?

[DaveBrown74]

Do you consider Hunter a top 5 CB?

Do you consider Hunter a top 5 receiver ?

Yes and yes.

I think he is easily the best in the draft at both positions. I think most would agree with that statement. He's a pretty special talent.

[Philosophers]

Is Darnold this year DJ in 2022?  Would this be a false positive?

[Philosophers]

Yes and yes.

I think he is easily the best in the draft at both positions. I think most would agree with that statement. He's a pretty special talent.

Do you consider Hunter a top 5 CB?

Do you consider Hunter a top 5 receiver ?

I think Will Johnson is a better shutdown CB than Hunter is but Hunter is definitely top 3.  Johnson may be the next Sauce Gardner.

[DaveBrown74]

Is Darnold this year DJ in 2022?  Would this be a false positive?

Statistically speaking Jones' 2022 doesn't compare to what Darnold has done this year. Darnold is clearly in a better situation than Jones was though.

Your point is well taken though, and it's possible the situations are similar. I would definitely expect Darnold to see a meaningful statistical year over year decline in 2025 if he came to the Giants. I guess the question you have to ask yourself is whether the fact that he has shown he can do what he has done this year reason to commit to him and build around him.

Darnold won't be cheap. That is another consideration here. I bet he commands an AAV that is not dissimilar to what we were paying Dimes.

[kartanoman]

I have to ask this question: what is your strategic intent?

If this your solution for a "bridge QB," in hopes of being in the running for a franchise QB in 2026? I only ask because drafting Hunter doesn't give you many options for moving down if some team wants one of the two QBs being played up in this draft. The best you could do is stay put, if you are #2, or maybe drop to #3 if you know the owner of #3 wants one of the QBs, which is a risk itself.

Now, if your strategy involves a different prospect that can be taken later, then stay put and get your guy. But that assumes you'll enter 2025 and play it out and see how it goes to determine if you'll be in the running for one of the biggest names in 2026.

I just hope your strategy includes fixing the damned offensive AND defensive lines, respectfully. You need another offensive Left Tackle, and Guard, and defensive Tackles as well as secondary reinforcements (NOTE: you'd expect Hunter to jump right into the starting lineup).

QB is intriguing but I still think fundamentals are more critical (i.e. fix the lines first).

Peace!

[squibber]

Darnold might be a one hit wonder like Tommy Maddox.

[DaveBrown74]

Darnold might be a one hit wonder like Tommy Maddox.

Very possible.

[Philosophers]

Very possible.

I agree Jeff that Darnold's year has been better than DJ's 2022.  Darnold will command a 4-5 year market deal and there is no way the Giants should take that risk with only one year of production from Darnold especially since we are looking for a 1 year bridge at most.  Sign a Tyrod Taylor type 1-2 year journeyman deal.

[DaveBrown74]

I agree Jeff that Darnold's year has been better than DJ's 2022.  Darnold will command a 4-5 year market deal and there is no way the Giants should take that risk with only one year of production from Darnold especially since we are looking for a 1 year bridge at most.  Sign a Tyrod Taylor type 1-2 year journeyman deal.

I think I agree Joe.

The odds of Darnold reverting back to old Darnold on the Giants seem higher than the odds of him delivering the type of production he did with Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Kevin McConnell in his offensive life.

Don't draft a QB unless you're high on him though. Hunter is special.

[Stringer Bell]

I think the perfect scenario would be to sign someone like Darnold to a contract constructed similar to DJ's (but hopefully not for that high an AAV).

I'm out on this entire draft class. Ewers is the only one I'd consider. I'd not want to use a high 2nd on him but would consider with a 3rd. Other than him, I'd say pass and wait a year.

Signing a vet to a 3-year deal that has a team option in year 3 allows them to pass on this weak class and then allow a 2026 QB the chance to learn (plus add more talent across the roster).

Not sure Darnold would agree to such a contract, but I think that approach would be the best move for the Giants.

And yes, in that scenario I'd race the card to the podium to draft Hunter. Or I would trade down (if blown away by an offer) as low as 5 or 6 and pick Johnson or Carter.

[Philosophers]

If we are drafting a QB why structure a $160 million contract to get out after $80 million and lose 2 years of a rookie QB's contract? Spend $80 million?

[Stringer Bell]

Well, I did say not that high of an AAV, so I wouldn't give someone $160M.

And I also said not to draft someone this year. If they drafted someone next year and signed a QB with a 2-year out clause, they would have the rookie sit for 1 year. Which, as I said, would be ideal so they could learn the offense and we could acquire more talent.