EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Joe Schoen often says the Giants' roster is an evolving entity. But the heavy lifting is mostly finished regarding the construction of the 2024 team. This offseason, the Giants have signed 14 veteran free agents, traded for two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns, and this weekend, drafted six players. They will add several undrafted free agents, particularly before the rookie minicamp in two weeks.
Work remains to be done, but the current roster is likely similar to what it will be when the Giants begin playing games in September.
Coach Brian Daboll and Schoen are fine with that.
"I like some of the pieces we have," Schoen said after the Giants made their final selection in the NFL Draft. "I like some of the upgrades. Again, you can throw Brian Burns in the draft, as well, that pick 39, to bring on a 25-year-old, two-time Pro Bowler as a pass rusher as part of this draft class. I like some of the moves that we made in the off-season. We still have work to do and I just think it's year three and we are just going to continue to build the roster and the team. I think where we are with some of the contract status, like I talked about last night; that you can keep a core group together over a two- to three-year window, and you have another off-season and another draft, and then you look up and there's some really good pieces on the table."
The Giants concluded their 2024 draft with six players, three each on offense and defense. They chose three players Saturday on the draft's final day.
In the fourth round, No. 107 overall, the Giants selected Penn State tight end Theo Johnson. Their fifth-round selection, No. 166, was running back Tyrone Tracy, Jr. of Purdue. The Giants' final selection, a sixth rounder that was No. 183 overall, was UCLA middle linebacker Darius Muasau.
Johnson, Tracy and Muasau joined the three players the Giants added in the first two days of the draft: LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers in the first round, Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin in the second round, and Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips in the third.
"We always have room to grow and always have room to improve. I say it all the time, we don't play until September. So, there's still time between now and September where we can acquire players, the final cutdown, whatever it may be.
"I like the group that we have right now," Schoen said. "Excited to get the rookies in here, assimilate them into our culture, get on the grass, practice and then as we observe and evaluate players as we go through it, if we still have needs, there will be some vets that will be released over the next couple weeks as well. There's always going to be a time and a place where you can add more players. We'll see where we are now, and as we go through the competition period and training camp, if there are other areas we need to fill, we'll try to do that."
For the first time in his three years here, Schoen made no trades in the draft.
Also notable was that he did not select a quarterback. As they do every year, Schoen and Daboll thoroughly vetted the top players at that position, and the G.M. explored the possibility of trading into position to select one. But he chose to stick with the trio of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito. That's not exactly a shock, as Schoen said prior the draft, "we could go into the season with the three that we have and be comfortable with that."
"I think it's a different position when you are evaluating," Schoen said. "You can watch all the film you want, but there's a reason guys at that position, they succeed, and they fail and it's not just because of the tape. The three years we've been here, we have done a lot of work on the quarterbacks. Maybe it has not been as public or maybe it has not been as well covered, but we'll always do that because of the importance of the position."
Did either Schoen or Daboll discuss with Jones their thoughts on potentially acquiring another quarterback?
"I've talked to the entire team, but I meet with the quarterbacks daily," Daboll said. "I spend a lot of time with them every day. … You're just transparent with the entire team about the whole draft process. You're trying to improve your team."
Schoen believes they've done that on both sides of the ball, plus special teams. After the third round concluded Friday night, he was asked his thoughts about the defense.
"You know the players that are under contract for more than one year," he said. "Dexter (Lawrence) is under contract. Burns is for five years. Kayvon (Thibodeaux) for three, (Bobby) Okereke for another three, Tae Banks for four. Just got Nubin for four years.
"So, you've got a young core group of players that will be able to be together for - and again, I know people want instant gratification, but it takes time to build this, and then over time, you have guys that are able to create continuity because they play together year over year. I'm excited about the young core that we have together and the guys that are under contract for multiple years and even guys that may only have a year left that potentially we can extend down the road. I do think we have pieces in place that I like that are going to be together for a couple years here."
View photos from the college careers of all six members of the New York Giants 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
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his first of two touchdown receptions in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) grabs a reception that he finished with a touchdown against Georgia State cornerback Bryquice Brown (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown on a pass reception against Texas A&M defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries between Texas A&M defensive back Jacoby Mathews (2), defensive back Deuce Harmon (11) and defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) gets past Purdue safety Cam Allen after a reception during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball past Southern cornerback Glen Brown (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs past Purdue cornerback Bryce Hampton, left, and safety Sanoussi Kane (21) on his way to a 75-yard touchdown on a pass play during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a reception to score in front of Kansas State defensive backs Reggie Stubblefield (1) and TJ Smith (7) during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
LSU wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (11) and Malik Nabers (8) celebrate after a touchdown by Thomas against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a catch against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries for a touchdown past Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Grambling State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) looks for room past Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) and linebacker Suntarine Perkins during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a pass and scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Minnesota defensive backs Tyler Nubin (27) and Coney Durr (16) greet each other during warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates after intercepting a Nebraska pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates a stop against Nebraska on third down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) stands on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27), top right, breaks up a pass as he upends Iowa wide receiver Diante Vines (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates with fans after their 12-10 win over Iowa in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (88) and defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) slap hands during warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass as Minnesota's Tyler Nubin defends late in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska turned the ball over on downs. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota defensive backs Jordan Howden (23) and Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, left, intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers wide receiver Sean Ryan (5), middle, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass against Minnesota's Tyler Nubin to turn over possession on downs to Minnesota with 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver TJ Sheffield (8) during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin falls back in coverage against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Miami-Ohio wide receiver Austin Robinson during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 31-26. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) runs back an interception in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin celebrates a stop against Michigan in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips plays against Miami Ohio during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips gestures to an official during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) and defensive back Zion Childress (11) celebrate a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
American defensive back Andru Phillips of Kentucky (0) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) congratulates teammates on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) looks to the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) reaches for the tackle as Akron wide receiver Bobby Golden (4) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) cannot hold onto a pass as he is defended by Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) breaks up a reception attempt by Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) runs after the play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson against Maryland during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
National tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) eludes Massachusetts safety Tyler Rudolph (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Delaware, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs the ball during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) reacts to a play during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a first half touchdown in front of Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden (23) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) slips out of a tackle by Indiana defensive back Tiawan Mullen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
*Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) breaks away from Maryland defensive back Beau Brade (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs a route against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates a first down catch during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts away from Minnesota defensive back Darius Green (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Wisconsin during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Indiana during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Purdue defeated Indiana 35-31. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) in action during an NCAA college football game between Purdue and Syracuse in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Syracuse won 35-20. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue's Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) scores a touchdown agasint Syracuse during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Illinois during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts around sWisconsin safety Preston Zachman (14) on his way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) reacts after stopping the Fresno State offense during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) looks for a route out of the backfield during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs the ball into the end zone to score during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) runs with the ball as Michigan defensive back DJ Turner (5) and linebacker Junior Colson (25) defend during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) cuts between Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II (24) and defensive back Devin Turner (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in action against Minnesota during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. Purdue won 20-10. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) and defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) tackle Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall (10) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Southern California running back Raleek Brown, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
UCLA linebackers Darius Muasau (53) and Oluwafemi Oladejo (2) and defensive lineman Gabriel Murphy (11) celebrate after a stop of Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) and linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrate after a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
West's Solomon Byrd, center, of USC, and Darius Muasau, of UCLA, react after a play during the first half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) tackles Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward (1) for a sack during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
North Carolina Central wide receiver Joaquin Davis, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrates with linebacker JonJon Vaughns (21) after a stop during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Pittsburgh tight end Karter Johnson (8) is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the first half of the Sun Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
A look at the three players the Giants selected on the third day of the NFL Draft:
Theo Johnson, Tight End, Penn State, 6-6, 260, fourth round, No. 107 overall.
Johnson played in 45 games with 29 starts in four seasons at Penn State. He caught 77 passes for 938 yards (12.2-yard avg.) and 12 touchdowns. In 2023, he started all 13 games and posted career-high totals of 34 receptions, 341 yards, and a team-high seven touchdowns, and was selected honorable mention All-Big Ten. Johnson was a two-year letterman at Holy Names High School in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is the third oldest of six brothers. His father, Nate Johnson, played all 16 games of the 1980 season for the Giants, primarily on special teams, and averaged 17.8 yards on five kickoff returns. Nate Johnson was a 1980 seventh-round draft choice by Pittsburgh who joined the Giants after he was released by the Steelers.
"I'd describe my game as gritty, explosive and powerful," Johnson said. "I think that I can get dirty in the trenches but also be a real factor in the pass game.
"I give defenses a real problem because I have the speed and also the sheer size and power. When you have both of those as a tight end, it makes it really hard to defend, because I can get up in your body and create separation or use my speed or use both. I think that's going to give a lot of people challenges when it comes to defending me."
Tyrone Tracy, Jr., Running Back, Purdue, 6-10, 210, fifth round, No. 166 overall.
Tracy played six seasons of collegiate football, the first four as a wide receiver at Iowa and the final two at Purdue. He played 63 games with 30 starts and finished his career with 146 rushing attempts for 947 yards, and 10 touchdowns, plus 113 receptions for 1,201 yards and five scores. At Purdue, Tracy also averaged 25.2 yards on 17 kickoff returns, including a 98-yard touchdown. In 2023, Tracy played in 11 games with nine starts, missing one game with an injury. He posted career-high totals of 113 carries, 716 yards, and nine touchdowns (eight rushing, one on a kickoff return). Added 19 receptions for 132 yards. Named Academic All-Big Ten.
Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA, 6-1, 230, sixth round, No. 183 overall.
Muasau is another two-school standout. He played three seasons at the University of Hawaii and two at UCLA and totaled 440 career tackles, 16.5 sacks and five interceptions. In each of his two seasons in Westwood, Muasau led the Bruins in tackles and was named second-team All-Pac 12. In 2023, he started all 13 games and tallied 75 tackles (43 solo), 10.5 stops for loss, 4.0 sacks, six passes defensed, and one interception. At Hawaii, Muasau was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference performer. In 2021, he totaled career highs of 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, and five forced fumbles. Muasau is a Hawaii native, who, like Johnson, has five brothers.
The Giants had good intel on Muasau because new special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial coached him at Hawaii.
"Ghoby is my guy," Muasau said. "I was at the University of Hawaii with him. He was my special teams coordinator. I was on the phone with him just chopping it up and he told me that I was getting drafted. Man, I was just very excited and just happy at the moment."
*Nubin arrived at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center this afternoon just as Lawrence, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman, stopped in.
"I actually just met Dex outside like five minutes ago," Nubin said. "That was awesome. That man is huge, Bro, man, that man is a giant."
Asked his thoughts about the defense the Giants are building, Nubin said, "Man, it's going to be exciting. Got some monsters up front. You got some great guys in the back end. I'm excited. I'm excited to get to work. I can't wait."
*Asked about Nabers becoming a weapon for Jones, Daboll used a new word to describe the type of player he is looking for.
"Generators," he said. "People that can do stuff with the ball in their hands. Whether that's take a jet sweep and go 30 yards or whether that's running a double move and catch it 50 yards down the field to help you score points. Just to go back to Malik, I feel that he is that.
"Now, he's got a lot of work to do. There is a big playbook to learn. You've got to try to slow it down for these young players when they get in. But anyone who can touch the ball - and linemen can be generators, too, in a different way by keeping the pocket clean, by getting movement at the line of scrimmage.
"You've got to wait to see what you have and then try to move pieces around and see where - Theo, where he fits in or Malik fits in, different positions to play. There's five eligible players on every play and you try to use those guys the best you can. But they have to come in here and prove it and earn the right to play. "
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