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Fact or Fiction: The biggest thing Russell Wilson brings to Giants

FACT-OR-FICTION-RUSSELL-WILSON

The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.

The biggest thing that Russell Wilson brings to the Giants is his leadership.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – I am going to focus on the play on the field. Russell Wilson brings an understanding of how to play quarterback in the NFL and raises the floor of the offense. He protects the ball, will not give the game away, and will execute the offense the way Brian Daboll wants. In addition to protecting the ball, he also is aggressive in getting the ball down the field and giving his receivers a chance to make plays, even if there is tight coverage, due to his superior ball placement. He might not be the same player he was when he won a Super Bowl, but the Giants will certainly score more points, and more consistently.

Matt Citak: Fiction – Wilson certainly brings a leadership aspect to the Giants that should provide the locker room with a boost. However, the biggest thing he brings to the team is his ability to throw the ball down field. Wilson enjoyed plenty of success last season with his "moon balls" as the veteran led all quarterbacks in completion rate on deep passes, while his passer rating on such throws ranked second. All of the Giants' wide receivers will likely benefit from Wilson's presence, but especially the deep threats like Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt.

The Giants are now less likely to draft a quarterback with their first pick.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – I am honestly on the fence here, but I ultimately landed on fiction because while there is less of an immediate need at quarterback, there is still a long-term question at the position. Neither Wilson nor Jameis Winston are secured on long-term contracts, and both are over 30-years-old. The Giants still need the next centerpiece of their franchise, and they need to find it in the draft at some point. They will select that player wherever they need to in order to acquire him. Could it not work out this year, especially at the third pick? Sure. But if the right guy is there, I have no doubt the Giants will do it.

Matt Citak: Fact – I want to preface this by saying I believe there is still a decent chance the Giants take a quarterback at No. 3 if Shedeur Sanders is on the board. But with the QB room now consisting of Wilson, Jameis Winston (who reportedly agreed to terms last week), and Tommy DeVito, taking a quarterback with their first pick is not as much of a necessity as it was a week ago. The Giants can now afford to take the best player available at No. 3, which could end up being Sanders, but could also be Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. So technically yes, I would say the chances of the Giants taking a quarterback at No. 3 did decrease, even if it was only slightly.

The Giants have signed 10x Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.

Malik Nabers benefits the most from the addition of Russell Wilson.

John Schmeelk: Fact – Malik Nabers is exceptional at not just winning vertically, but using his superior athleticism and body control to go up to make contested catches. Russell Wilson will give him those opportunities deep, and also get him the ball on time and on the move in the short areas of the field so he can quickly turn into a runner and make big plays with the ball in his hands. Take a look at how George Pickens' numbers jumped after Wilson took over in Pittsburgh last year. Nabers is a different type of receiver, but I expect a similar boost.

Matt Citak: Fiction – Go back to my first answer. Nabers certainly gets a boost with Wilson under center, but the biggest beneficiaries are easily Slayton and Hyatt. Wilson's ability to throw the ball down the field accurately should open things up for the team's two deep threats in a big way.

Three quarterbacks will be taken in the top half of the first round.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – I do not believe the Jaxson Dart top 15 hype. I don't think Shedeur Sanders gets out of the top ten, mostly because after Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter, I don't think there are any true blue chip prospects that would convince quarterback-needy teams to pass on him. It would not surprise me if Dart goes in the twenties, and keep an eye on Tyler Shough inside the top 40. A team may jump on his upside earlier than some people think.

Matt Citak: Fiction – Cam Ward now seems locked into the first overall pick, while it sounds like Shedeur Sanders shouldn't go more than a handful of picks later. That leaves Jaxson Dart. The Ole Miss quarterback will hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft, but I don't think it will be until the second half of the first round. However, quarterbacks always seem to rise as we get closer to the draft. Last year, I never would have guessed that both Michael Penix and Bo Nix would be selected in the top half of the first round. All it takes is one team, so while I think Dart will go in the bottom half of the first round, I wouldn't be surprised if I end up getting this one wrong.

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