The Giants have not needed to think about their backup quarterback much for almost 13 seasons. Eli Manning will make his 212th consecutive start, including playoffs, in Week 1 of the 2017 season. But he's also 36 and coming off one of his shakiest passing seasons.
As many expected, Manning's recent play pushed New York into taking a QB relatively high in the draft. Third-rounder Davis Webb was the first QB the team drafted since fourth-rounder Ryan Nassib in 2013. Before Nassib, there were only late-round flyers Rhett Bomar and Andre Woodson since the Manning era began in 2004.
Webb will be the No. 3 QB in Week 1 no matter what. That doesn't mean he won't emerge as the best guy behind Manning.
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This is the first time in a long time the Giants aren't sure about their long view at the most important position. Although Manning still has three years left on his contract, he needs to be a lot better in 2017 for them to feel confident about him playing out that contract.
On one hand, that would seem to give Webb plenty of time to be groomed behind Manning. The reality is, in the rapidly changing NFL, that doesn't mean he can just redshirt as a rookie.
The Giants signed Geno Smith, formerly a second-round bust of the crosstown Jets, to be the presumed No. 2. The problem is his new team so far has still only seen Smith in recovery mode from the torn ACL he suffered last October. Until he can go without limitations in training camp, Smith can't be counted on as immediate insurance for Manning.
Although Smith was attracted to the Giants because of their West Coast offense, with which he has some familiarity, he's still adjusting to a new playbook, same as Webb.
Webb got a crash course in the scheme away from the team facility. He also quickly found a good comfort level during OTAs and minicamp.
Webb can be comfortable, because he's not going anywhere. Smith should worry, given the fact the team also re-signed last year's third-stringer, journeyman Josh Johnson. He's one with the direct experience for McAdoo and behind Manning, and he's also healthy. Johnson is used to being a willing backup for several teams; Smith isn't.
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At one point, Webb's arm and athletic upside as a Cal transfer from Texas Tech had him in the conversation to be an early second- or even late first-round pick, but there were enough concerns about his mechanics, pocket presence and accuracy that he couldn't go to a team that needed a starter in 2017 or '18.
The Giants had the luxury to draft for his potential, and so far, Webb is doing and saying the right things. A big step for him in camp, regardless of Smith's health, would be improving consistently to pull even with the veteran.
Leading up to Week 1, it should surprise nobody if Johnson ends up second on the depth chart and Smith gets cut. But Johnson likely will not be needed to play; the real reserve to watch is Webb.
Nassib began his career with plenty of buildup, too. That was overblown to the point of him becoming a massive disappointment. Webb, even as a likely inactive third QB all season, can gain a lot of ground now to be Manning's successor down the road.
