Projected by many to be replaced by celebrated signee Arch Manning, Ewers instead showed off the accuracy and grit scouts expect of a future NFL starter, improving from a 58.1% completion rate to 69% with an impressive 37-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his two seasons in Austin.
The Giants showed some faith in Daniel Jones recapturing his 2022 form off his torn ACL this season by passing on the quarterbacks still on the board at No. 6 last week (although they reportedly tried to trade up for one of the top three passers). But things could change by this time next year, especially since there will be no more guaranteed money on Jones' contract.
Beck is one of the most talented QBs in the country, as he finished the 2023 season with a 72.4% completion rate (fourth best in FBS) and an 86 QBR (fifth). He was actually QB4 on my Hot Board at the end of last season and trending toward top-50 pick status before announcing that he'd return for his senior season.
If Daniel Jones fails to prove he can stay healthy and be a franchise QB next season, the G-Men can release him with a June 1 designation and save $30.5 million, according to Over the Cap. The only quarterbacks more valuable than Beck last season, according to Pro Football Focus, were three Heisman finalists (Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix). Beck is a precision passer with good pocket presence.
Like Campbell at LSU, Banks immediately became the starting left tackle as a true freshman and took another jump last season as a sophomore. The Longhorns offense lost several weapons, but its offensive line will be an important strength in front of QB Quinn Ewers in 2024.
The first quarterback comes off the board. Beck's 91.5 grade in 2023 ranked fourth among college football quarterbacks. He plays with precise timing and accuracy and could be New York's quarterback of the future with Daniel Jones seemingly on his last legs there.
Shedeur Sanders was excellent in his first season at Colorado, with a 27-3 TD-interception ratio and 3,230 yards. He has a lot of the tools needed to be a top pick at the quarterback position. It would help his draft stock if he used his legs more frequently, but he is a hyper-accurate passer (69.3 percent in 2023) who plays with confidence.
Unlike this point last year with Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, there's no quarterback out there who looks to be a surefire top-five pick. Beck, however, might be the front-runner to be the highest signal-caller taken — and therefore in the mix for No. 1. The 6-4, 220-pound passer stepped into his first year as a starter and took command, throwing for 3,941 yards while completing nearly 73% of his passes.
Beck's arm strength can help bring back a big-play element that has long been absent for New York with Daniel Jones at the helm. But the Georgia standout is also a precise and on-schedule operator, which should allow him to form a potent connection with 2024 first-round receiver Malik Nabers, an electric threat after the catch.
With an off ramp to Jones' contract available after this season, Big Blue could end up moving quickly to admit fault on the extension and change course. Beck might make for an attractive option to which the team could pivot, especially after reports that the team made a serious push to try to move up for Drake Maye.
JT Tuimoloau can take over games at times with his high motor, athleticism and flashes of speed to power. He'll need to play with more consistency in 2024, but he has a chance to be special.
