Kyle Lauletta
It appears that Downingtown East graduate Kyle Lauletta will be following the footsteps of notable Chester County quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub to the National Football League, following his selection in the fourth round, Saturday by the New York Giants.
Lauletta, a star for Richmond, had been seen as a sleeper pick — many scouts compare him to San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo — who became a breakout player, following a strong performance at the Senior Bowl.
Lauletta, who starred for East in 2011 and 2012 as starting quarterback, older brother Trey started for the Cougars before Kyle and younger brother Bryce just completed his senior season behind center. Kyle became a three-year starter for Richmond after graduating from Downingtown East.
The Giants apparently became interested in Lauletta after he turned heads by being named MVP at the Senior Bowl — scouts raved about not only his game performance, but his strong practice and preparation during the week. Earlier this month, the Giants scheduled a private workout at Downingtown East for Lauletta.
While it seems highly likely that Lauletta will be on the Giants’ opening day roster, it is unlikely he will unseat veteran and two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning from the starting job. Lauletta will probably battle second-year QB Davis Webb — a 2017 3rd round pick — for the backup QB job in training camp.
Even if he wins the backup job, barring injury to Manning — who has never missed an NFL start due to injury in 14 seasons — it is unlikely Lauletta will play much in 2018. But, the no. 2 Qb does get more snaps in practice and whomever wins the battle, will get a leg up in development — important as neither Webb nor Lauletta has taken a regular season snap.
But, with a 37-year-old starting QB, the Giants drafted Lauletta with the idea of him having a chance to be Manning’s successor down the road.
