What Would it Take to Bring Josh Rosen to the Giants?

The NFL Scouting Combine is reaching it’s conclusion on Monday, and there has been plenty of buzz surrounding quite a few NFL prospects.

Yet, none has received more than Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, who could find his way to the top of the NFL Draft board…without even participating at the Scouting Combine.

According to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury has been telling teams in Indianapolis that it’s a “done deal” that they will be selecting Murray with the first overall pick.

Sunday Combine Notes: Kliff Kingsbury telling people it’s a “done deal” the Cardinals will select Kyler Murray with the first pick of the draft. Plenty more here -> https://t.co/Tke8GyScfm pic.twitter.com/MqVy9MpTUt

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 3, 2019

That’s right, the team that traded up last year to select Josh Rosen out of UCLA is going to draft his replacement. If this report is to be true, Rosen will end up on his second team in as many years. If fans and analysts are to believe this report from not only Pauline, but NFL executives, what would it take for the New York Giants to get Josh Rosen?

How Rosen Got Here

In order to select Rosen last year, the Cardinals had to surrender their 15th overall, a 2018 third-rounder, and 2018 fifth to switch with the Oakland Raiders. Rosen was considered as the most pro-ready quarterback in last year’s class, and the Cardinals were ready to lock in their signal caller of the future.

Then this past season happened.

Head coach Steve Wilks had trouble leading the team, resulting in his firing. Coordinator Mike McCoy made an offense including Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson anemic, axing to his firing mid-season. Veteran quarterback Sam Bradford played horrifically in the first three games, causing Rosen to be thrown to the proverbial wolves early behind arguably the worst offensive line in the league. Take all of that into consideration, and you have a troublesome year for the UCLA product.

This revelation among NFL executives could be a godsend for the Giants. Many torched the New York front office on selecting running back Saquon Barkley instead of Sam Darnold, who fell to the Jets. Now, they have the opportunity to grab a quarterback from last year’s class, for relatively cheap.

Through 14 games last season, Rosen threw for 2,278 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on a 55.2 completion percentage.

The Deal

When looking at those numbers, those don’t scream, “surrender your first round pick.” Rosen has the potential and skillset to break out on the right team, as the Cardinals environment proved to be a disaster.

New York owns ten picks this year, with none coming from the third-round. So that means the Giants will have to part ways with their second rounder (37th overall) this year. In order to improve their chances on a deal, they will have to add a fourth-round pick. The Giants own two picks in the fourth round (108th and 120th), with the latter coming via the New Orleans Saints in the Eli Apple trade.

Picks 37 and 108, and maybe a 2020 conditional third-rounder as an enticing piece in the offer. However, that’s only if a team desperate enough for Rosen’s services doesn’t offer their first rounder to Arizona this year.

New Plans for Round One

If the trade were to be successful, the Giants would still hold the sixth overall pick in the first round. While I think Dwayne Haskins can thrive in the league (particularly in New York), there’s so much talent at other positions where the Giants desperately need help.

Defense

The stocked up position in this year’s draft class is at pass rusher. If the Cardinals are to take Murray, that means by the time the Giants are officially on the clock, Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, and Josh Allen will be off the board. Even so, there are some stud options available on the defensive side of the ball.

After the hype at the Senior Bowl, Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat stole the show on Sunday, as he ran an impressive 4.41 40-yard dash. By comparison, he ran quicker than the likes of Odell Beckham Jr, Julio Jones, and Tarik Cohen. To put this achievement in further perspective, he stands over 6-5 and weighs 260-pounds. Not to mention, Sweat can bulldoze his way to the quarterback, as evidenced by his 22.5 sacks in his past two seasons. The Giants need a player like that along the defensive line, and Sweat could thrive in that role.

Mississippi State's Montez Sweat just posted a 4.41 (!) official 40-time.

He's also:
– 6'5 3/4"
– 260 lbs

And ran a faster 40 than:
– Tarik Cohen (4.42 at 179 lbs)
– OBJ (4.43 at 198 lbs)

It's the fastest 40-time since 2006 by any player at least 6'5" & 260 lbs. pic.twitter.com/zSwDlK7EzC

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 3, 2019

There’s also the possibility that Rashan Gary could be sitting for the Giants at sixth overall. While not lighting up the stat sheet at Michigan this past season, Gary has a ton of NFL potential. He solidified that by running a 4.62 and 4.59 in both 40-yard attempts at the Combine, while weighing 277-pounds. The physical traits are there for Gary, who could very well be the pass-rushing option the Giants desire.

Not to mention, there is a certain top linebacker that could take a fall due to the QB-needy teams in this year’s draft. That’s right, LSU’s Devin White. Besides Lorenzo Carter, the linebacker corps struggled last season. Considering the Giants are expected to move on from Olivier Vernon, and Alec Ogletree is only getting older, White could be the speedy on-field general under defensive coordinator James Bettcher.

Offense

Let’s not forget what makes an offense rolling. That’s right, some “hog-mollies” for the o-line.

Alabama’s Jonah Williams was the consensus top offensive lineman in the draft, before team’s soured on him due to his arm measurements. That alone had teams ask if he were willing to play at guard, instead of his natural position of tackle. Regardless, if Williams can block, by all means throw him at right tackle to block for Eli Manning and (hypothetically) Rosen.

However, Williams has competition with Florida’s Jawaan Taylor. The 6-5, 312-pound prospect impressed at the Scouting Combine, despite not running or jumping. Yet, it’s his work in positional drills that has scouts picking up their jaws. Taylor showcases quick footwork for a man his size, and has been called the best right tackle in the class, as well as the best run blocker. Considering the Giants have Barkley as their running back, offensive productivity could increase with Taylor on the roster.

Again, this is all hypothetical, as the Washington Redskins are considered the favorites to land Rosen. However, as fans, analysts, and experts all know, you can never say never in the NFL.