The New York Giants didn’t pick a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft, but they are still adding talent at football's most important position. Nathan Rourke.
He's rejoining the Giants after two previous tryouts, as reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, who explained Rourke was picked up off waivers from the New England Patriots on Wednesday, May 7.
Rourke was a standout in the Canadian Football League, following a successful college career at Ohio. As a dual-threat QB for the Bobcats, Rourke was responsible for 109 touchdowns in three seasons, 60 through the air and 49 on the ground, according to Sports Reference.
The Giants first tried utilizing Rourke's explosive skills by shifting him to wide receiver in 2021, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. While Rourke's attempt at the team's rookie minicamp didn't work out four years ago, Duggan mentioned the Giants “also had him in for a workout late in the 2022 season.”
This time, Rourke will have the opportunity to compete for a place on a depth chart led by veterans Daniel Jones and Drew Lock. This means Rourke is likely to vie with last season's cult hero Tommy DeVito for the third-string job.
Nathan Rourke an Intriguing Athlete for Giants
Rourke's ability to make big plays with his arm and legs is intriguing for the Giants and aligns with the scheme head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have in place for Jones.
Daboll and Kafka will value plays like the throw Rourke made on the run for the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Dallas Cowboys last preseason.
Brief stints with the Jags and Patriots show Rourke has found it difficult to succeed in the NFL, but his raw skills offer potential. To reach that potential, Rourke will need to tap into what made him dominant in Canada.
His achievements included matching a CFL record by scoring five touchdowns in one half while playing for the BC Lions back in 2022.
Convincing the Giants of his worth won't be easy, but the fact that this regime is willing to give the player another chance speaks volumes about his talents.
Giants Still Have QB Questions
Jones remains crucial to the Giants' season, but his future relies on more than a few things, such as his ability to stay healthy and protect the football.
Both things have been challenges Jones has found too difficult to overcome previously. Yet, he won’t have much time to finally get things right this season.
Not with Lock waiting in the wings. More than a few observers believe Lock can take the starting job from Jones, including Football Gameplan owner Emory Hunt, who told theRoss Tucker Football Podcast,” he believes “Lock will end up winning that job.”
Lock’s arm strength could give him the inside track, but Jones won’t relinquish his status without a fight. His recovery from a torn ACL should maintain mobility as a key facet of the offense, something that could also keep Rourke in the mix.
