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2024 NFL Draft

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Experts grade 2024 New York Giants Draft Class

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The 2024 NFL Draft is officially complete.

The Giants wrapped up the weekend with six selections, split evenly between offense and defense. Before we get into what NFL analysts are saying, here is a recap of the Giants' full 2024 draft class:

  • Round 1, No. 6 - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
  • Round 2, No. 47 (from SEA) - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
  • Round 3, No. 70 - Dru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
  • Round 4, No. 107 - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
  • Round 5, No. 166 (from SF through CAR) - Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
  • Round 6, No. 183 - Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

View photos from the college careers of all six members of the New York Giants 2024 Draft Class.

2024 Draft Class

Grade: A (5th in the NFL)

Analysis: "First-round WR Malik Nabers (LSU) should be a field-flipping asset to Jones and/or whomever eventually replaces him. Third-round Kentucky CB Dru Phillips will compete against anybody. Some second-round maneuvering over the past few months netted highly regarded Minnesota S Tyler Nubin and former Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns, who's already signed an extension and now bookends Kayvon Thibodeaux. Solid-plus."

Grade: A-

Analysis: "The former LSU pass catcher is speed personified, giving the team a much-needed no. 1 receiver to build the offense around. The team then turned around on Day 2 and bolstered its secondary, grabbing my top-ranked safety Tyler Nubin in the second round before adding feisty cornerback Andru Phillips in the third. Both could start from the get-go. In the fourth round, New York selected a highly athletic tight end in Theo Johnson, who is raw but well built and versatile and provides depth if and when Darren Waller retires. I liked the Tyrone Tracy addition in the fifth round, too—the former receiver-turned-running back who adds an explosive element to the team's running backs group and gives the team a potential change-of-pace and pass-catching option on third downs."

Grade: A-

Analysis: "Nabers — The Giants were linked to several of the quarterbacks in the draft process. Instead of packaging picks to move up or sticking at No. 6 to bring in J.J. McCarthy, they bring an explosive receiver into a receiving corps in need of talent. Nabers recorded 44 receptions of 20-plus yards over his last two seasons, second-most among FBS wide receivers.

Nubin — PFF's top-ranked safety prospect, Nubin is versatile and impactful. He can be moved all over the secondary and handle the role, as he possesses a high-level football IQ and can stop the run with instincts to cover on the back end. Nubin sported a career-best 90.1 coverage grade in 2023 (first among Power Five safeties) and allowed a 33.0 passer rating in coverage from 2021 to 2023.

Phillips — The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round of last year's draft and now add more youth to that group early in the third round this year. His career-best 23 defensive stops led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023, and his 72.9 PFF coverage grade was also the best mark of his career.

Johnson — Since 2022, Johnson generated a Big Ten-best 146.6 passer rating when targeted. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed 669 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Tracy — Tracy is a good athlete — he recorded a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump — and should add some explosiveness to a backfield led by Devin Singletary. Despite being a six-year player in college, Tracy has only one season at running back, and he forced 46 missed tackles on just 114 carries in that 2023 season.

Muasau — A well-rounded linebacker, Muasau racked up 137 run stops since 2019 between Hawaii and UCLA in addition to providing value in pressure packages, with 107 total pressures in that time. Likely a core special teamer, Muasau has the football intelligence and tackling ability to hold up in a rotational role in a pinch."

Grade: A-

Analysis: "The Giants hit a home run with Malik Nabers and then added four more players with starter potential. Fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. has just one year of experience at running back but was immediately productive and explosive. He could challenge for snaps immediately given New York's backfield depth chart."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Nubin and Phillips were fair value in the secondary, where the team needed more talent. Johnson will be an excellent fourth-round pick if he can fully translate his athleticism to the field. Tracy is an offensive weapon in the making, whether at running back or receiver. Muasau will be a starter in the league despite being picked in the sixth."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "The Giants' theme was pinpointing big-time athletes in this class. Nabers was my WR1, so fine start there. Phillips was one of the most impressive plant-and-drive corner in the class, and Johnson was the most athletic tight end with his best football in front of him. Tracy can threaten Devin Singletary for the RB1 and, if he can shore up his tackling, Muasau's play-recognition skills are spectacular. He beats blockers with relative ease, too."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Malik Nabers is the receiver they've needed for quite some time now and they found a solid replacement for Xavier McKinney in Tyler Nubin. Theo Johnson is a smart draft pick in response to Darren Waller being unsure about his future. The Giants might not have been able to make the splash they wanted to make, but they should feel pretty good about where they stand."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Malik Nabers is the most explosive wide receiver [Jones has] had while with the franchise, and Day 3 picks Theo Johnson and Tyrone Tracy Jr. bolster the offense in their own unique ways. The playmakers selected in the secondary on Day 2 should have an immediate and apparent impact, but it was somewhat surprising to see the Giants come away from the NFL's annual selection event without adding any form of offensive line upgrades."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "WR Malik Nabers (6) fills a major void. Boosted the secondary on Day 2 with S Tyler Nubin (47) and CB Andru Phillips (70). RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. is raw but has potential."

Favorite value picks by round: Round 3 - Dru Phillips

Favorite Pick: Theo Johnson

Analysis: "Johnson is the ideal Day 3 pick. The 6-6, 259-pounder has elite size, speed and athleticism. His scouting report is similar to Darren Waller's in 2015. That's fitting since the Giants have to be planning for Johnson to replace Waller, who is contemplating retirement. Johnson slipped to the fourth round because his college production was underwhelming, but late bloomers are common at tight end. Johnson's traits suggest he could develop into a better pro than a college player." -- Dan Duggan

Day 1

Round 1, No. 6 - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Grade: A+

Analysis: "I love this pick for the Giants. It says they didn't believe in the quarterbacks who were left and now they get a playmaker on the outside. This kid will be a star."

Grade: A

Analysis: "With all due respect to fellow top-10 talents Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze, Nabers is the most electric receiver in this class, possessing an exceptional combination of burst, elusiveness and breakaway speed."

Grade: A

Analysis: "Nabers is an electric playmaker and arguably this class' most dangerous ball carrier in space. An incredibly smooth and explosive athlete with great ball skills, Nabers was an instant contributor in the SEC for LSU and made 161 catches (playing with Jayden Daniels) the last two seasons. There were some scouts who had Nabers ranked ahead of Harrison — he's that good."

Grade: A

Analysis: "In most other years, LSU's Malik Nabers would have been the clear-cut WR1. However, he's in the same class as Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. Nabers is far from a consolation prize, though. He's ready to be the focal point of an NFL passing attack from Day 1... Nabers is a true No.1 target. He's insta-juice to the lineup. His presence will completely change the dynamic of a Giants pass-catching corps that previously lacked explosiveness."

View the best photos from the collegiate career of wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Grade: A

Analysis: "The Giants have been heavily linked to receivers over the past few months, and it came down to a choice between LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze. New York opted for the more explosive of the two: Nabers, who is my second-ranked wide receiver and my no. 5 player overall, is absolutely electric, both when running routes deep or reeling in quick passes and running away from the defense. He's the type of playmaker and field-tilter that Daniel Jones and the Giants offense needs to get back on track."

Grade: A

Analysis: "The Giants go back to the first-round wide receiver well 10 years after taking Odell Beckham Jr. out of LSU with another special big-time explosive playmaker. Nabers has the speed and quickness of a true No. 1 they have been missing for Daniel Jones. Nabers is versatile to deliver outside or in the slot, stretching the field or running well after the catch and be the new Stefon Diggs for offensive-minded coach Brian Daboll."

Grade: A

Analysis: "Malik Nabers gives the New York Giants the best receiving talent they've had since Odell Beckham Jr."

Grade: A-

Analysis: "Nabers is electric both as a downfield target and a run-after-catch threat, and he can take much of the pressure off [Daniel] Jones as the quarterback works his way back from an injury-shortened campaign."

Grade: A-

Analysis: "He's a big play waiting to happen, and despite a little bit of a vibey route running repertoire, he can instantly provide some juice into the offense."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Nabers' quickness off the line, tight routes, strong hands and electric moves after the catch remind me of another former LSU wideout the Giants selected in the first round (10 years ago, in fact). If Nabers proves agile enough to win against NFL cornerbacks at the top of the route, he could become one of the league's best receivers in time."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Nabers is a top-three talent at receiver in this class alongside Harrison and Odunze. In 2022, Nabers had 72 receptions and 1,017 yards. In 2023, Nabers ascended to All-America status with 89 catches, 1,569 yards and 14 scores, helping Jayden Daniels earn Heisman Trophy honors. At 200 pounds, Nabers is a big, physical receiver who can win in a variety of ways."

Grade: Very Good

Analysis: "The Giants were linked to several of the quarterbacks in the draft process. Instead of packaging picks to move up or sticking at No. 6 to bring in J.J. McCarthy, they bring an explosive receiver into a receiving corps in need of talent. Nabers recorded 44 receptions of 20-plus yards over his last two seasons, second-most among FBS wide receivers."

Overall Value: Bargain

Analysis: "Nabers brings an electrifying presence to the Giants. New York showed that they believe in Daniel Jones under center and got him a true WR1. Nabers led the country in receiving yards per game last season (120.7), and he can play in the slot -- where he caught 1,009 yards last season (fourth-most in the FBS) -- or outside for the Giants. He will team up with Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson to give this team a young trio to build around."

Additional analysis from ESPN's Steve Muench: "Marvin Harrison Jr. is the top receiver on the board, but Nabers had the same grade and is third overall for me. The value and the Giants' need at the position make this an outstanding pick."

Grade: 1st Round (3rd Overall)

Analysis: "A three-year starter at LSU, Nabers was the leading receiver in offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock's spread scheme, splitting his sn aps 50-50 between outside and the slot. Of all the talented wide receivers that have gone through Baton Rouge, Nabers stan ds alone in both catches (189) and receiving yards (3,003), and in 2023 he led the FBS in receiving yards per game (120.7). An explosive play creator (led the FBS with 34 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023), Nabers uses his gliding speed to consistently win on slot fades or one-on-one vertical routes. His favorite play in the playbook is the jet sweep (his 7 -on-7 highlights from high school are legendary). He also can win underneath as a snatch-and-run target and will continue to ascend as he develops his finishing skills and route discipline. Overall, Nabers has only average size/strength, but he offers dynamic potential, because of his ability to accelerate/decelerate on command and always make himself available with his athletic catch-point skills. He projects as a playmaking receiver in the NFL."

Day 2

Round 2, No. 47 (from SEA) - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Grade: A

Analysis: "Maybe the most underrated player in the draft, Nubin was both a solid coverage safety and a tremendous tackler at Minnesota. He will step in immediately for Xavier McKinney and thrive. With 43 starts at Minnesota, Nubin was experienced and highly respected. He finished his career with a school-record 13 interceptions and 24 passes defended, as well as 207 tackles. He's a Day 1 starter."

Grade: A

Analysis: "Tyler Nubin is a fantastic deep ballhawk. The Giants now have an ideal safety tandem to hold down the back end of the unit. New York will benefit from his range and overall presence."

Grade: A

Analysis: "Former Minnesota Gophers prospect Antoine Winfield Jr. is now a first-team All-Pro and one of the NFL's best safeties. Tyler Nubin was a better all-around player than Winfield was at Minnesota. The mention of Winfield's name isn't to unfairly place a high-end comp on Nubin. Instead, it's meant to provide context... In a fascinating run of top prospects at devalued positions, the first safety is now off the board to the New York Giants. Nubin can immediately slot into the spot left by Xavier McKinney, who signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency."

Grade: A

Analysis: "The Giants didn't waste time replacing free-agent departure Xavier McKinney. Nubin is easily the best impact safety in this class with his versatility and explosiveness."

Grade: Elite

Analysis: "PFF's top-ranked safety prospect, Nubin is versatile and impactful. He can be moved all over the secondary and handle the role, as he possesses a high-level football IQ and can stop the run with instincts to cover on the back end. Nubin sported a career-best 90.1 coverage grade in 2023 (first among Power Five safeties) and allowed a 33.0 passer rating in coverage from 2021 to 2023."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Nubin is the first safety off the board, and he helps the Giants replace Xavier McKinney. The Minnesota product played five years with the Golden Gophers, amassing 13 interceptions."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "While he wasn't my top safety in the class, Nubin is a really good fit for the Giants' defense and coordinator Shane Bowen. Nubin is instinctive and smart on the back end of the defense, and while he tends to go a little wild as a tackler, he fits right into where Xavier McKinney left."

Analysis: "Letting free agent Xavier McKinney sign with the Packers created a void at safety, and 30-year-old free agent signing Jalen Mills isn't the long-term answer. Nubin should compete for and win a starting job as a rookie."

Round 3, No. 70 - Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

Grade: A

Analysis: "One of the most versatile corners in the draft, Phillips can play inside or outside — and even safety, if need be. A very physical, hyper-competitive player who will find a way to get on the field immediately, Phillips boasts a 42-inch vertical leap and plays with terrific speed. He's also a very mature youngster from a high-achieving family. An easy favorite among the Day 2 cornerbacks."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "New York continues to overhaul its secondary, which was needed. Andru Phillips brings a great, pro-ready skill set. He'll unlock more versatile looks for the unit."

Grade: Good

Analysis: "The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round of last year's draft and now add more youth to that group early in the third round this year. His career-best 23 defensive stops led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023, and his 72.9 PFF coverage grade was also the best mark of his career."

Analysis: "An ascending cornerback who excelled at the 2024 Senior Bowl, Phillips joins fellow rookie Tyler Nubin for a new-look secondary in New York one year after the team drafted Deonte Banks in the first round. Phillips has proven he can play slot cornerback or split out wide -- with his snap count in college equally split between the two. He's a proven zone coverage corner coming out of the Kentucky defense and fits the mold of new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen's scheme."

Day 2 overall

Minnesota S Tyler Nubin (Round 2, No. 47) and Kentucky CB Dru Phillips (Round 3, No. 70)

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Despite average athleticism testing, Nubin was picked over Jaden Hicks and Javon Bullard to replace Xavier McKinney because of his strong tackling and nose for the ball. Phillips earned a top 75 grade with his aggressive coverage skills, meeting a big need for the Giants."

Teams Trending Up: New York Giants

Analysis: "New York landed PFF's top-ranked safety prospect at 47th overall in Tyler Nubin out of Minnesota. Nubin's high-level football intelligence allows him to move all over the secondary and make an impact, whether it's vs the pass or the run. He allowed a passer rating of 33.0 in coverage when targeted from 2021 to 2023. In round three, the Giants continued to build up their secondary with Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips, who brings a level of physicality you love to see out of a defensive back. He is most effective when playing in press coverage, and his 23 defensive stops were a career-best and led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023."

Most Improved Units: New York Giants Secondary

Analysis: "New York continues to pour resources into its secondary, and the team ended up with good value on Day 2. Tyler Nubin was the top-ranked safety on PFF's big board (31st overall), coming off three consecutive seasons with a PFF grade of at least 70.0 on 500-plus defensive snaps. He should fit well in Shane Bowen's new defense, which will allow him to move around in different roles. Safety was a clear area of need after Xavier McKinney departed in free agency, and bringing in Nubin here is a reasonable way to address that. Andru Phillips will also have an opportunity to see the field early in his career opposite 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks (or in the slot). Phillips is a physical cornerback who looked comfortable in press coverage at Kentucky and graded out in the 75th percentile at the position in single coverage last season."

Day 3

Round 4, Pick No. 107 - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Elite tester. Huge frame with intimidating length. Was low-volume option at Penn State but has the explosive chops to become a better receiver in the pros. Ironically not a great blocker despite his towering, filled-out body type. Has just enough short-area quickness to separate on occasion in the NFL. Easy drops on film but counters with contested catches."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "The 6'6", 259-pound target is a supreme athlete, with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical and 4.19-second short shuttle. The New York Giants' quest to get more explosive on offense continues with Johnson's selection. With Darren Waller undecided about whether he plans to play this season, this is a vital pickup at this point in the draft. Johnson may not have been highly productive, but he screams future starter and is another threat in the receiving game to help quarterback Daniel Jones."

Analysis: "A three-year starter at Penn State, Johnson was a versatile tight end in former offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich's RPO-based scheme, splitting his time between inline (47.9 percent), slot (38.8 percent) and wide (9.8 percent)... Johnson is quick off the ball and builds his speed downfield, giving his quarterback a big tar get with his size, strong hands and athletic catch radius. As a blocker, he doesn't embarrass himself but needs to better understand leverage and develop more of a glass-chewing mentality. Overall, Johnson has inconsistent college tape and production, but he has A-plus measurements and smooth athletic tools that could allow him to continue developing and become a better pro than college player. Although he is a work in progress, he is a worthy long-term investment for an NFL team."

Analysis: "Johnson's statistical production didn't match his talent at Penn State, but he has the traits to be more productive in the NFL. He put on a show at the combine, where he ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash out of the tight ends (4.57). He flashes the ability to make plays down the seam and averaged 16.4 yards per catch in 2022. Johnson is a big target with long arms and big hands to snatch the ball out of the air. He has the frame to cover up defenders in space, too, and he's a competitive in-line blocker -- and can get even better there if he improves his technique."

Analysis: "Johnson opened eyes at the Senior Bowl, being featured more as a receiver there than he often was at Penn State. His long, athletic frame makes him something of a Logan Thomas-like prospect and a good understudy to Darren Waller -- if he plays this year."

Round 5, No. 166 (from SF through CAR) - Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue

Grade: A

Analysis: "Former Iowa WR turned Purdue RB. Incredible bounce and agility to make defenders miss when they're ready to make the tackle. Some breakaway speed too. Contact balance is good, not great. At times seems tentative hitting the hole but has the goods to make more than what's blocked. Older prospect who's new to the position."

Grade: Very Good

Analysis: "Tracy is a good athlete — he recorded a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump — and should add some explosiveness to a backfield led by Devin Singletary. Despite being a six-year player in college, Tracy has only one season at running back, and he forced 46 missed tackles on just 114 carries in that 2023 season."

Analysis: "Tracy moved from receiver to running back in 2023 and showed promise at his new position. He is strong and quick, and he can make defenders miss in the hole. His vision and patience aren't quite there yet, but his reads and decisiveness should get better with added experience at the position. Tracy can separate from linebackers and produce after the catch, and he even steps up and competes in pass protection. In addition to his experience playing receiver and running back, he returned a kickoff for a touchdown in 2023 and made six solo tackles over the past two seasons."

Analysis: "A converted wideout, Tracy shifted to the backfield last year and did well with the opportunity, averaging a stout 6.3 yards per carry. If Malachi Corley is the Deebo SamuelLite of this class, then Tracy is sort of the Corley Lite. I expect Tracy to be used extensively as a receiver out of the backfield."

View the best photos from the collegiate career of running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Round 6, No. 183 - Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

Grade: A-

Analysis: "No-hesitation off-ball LB with length deficiency. Quicker than fast but plays with good speed because of how fast he reacts to what he sees happening. Unafraid to meet blockers in the hole and give them a jolt. Average ball skills and tackling soundness. Feels like someone who can outplay draft position."

Analysis: "A two-year starter at UCLA, Muasau played Mike linebacker in former defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's 4-2-5 base scheme. After three productive seasons at Hawaii, he led the Bruins in tackles in both of his seasons in Westwood and has an impressive collegiate resume — he played in every game the last five years and compiled 440 tackles and 40.0 tackles for loss. A quick-reacting defender, Muasau has the vision that gives him a head start on the play, which expands his lateral range and helps him make stops near the line of scrimmage. He is aware in short-zone coverage, although he lacks the movement skills to stay connected to backs or tight ends in man coverage."

Analysis: "Muasau led UCLA in tackles each of the past two seasons (67 in 2023), and he led Hawaii in tackles each of the previous two seasons. He can beat blockers to the point of attack and slip blocks with active hands. He also reads the quarterback well and plucks the ball out of the air; he picked off three passes over the past two seasons. Muasau has the short-area quickness to compete in underneath man coverage, and he has the motor and toughness to contribute on special teams."

Analysis: "Muasau reminded me a bit of former Vikings LB Kentrell Brothers, a short but stout hitter and playmaker around the line of scrimmage whose coverage deficiencies are a bit worrisome."

View the best photos from the collegiate career of linebacker Darius Muasau.

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