Key Takeaways:
– Nathan Rourke has been claimed off waivers by The New York Giants.
– Rourke, who excelled in the Canadian Football League, will be pitted against the Giants veterans Daniel Jones and Drew Lock.
– Rourke’s skills, including his ability to make big plays with his limbs, match the play style of the Giants’ head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
– The start position of the Giants’ season seems to depend on Jones’ health and ball protection, with Drew Lock waiting in the wings.
The New York Giants… A QB Boost
In the recent 2024 NFL draft, the New York Giants didn’t pick a quarterback. Nevertheless, the team has enhanced its talent in this pivotal football position by bringing back Nathan Rourke, a previous tryout who was procured off waivers from the New England Patriots. This move was initially reported by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network on May 7, 2024.
Nathan Rourke’s Football Journey
In his tenure with the CFL following an impressive collegiate stint at Ohio, Rourke was nothing short of a star. As a dual-threat QB for the Bobcats, he racked up a staggering 109 touchdowns over three seasons, 60 airborne and 49 on the ground, as per Sports Reference.
Back in 2021, the Giants saw potential in Rourke’s explosive abilities and experimented with him as a wide receiver, reports Dan Duggan of The Athletic. However, despite his talent being unshakable, Rourke’s trials at the rookie minicamp four years ago didn’t quite stick, leading to another workout later in the 2022 season.
Battle for the Third-String Spot
Rourke now faces a tough competition with last season’s sweetheart, Tommy DeVito, for the third-string job position. This comes after being dropped by the Patriots and being claimed off waivers by the Giants. This same Giants team already houses veterans Daniel Jones and Drew Lock, one of whom is expected to be at the top of the depth chart.
Squeezing into the Giants’ Game Plan
Rourke’s capacity to make a significant impact with both his arm and his legs is particularly appealing to the Giants. His versatility aligns perfectly with the strategy established for Jones by head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
Brief stints with the Jaguars and Patriots prove that Rourke has indeed found transitioning into the NFL a challenge. Still, the potential in his unrefined skills is glaring. To make the most out of his talent, he will need to replicate the driving force that saw him thrive in Canada, including matching his record-setting performance of scoring five touchdowns in a half for the BC Lions back in 2022.
Question Marks Still Surrounding QB Position
While Jones continues to be a focal point of the Giants’ season, his future largely depends on his health and ability to secure the ball. Both aspects have proven challenging for Jones, with Lock ready to pick up where he leaves off.
Lock’s powerful arm might be his ticket to the starting role, if Jones can effectively rebound from a torn ACL and preserve his mobility. This crisis could potentially provide a window of opportunity for Rourke, as mobility remains a substantial component of the Giants’ offense.