The Giants may get their chance to draft a franchise quarterback this spring.
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins officially declared for the NFL draft on Monday after just one season of playing at the collegiate level.
Haskins, who set multiple program and Big Ten passing records this season and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, announced his decision with a statement on Twitter.
"God has blessed me with an opportunity to go achieve another dream. The NFL," he said. "After many thoughts and prayers with family and close friends, I have decided to declare for the 2019 NFL draft."
They say that dreams come true
- Dwayne Haskins, Jr🌹 (@dh_simba7) January 7, 2019
and when they do, that there's a beautiful thing... Scarlet & Gray Forever #BuckeyeNation #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/ngHQfLq8C7
Haskins, 21, is rated as the top quarterback in the draft class by ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. He could also become the first Big Ten quarterback drafted in the first round since Kerry Collins in 1995.
Quarterbacks who have turned pro after just one year of college have had mixed results.
Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky was the most recent to do it in 2017. Cardale Jones, Brock Osweiler, Cam Newton and Mark Sanchez are among others to follow that path.
The Giants have the No. 6 overall pick and the teams ahead of them -- the Cardinals, 49ers, Jets, Raiders and Buccaneers -- all appear to be set at quarterback, at least for the moment, which would put the Giants in prime position to draft Haskins if they are interested and he is still available.
GM Dave Gettleman was non-committal toward Eli Manning's future at his end-of-the-year press conference last week, raising further speculation that the Giants will acquire a quarterback, either through the draft, free agency or trade.
Haskins grew up in New Jersey before moving to Maryland while in high school and has said "it would be pretty nice" if the Giants drafted him.