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In the middle of a discussion on Twitter about quarterback prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft class former NFL scout and current draft analyst Russ Lande dropped what has to be considered a bombshell in regards to New York Giants' quarterback Ryan Nassib.
"This week I had a higher up in NFL tell me none of this year's QBs are as good as Nassib," Lande tweeted.
Wow!
Nassib better than Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles, all of whom could go in the top 10 picks? Better than Derek Carr, also a likely first-rounder? Better than possible Day 2 picks A.J. McCarron, Jimmy Garappolo and Zach Mettenberger?
As a draft analyst Lande has always been noted for being willing to break from the pack in terms of his player evaluations. This seems like amazingly high praise for the former Syracuse quarterback, taken in the fourth round (110th overall) by the Giants last season. The Giants traded up for Nassib, sending their fourth-round pick (116th overall) and sixth-round pick (187th overall) to the Arizona Cardinals.
Nassib was erratic in training camp and the preseason a year ago, completing just 7-of-19 passes (36.8 percent). He was the Giants' No. 3 quarterback and was inactive for all 16 regular-season games.
The hope for the Giants this season has to be that Nassib shows enough development to become the backup for Eli Manning, allowing the Giants to carry only two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. Beyond that, whether Nassib ends up with a long-term future in New York or becomes a trade chip remains to be seen.
Lande's statement, though, certainly does make you pay attention.
Your thoughts, Giants' fans?
