Could the QB from Texas Tech and Cal be the Giants’ next quarterback?

As time marches on the New York Giants, and general manager Jerry Reese in particular, find themselves in uncharted territory. While Eli Manning is entrenched as their starting quarterback, his principle back-up (Ryan Nassib) could depart via free agency, the the potential exists that if the Giants draft a replacement, he could be their next franchise QB.

The Giants are unlikely to spend a high-round draft pick on a quarterback, but there are several intriguing options that could be available later in the draft. One is the Cal Golden Bear’s Davis Webb.

Measurables

Height - 6 feet, 4 ⅝ inches

Weight - 229 pounds

40 Time - 4.86 (projected)

Pros

• Prototypical build for an NFL QB, with plenty of height to see over the offensive line and the build to shrug off near-sacks or stand up to take hits.
• Big, live arm. Most of his throws are short or horizontal, but flashes the ability to effortlessly drive the ball down field or fit it into tight windows
• Shows surprising touch on passes that require it
• Solid athleticism to extend plays or run the ball
• Reportedly very good leadership ability
• Coach’s son

Cons

• Played in Texas Tech’s and Cal’s gimicky “Air Raid” offenses. NFL offenses are completely foreign.
• Never took a snap under center. Will need to learn how to execute drops.
• Accuracy is erratic and inconsistent. Occasionally shows great accuracy, but other times can be almost wildly off.
• Hands might be smaller than some teams require

Does He Fit With The Giants?

If the Giants are going to be drafting a quarterback with an eye toward the future, Webb is the kind of QB at which they should be looking. He has all the physical skills needed to be an NFL quarterback, though his inconsistent accuracy is concerning.

At this point Webb is not ready to play on the NFL stage, but his potential is outstanding, and for a team with the time to mold him into a “Pro” quarterback, the payoff could be high. All that, along with plus intangibles, works well for the Giants.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - N/A

Mocking The Draft - N/A

CBS Sports - 151st overall

Draft Countdown - N/A

Draft Tek - 75th overall

Final Thoughts

Despite being a four-year starter at two different universities, Davis Webb isn’t a finished product yet. He doesn’t yet know how to command a huddle, call plays, make checks, or call protections at the line of scrimmage. Playing in an NFL offense is completely foreign to him, even down to the mechanics of taking a snap from under center and executing a three, five, or seven-step drop. However, he has all the physical tools a team could reasonably ask for, and reportedly has a high football IQ

He also -- reportedly -- has impressive intangibles. He is a coach’s son and has a reputation as a quick study who loves the game of football, and those around him rave about his leadership. He was only on campus at Cal a short while (weeks) before being voted team captain by the other players.

Webb checks many of the “Wilson/Prescott” boxes for a later-round pick who could potentially pay off handsomely at quarterback. Manning’schief backup will likely be a veteran such as Josh Johnson, but drafting a QB like Webb to develop and potentially succeed Manning isn’t a bad idea.