NFL Draft Round Four: Giants Select Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta

In the fourth round of the NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta.

After all of the talk surrounding the Giants taking a quarterback with the second overall pick, they do get one, but with the 108th overall pick.

Lauletta was a coveted mid-round quarterback, with many teams, such as the New England Patriots, vying for his services.

The 6-3, 222 pound signal caller has received hefty praise for his accuracy throughout his college career. Not only that, but for his performance in the Senior Bowl, where he threw for 198 yards and three touchdowns, earning him MVP honors. While he does not have the protoypical arm strength for an NFL quarterback, interested teams were willing to work with him.

During his senior season with the Spiders, Lauletta threw for 3,737 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on a 64.9 completion percentage.

How Lauletta Fits in New York

Make no mistake about it, Eli Manning is the starter this season, and likely next season as well. However, drafting Lauletta gives the Giants a potential future option.

With Davis Webb serving as Manning’s primary backup, Lauletta could also serve as competition, in terms with development, and who will get a shot in the future.

Let’s not forget, head coach Pat Shurmur has been there before in terms of quarterback development. While serving as the offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings last season, he played a key role in the rise of Case Keenum. The proof is in the pudding, as Keenum’s strong year helped lead the Vikings to the NFC Conference Championship Game. How about Nick Foles’ strong 2013 season with the Philadelphia Eagles? Yes, Shurmur was his offensive coordinator.

As mentioned earlier, Lauletta was named the Senior Bowl MVP. And who was in attendance for that game? Well, that would be Shurmur and general manager Dave Gettleman.

Lauletta could certainly thrive under Shurmur, who praised the 23-year-old’s height and mobility in the pocket. Will he see the field in the near future? Highly doubtful, but that’s a good thing. Lauletta can be taken under the wing by Manning, as well as work with “The QB Whisperer” in Shurmur, and could potentially be a name we’re talking about in the next few years.