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One of my favorite questions to pose to a writer covering the New York Giants upcoming opponent is which player he would like to take off the Giants’ roster and put on his team.
I have, honestly, always hated the rare occasions when that question was turned around on me. This season, though, I thought it would be fun to dive into the question of which opposing player would help the current Giants the most.
It’s hypothetical, sure. It could, though, lead to some interesting discussions. Some interesting “what if?” scenarios about the construction of the Giants. So, we will dive into it.
The Giants’ Week 1 opponent is the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, which Steeler player would help the most if he could magically be transported into a Giants’ uniform. In case you need it, here is the Steelers’ roster.
There is an argument to be made for wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Entering his fourth season, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound 23-year-old already has 211 receptions. The last time Ben Roethlisberger was healthy and the Pittsburgh quarterback situation wasn’t a total mess, which was 2018, Smith-Schuster posted 111 receptions for 1,467 yards and 7 touchdowns. He would look really good catching passes from Daniel Jones for the next few seasons.
There is an argument to be made for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick after he earned First-Team All-Pro honors following his trade to the Steelers last season. Fitzpatrick is 23 and entering just his third season in what should be a long, productive NFL career.
You might be able to make an argument for Devin Bush, the linebacker Pittsburgh drafted in the first round a season ago. He had 109 tackles while making the NFL All-Rookie Team.
For me, though, the answer is obvious.
T.J. Watt
A 25-year-old edge rusher with 27.5 sacks over the past two season and 34.5 in his three-year career? A player who has forced 14 fumbles (watch out, Daniel Jones!) over the past two seasons? Yes, please! The Giants could certainly one of those. Steelers’ fans have certainly enjoyed watching Watt create those fumbles.
@steelers @_TJWatt helped the #Steelers in takeaways in 2019. What team will lead in #NFL2020? Who is emphasizing it the most, practicing the techniques and going to take it to the field in 8 days? I am studying it every week ONLY in #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/H5aQqei47C
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 3, 2020
The Giants actually could have had Watt in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Steelers picked him 30th overall. The Giants took Evan Engram 23rd. Nothing wrong with that pick, of course, except Engram hasn’t been able to stay on the field enough to showcase how truly talented he really is.
Shoot, the Giants could have had Smith-Schuster, too. The Steelers took him 62nd overall in that same draft while the Giants selected defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson 55th. How’s for a draft haul? Watt and Smith-Schuster as your first two picks?
Anyway, enough crying over spilt milk. Vote in the poll and let us know which Steelers’ player you would put in a Giants’ uniform if you could.
Poll
Which Steelers’ player would you most like to see as a Giant?
This poll is closed
-
3%
JuJu Smith-Schuster
-
82%
T.J. Watt
-
6%
Devin Bush
-
6%
Minkah Fitzpatrick
-
0%
Someone else (explain in comments, please)