The 2024 NFL Draft is just a couple weeks away and the New York Giants are on the clock in Round 1 with pick number 6. While the Giants have many needs at various positions, much has been made about the quarterback position and if New York should draft a successor to Daniel Jones.
General Manager, Joe Schoen, has been very transparent with the media and fans this offseason by telling us that if the Giants don’t draft a quarterback in the first round that does not mean they won’t take one in the later rounds. With John Mara on board and offering his full support behind Schoen and the front office, we expect that if the Giants need to make moves to go get “their guy” they will do so.
Predicting how the Giants draft will go is no easy task and no one knows exactly how it will play out when all is said and done. So, let’s look at my predictions for Rounds 1-3 and the various positions the Giants might address in the later rounds.
Nikki’s Draft Predictions Rounds 1-3
RD1 – Malik Nabers – Wide Receiver (LSU) The Giants have needed a true #1 wide receiver for quite some time now. Being ranked 30th in yards after the catch last season shows you just how much playmakers are needed on this team. Nabers is excellent after the catch, has an ability to run any route and creates separation which Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have both said they will go after wide receivers that can create separation.
RD2 – Bo Nix – Quarterback (Oregon) The heir apparent to Daniel Jones? Maybe. If you judge him by his tape at Auburn then no, but he improved quite a bit in his last two years at Oregon. Nix is an older and more experienced quarterback that can use his athleticism to make things happen, especially when the play starts to break down, but he gets knocked for his ability to let plays develop. He also needs a strong supporting cast around him to thrive, which the Giants don’t always provide but that could all change this year.
RD3 – Max Melton – Cornerback (Rutgers) Melton is a versatile player that fits at nickel or outside. Either way, his game is strong enough to compete for a starting role. At the Senior Bowl, Melton was the fastest in 1-on-1 drills, clocking in at 20.9 miles per hour. He has been praised for being a patient player with solid footwork and good recovery skills.
Giants Draft Position Needs Rounds 4-6
Tight End - The Giants could go in many different directions in the final rounds of the draft as they have several holes to fill, but with TE Darren Waller still undecided about his retirement they should consider one of the many pass-catching tight ends, such as Ben Sinnott or Theo Johnson who have both reportedly visited the Giants.
Running Back - We could also see the Giants draft a running back in the later rounds. With Saquon Barkley now in Philadelphia, that leaves the newly singed Devin Singletary to carry the load. Singletary is a nice addition but is no Saquon Barkley. The Giants also have Gary Brightwell and Eric Gray, so while running back may not be at the top of their list, it’s possible we see them address this position on day 3 to add some much needed depth.
Offensive Line - The one constant area where the Giants could always use help is the offensive line. Last season, the Giants offensive line gave up 85 sacks with only Andrew Thomas finishing with a grade of over 65. With a new offensive line coach in Carmen Bricillo and the additions of Jon Runyan Jr and Jermaine Eluemunor you can expect this line to finally have a new look and feel. The Giants hosted left tackle Giovanni Manu for a Top 30 visit and Jordan Schultz reported that half the league was in attendance for his pro day. Manu, who’s nickname is “Baby Shaq” is a beast at 6’8 and 352lbs, running a 4.96 in the 40-yard dash. Projected to go in the later rounds of the draft, he could be an absolute steal for the Giants if they get him.
The NFL Draft will take place from April 25 - April 27 in Detroit, Michigan with round one kicking off live at 8PM on Thursday night. Stay tuned as the JSN team brings you all of the latest draft coverage for the Jets and Giants!
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- Say hello to our new Nabers - April 26, 2024
