Giants GM Dave Gettleman is widely known as being an old-school leader in the front office. His general mindset on how to build a team mixed with comments like "computer folks" during the NFL Draft a couple years back makes it that way.
But is he actually just duping all of us to think he isn't a modernized GM? That's what Bills GM Brandon Beane was saying during Barstool Sports' Pardon My Take on Friday.
From 2013-2016, Beane worked with the Carolina Panthers while Gettleman was their GM, which is why he said not to underestimate him. So the picture above of Gettleman in front of his work-from-home "war room" with a laptop and giant binder of paper could just be there to fool everyone.
And if that's the case, he's done a great job.
"Can't trust him. Dave's smart, man," Beane said. "He's throwing all the curve balls out there. He's actually pretty tech savvy. Don't let him fool you in all seriousness."
Before you ask, yes, Beane said that with a straight face.
Video: Gettleman on Isaiah Simmons and trading No. 4 pick
Gettleman's moves since taking over the Giants in 2018 have been subject to ridicule -- the Leonard Williams trade last season and a few free agent signings like Jonathan Stewart come to mind. But that doesn't mean he isn't up with the times.
Gettleman seems to have found the Giants' new franchise quarterback in Daniel Jones after staying true to his analysis last year, and taking him with the sixth overall pick. He's also been stocking up on young defenders that still need some work but have potential, and made some smart and bold free agent moves this offseason like James Bradberry and Blake Martinez.
There's also a Super Bowl track record that Gettleman has. Think about the Panthers' run in 2015 when they ultimately fell to the Broncos in Super Bowl 50. He also holds two Giants rings from Super Bowls XLII and XLVI for his role in the front office in those seasons.
So, while Gettleman's wise-old-sage metaphors and values about how to build a team are expressed to the media, that may just be a facade at the end of the day. That's why Beane, and maybe more GMs across the league, won't be underestimating what he'll do come Thursday during the 2020 NFL Draft.