JUST IN CASE
Giants draft QB who may battle Webb for backup job
The Giants did not fall in love with any of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft.
But that doesn’t mean they didn’t like any of them. Hence, in the fourth round Saturday, with the 108th-overall pick, the Giants took Kyle Lauletta, a quarterback from Richmond. On the surface, it would seem this is an indication the Giants are not convinced Davis Webb is the answer. That is not necessarily so. Pat Shurmur always planned on carrying three quarterbacks, and by bringing in a rookie — and not signing a veteran — this actually enhances Webb’s chances of capturing the backup role.
“Picking Kyle has less to do about Eli and Davis and more to do about Kyle,’’ Shurmur said. “We like the player and wanted to add him to our team, and then we just let them compete.’’
In the fifth round, the Giants took another defensive tackle, R.J. McIntosh from Miami.
Adding a quarterback is always interesting and reverberates, no matter where and when the pick comes. Yes, the Giants realize Manning is 37 years old, but their belief is he can be their starter for two or three more years. They are not blind to his age, though, and now have two young prospects to develop in Webb (a thirdround pick in 2017) and Lauletta.
“He was just too good a value to pass up there,’’ general manager Dave Gettleman said. “He’s got all the stuff. He’s tough, he’s got pocket presence, patience and feel. Those are instinctive things you can’t teach. And he’s a runner. He’s got a legitimate escape dimension.’’
Gettleman said another general manager sent him a text stating he was seriously considering taking Lauletta in the second round.
“I mean obviously Eli has had a heck of a career and Davis, too, and honestly I just want to get in there and just get to know the guys,’’ Lauletta said. “I believe it’s so important in the NFL to have a strong quarterback room and have a strong relationship with each other.’’
Lauletta has been compared in some circles to Jimmy Garoppolo as far as his skillset and leadership ability. He was a three-year starter at Rich- mond and was named the Most Outstanding Player at the Senior Bowl, impressing scouts by stepping up against a higher level of competition. That showing in Mobile, Ala., Gettleman said, “piqued my curiosity.’’
“Some would say he doesn’t have enough arm strength,’’ Shurmur said. “I disagree. I think he has all the traits you’re looking for in a quarterback.”
There was no need, Shurmur said, to give Webb a call after the Giants took Lauletta.
“There’s no lack of confidence in him,’’ said Shurmur, who praised Webb’s showing at last week’s three-day minicamp. “He doesn’t need to hear that from me.’’