NFL Draft 2012: 10 Backup Options for New York Giants QB Eli Manning

There are plenty of options at quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft that New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese could draft to back up Eli Manning. The Giants are definitely solidified at the quarterback position for the foreseeable future but are in need of a backup now, as David Carr is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Chances are the Giants won't spend a pick in the 2012 NFL draft on a quarterback but you never know with Reese the mastermind behind the helm.

Here are 10 quarterbacks that the Giants could snag in the 2012 draft to play second fiddle to Eli Manning. Let's just hope none of these players actually have to step in next season, as the absence of the two-time Super Bowl MVP would all but spell the end of the Giants chances.

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

Most of the second-tier quarterback prospects who are ranked higher than Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler will be gone by the time the Giants finish addressing their more pressing needs in the earlier rounds.

The 6'8" (yeah he's 6'8") Osweiler isn't as highly touted as prospects such as Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, B.J. Coleman and Nick Foles, but he racked up over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in his junior season before declaring for the draft.

He has a big arm and is at least semi-mobile in the pocket which would pair well with the Giants receiving corps.

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson is considered by many to be a great college quarterback, and that's all. He's a bit undersized like Drew Brees (who he's been compared to) but most draft analysts say this comparison is unwarranted.

He threw for 33 touchdowns and just four interceptions in his senior season after transferring from North Carolina State. He also rushed for 338 yards which establishes him as a threat to run when need be.

In his lone season with Wisconsin, he led the team to a Big Ten Title but suffered a loss in the Rose Bowl against Oregon in a shootout. He could be a good pick in a later round to backup Eli Manning for next season as he is hard-working and disciplined, two things the Giants front office loves.

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Darren Thomas surprised most experts when he chose to forgo his senior season and sign with agent Drew Rosenhaus. His stock is rising in the draft which means a team will likely pick him before the Giants can, but if not, they could really use him as a second-stringer.

He's decently sized at 6'3", 215 pounds and led the Ducks to a 12-2 record as well as a Rose Bowl victory against Wisconsin in 2012.

According to ESPN, Thomas told analyst Joe Schad that he can "offer leadership, [a] winning attitude, hard work and I can make big plays. I saw what Cam Newton did this year. He took his raw talent and made a spark. I can do those things, too."

Apparently he's pretty confident in his ability to perform at the next level which is a great sign, as confidence is vital to a young player's success.

Kellen Moore, Boise State

Kellen Moore had an astounding college career, throwing for 142 touchdowns and almost 15,000 yards. Those stats alone indicate that he should have at least a shot of being a successful quarterback at the next level.

However, he doesn't fit the prototypical NFL quarterback build as he stands at just 6'0", 190 pounds. He has a high football IQ but his weak arm and his small stature hurt his draft stock.

Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com contends that he hasn't done anything impressive enough in practice to be drafted in the first five rounds, which gives the Giants a change to pick him up in the last two rounds or possibly free agency.

Case Keenum, Houston

Many experts think that Keenum doesn't posses the physical tools to compete in the NFL. It's hard to make that case on the heels of his amazing senior season in which he threw for 5,631 yards, 48 touchdowns and only five picks.

Not to compare the two, but those are 2011 Aaron Rodgers type numbers.

According to longtime quarterback guru, Jerry Rhome, Keenan has much to offer. He said this in a recent FoxSports.com article:

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"You're looking for a player that can produce and play. This kid has produced and been a great player. He's got great accuracy. He's got plenty of arm strength. I laugh about it. I really laugh about it. I told everybody last year Andy Dalton is going to be the surprise of the NFL, and he is."

"

He played in a pass-happy offense for the Cougars, making him a good fit as a backup in a Giants offense that loves to throw the ball.

G.J. Kinne, Tulsa

G.J. Kinne followed up winning the 2010 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year by throwing for over 3,000 yards to go with 28 touchdowns. His touchdown total dropped from 31 in 2010 and he threw two more interceptions in 2011 than he did the year before.

Despite the small statistical hitch, Kinne was more efficient in his final season as he completed 63 percent of his passes, helping him to compile a 147.4 quarterback rating.

He was chosen for the All-Conference USA Second Team in 2011 while being surrounded by inexperienced receivers, indicating that he has a high upside and can work with what he's given.

There would be no such issue of inexperienced receivers should the Giants draft Kinne.

Dominique Davis, East Carolina

Dominique Davis regressed quite a bit from his junior season to his senior season. He threw for 700 fewer yards, 12 fewer touchdowns and three more interceptions in 2011 following his 3,967 yard, 37 touchdown campaign in 2010. However, he completed 67 percent of his passes, good for 15th in Division 1-A.

A statistical drop from junior year to senior year is never a good sign but he's known as a fierce competitor with ability for improvement. He also has good speed and is mobile in the pocket.

He's a Boston College transfer, and we all know how much Tom Coughlin loves Boston College athletes. That could make him a possible fit to play behind Eli Manning.

John Brantley, Florida

According to ESPN's Todd McShay, Florida quarterback John Brantley is unlikely to be selected in the 2012 draft but should be signed as a free agent. That could save the Giants some money if they decide they could use Brantley's services.

The 6'3", 219 pounder had a mediocre season on a mediocre Florida team, throwing for just 2,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. He throws a very catchable ball and experts say that he has a fluid throwing motion, unlike his predecessor Tim Tebow.

The last game of his college career ended in a victory against Ohio State in the Gator Bowl which should leave him wanting more in his NFL future.

Austin Davis, Southern Miss

Davis owns every passing record in Southern Miss history. Don't forget that Brett Favre played at M.M. Roberts stadium as well.

He was All-Conference USA Second Team in 2011 but played poorly in the Golden Eagles victory over Nevada in the Sheridan Hawaii Bowl en route to a 12-2 season.

His weak arm has hurt his draft stock thus far, but he looked very comfortable in the pocket throughout his career. If he is drafted, it won't be until the closing rounds of the draft, giving the Giants a chance to snatch him up once they get their more pressing needs out of the way.

Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois

Harnish is of pretty good size at 6'2", 220 pounds, which gives him a chance of being drafted by an NFL team. 

However, he played in a spread-style offense at Northern Illinois, raising an issue when he needs to throw the ball down the field. He's much more efficient in a short-route, quick-throw system, making him somewhat compatible with the Giants.

The Giants rely on a lot of catch-and-run big plays to Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham (if he returns) so Harnish could fit in well should Eli Manning go down in 2012.