With April here, the Giants.com crew ranks which positions could be likely targets in the draft later this month:
John Schmeelk
I like this question! Here are my top six:
1. Wide Receiver. A game-changer would make Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt even better. It would move safeties away from their side of the field, opening opportunities for those other receivers. Especially after losing Saquon Barkley, the Giants need a weapon on offense that teams have to plan against.
2. Cornerback. Who are the other two starters at cornerback with Deonte Banks? Cor'Dale Flott, Tre Hawkins, and Nick McCloud appear to be three with the best chance but finding another young player to develop into a long-term starter either inside or outside could be a priority in the draft. Shane Bowen's reliance on zone mitigates this need a little bit, but not completely. A Day 2 cornerback would not surprise me in the slightest.
3. Running Back. It is a young man's position, so even though the Giants have a relatively full room with Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell and Jashaun Corbin, adding another player they think can help carry part of the load and makes a ton of sense in either the third or fourth round. There should be a run on running backs starting at the end of the second round.
4. Defensive Tackle. The Giants have Dexter Lawrence as an All-Pro nose tackle and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches playing next to him as a veteran player known for stopping the run. Beyond that, there are some youngsters with talent. D.J. Davidson and Jordon Riley have both played only one season (Davidson missed his first with an injury) and have the potential to be good players, but they just haven't proven it yet. I think the Giants could use a three-technique defensive tackle that can get up the field and disrupt in the backfield.
5. Safety. Right now, some combination of Jalen Mills, Dane Belton, Nick McCloud and Gervarrius Owens could be the second and third safeties next to Jason Pinnock. But adding another player to a position group that just lost Xavier McKinney is important to protect the deep and middle parts of the field.
6. Offensive Line. It is always a good idea to add talented big bodies to the offensive line. Injuries happen and continuing to develop players at the position are essential to long-term success. An offensive tackle, guard or both would make sense.
Bonus: With Darren Waller's status still uncertain, adding a player than can help catch passes at tight would be advisable.
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his updated ranking of the top 50 prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
No. 50 Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
No. 49 Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
No. 48 Maason Smith, DT, LSU
No. 47 Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
No. 46 Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
No. 45 Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
No. 44 Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
No. 43 Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
No. 42 Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
No. 41 Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State
No. 40 Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
No. 39 Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
No. 38 Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
No. 37 Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia
No. 36 Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
No. 35 Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
No. 34 Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
No. 33 Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
No. 32 Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
No. 31 Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
No. 30 Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
No. 29 Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
No. 28 Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
No. 27 Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
No. 26 Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
No. 25 Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
No. 24 Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
No. 23 Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
No. 22 Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
No. 21 Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
No. 20 J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
No. 19 Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
No. 18 JC Latham, OT, Alabama
No. 17 Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
No. 16 Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
No. 15 Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
No. 14 Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
No. 13 Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
No. 12 Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
No. 11 Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
No. 10 Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
No. 9 Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
No. 8 Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
No. 7 Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
No. 6 Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No. 5 Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
No. 4 Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
No. 3 Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
No. 2 Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
No. 1 Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Dan Salomone
I think now is a good time to drop in this recent quote from general manager Joe Schoen at the NFL Annual Meeting: "There are very few people that know what we're thinking or what direction we're going. Anything that is out there is likely not true." With that said, here are the top six potential targets to think about:
1. Cornerback. Adoree' Jackson, who started 36 games over three seasons for the Giants, remains a free agent. That opens an opportunity to play opposite Deonte Banks, the team's first-round pick from a year ago. Shane Bowen's defense relies on pass rushers. What better way to help out Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns than give them more time on the back end?
2. Receiver. The offensive woes were well documented last season, and not one player or position will fix them all. But this is NFL in 2024. The Giants need to get the ball in the end zone through the air.
3. O-Lineman
4. Another O-Lineman
5. A third lineman, perhaps this time on defense
Team president John Mara didn't mince words when he recently said the offensive line has been a "continuing source of frustration for me." While he believes they are on the right track with the new pieces and position coach, last year proved you can never have enough depth in the trenches.
"You can't win in this league unless you have a good productive, consistent offensive line," Mara said the NFL Annual Meeting. "It's what we had years ago when we were winning, and we have to get back to that. I think we have the right pieces in there now. We have a new offensive line coach. We'll see. Life in football starts on the offensive line. If you can't block them, you're not going to win."
The other side of that coin is adding another big body on the defensive front to build a wall with Dexter Lawrence.
6. Quarterback. Schoen has been candid about the position since he spoke at the bye week. They needed to address the quarterback room whether that's through the draft or free agency. He followed that up at the NFL Scouting Combine by saying the latter "doesn't preclude us from doing it in the draft as well."
The question remains just what they think about this class of quarterbacks.
View photos of every move made by the Giants during the 2024 cycle.
QB Tim Boyle - Free Agent Signing from NYG PS (December 14)
G Jon Runyan Jr. - Reserve/Injured (December 14)
S Raheem Layne - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (December 14)
CB Divaad Wilson - Free Agent Signing from ARZ Practice Squad (December 11)
S Tyler Nubin - Reserve/Injured (December 11)
C Austin Schlottmann - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (December 11)
T Jalen McKenzie - Practice Squad (December 11)
CB Greg Stroman - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (December 10)
CB Tre Hawkins - Reserve/Injured (December 10)
DL Ross Blacklock - Practice Squad Veteran (December 10)
QB Tim Boyle - Practice Squad Veteran (December 10)
CB Ekow Boye-Doe - Practice Squad (December 10)
CB Azizi Hearn - Practice Squad (December 10)
C Jimmy Morrissey - Practice Squad; Injured (December 10)
DL Casey Rogers - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (December 7)
DL Elijah Garcia - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (December 7)
DL D.J. Davidson - Reserve/Injured (December 7)
QB Tim Boyle - Waived, No Recall (December 7)
T Tyre Phillips - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (December 7)
CB Greg Stroman - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (December 7)
DB Dee Williams - Claimed off Waivers from SEA (December 6)
ILB Dyontae Johnson - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (December 4)
DT Cory Durden - Free Agent Signing from LAR Practice Squad (December 2)
DL Dexter Lawrence - Reserve/Injured (December 2)
TE Theo Johnson - Reserve/Injured (December 2)
OLB Tomon Fox - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (November 27)
DL Armon Watts - Reserve/Injured (November 27)
T Joshua Miles - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 27)
CB Greg Stroman Jr. - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 27)
TE Greg Dulcich - Claimed off Waivers from DEN (November 26)
OLB Azeez Ojulari - Reserve/Injured (November 26)
OLB Tomon Fox - Practice Squad Exemption (November 26)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux - Activated, from Reserve (November 23)
QB Tim Boyle - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (November 23)
OLB Tomon Fox - Waived, No Recall (November 23)
QB Daniel Jones - Waived, No Recall (November 23)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (November 20)
TE Jordan Murray - Practice Squad (November 20)
T Tyre Phillips - Practice Squad Veteran (November 19)
QB Tim Boyle - Practice Squad Veteran (November 19)
TE/FB Jakob Johnson - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (November 19)
LB Curtis Bolton - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (November 19)
T Garret Greenfield - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (November 19)
T Joshua Miles - Practice Squad Veteran (November 12)
T Joshua Miles - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (November 6)
P Matt Haack - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (November 12)
K Graham Gano - Activated from Injured Reserve (November 9)
WR Isaiah Hodgins - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 9)
LB Curtis Bolton - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 9)
CB Art Green - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (November 6)
C Bryan Hudson - Practice Squad (November 6)
P Matt Haack - Practice Squad Veteran (November 6)
K Graham Gano - Designated for Return/Returned to Practice (November 6)
CB Nick McCloud - Waived, No Recall (November 5)
P Matt Haack - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (November 5)
OLB Tomon Fox - Free Agent Signing from NYG PS (November 2)
TE/FB Jakob Johnson - Practice Squad Veteran (November 2)
K Greg Joseph - Reserve/Injured (November 2)
K Jude McAtamney - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 2)
T Marcellus Johnson - Practice Squad (October 30)
T Garret Greenfield - Practice Squad (October 30)
FB/TE Jakob Johnson - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 30)
S Gervarrius Owens - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 29)
OLB Tomon Fox - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 28)
CB Greg Stroman - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 28)
OLB Boogie Basham - Practice Squad Veteran (October 24)
DL Armon Watts - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (October 22)
OLB Boogie Basham - Waived, No Recall (October 22)
OLB Tomon Fox - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 19)
OT Chris Hubbard - Free Agent Signing (from SF Practice Squad) (October 18)
OT Andrew Thomas - Reserve/Injured (October 16)
DT Armon Watts - Practice Squad Veteran (October 15)
CB Duke Shelley - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 15)
P Matt Haack - Free Agent Signing (October 12)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux - Reserve/Injured (October 12)
WR Isaiah Hodgins - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 12)
RB Dante Miller - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 12)
OLB Benton Whitley - Practice Squad (October 8)
G Cade Mays - Signed to CAR Active Roster from NYG Practice Squad (October 8)
ILB Matthew Adams - Activated from Injured Reserve (October 5)
OLB Benton Whitley - Waived, No Recall (October 5)
WR Isaiah Hodgins - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 5)
RB Dante Miller - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 5)
LB Matthew Adams - Returned to Practice (October 2)
WR Kearis Jackson - Practice Squad (October 1)
CB Greg Stroman - Practice Squad Veteran (October 1)
TE Joel Wilson - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 1)
DB Alex Johnson - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 1)
TE Lawrence Cager - Terminated (Injury Settlement) from Practice Squad (October 1)
TE/FB Jakob Johnson - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 26)
CB Duke Shelley - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 26)
TE/FB Jakob Johnson - Practice Squad Veteran (September 25)
LB Ty Summers - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (September 25)
FB/TE Jakob Johnson - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (September 24)
TE Joel Wilson - Practice Squad (September 24)
TE Lawrence Cager - Practice Squad; Injured (September 24)
CB Art Green - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 21)
LB Ty Summers - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 21)
LB Patrick Johnson - Claimed off Waivers from PHI (September 17)
K Greg Joseph - Free Agent Signing from DET Practice Squad (September 17)
K Graham Gano - Reserve/Injured (September 17)
WR Gunner Olszewski - Reserve/Injured (September 14)
OLB Tomon Fox - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 14)
LB Ty Summers - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 14)
WR Chase Cota - Waived, Injury Settlement (September 13)
FB/TE Jakob Johnson - Free Agent Signing (September 10)
G Cade Mays - Practice Squad Exception (September 10)
OT Marcellus Johnson - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (September 10)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette - Free Agent Signing (September 9)
LB Curtis Bolton - Practice Squad Veteran (September 9)
LB Carter Coughlin - Practice Squad; Injured (September 9)
LB Ty Summers - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 7)
LB Carter Coughlin - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 7)
LB Curtis Bolton - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (September 7)
ILB Carter Coughlin - Practice Squad Veteran (September 6)
TE/FB Jakob Johnson - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (September 6)
ILB Carter Coughlin - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (September 5)
OT Yodny Cajuste - Terminated, Vested Veteran, Injury Settlement (September 4)
WR Isaiah McKenzie - Terminated, Vested Veteran, Injury Settlement (September 3)
FB/TE Jakob Johnson - Practice Squad Veteran (September 2)
WR Miles Boykin - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (September 2)
CB Adoree' Jackson - Free Agent Signing (August 31)
FB/TE Jakob Johnson - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 31)
S Gervarrius Owens - Practice Squad (August 30)
LB K.J. Cloyd - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (August 30)
FB/TE Jakob Johnson - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (August 29)
C Austin Schlottmann - Reserve/Injured (August 29)
DB Duke Shelley - Practice Squad Veteran (August 29)
DE Elijah Garcia - Practice Squad (August 29)
DB Art Green - Practice Squad (August 29)
LB Curtis Bolton - Free Agent Signing (August 28)
ILB Dyontae Johnson - Reserve/Injured (August 28)
OLB Tomon Fox - Practice Squad Exception (August 28)
C Jimmy Morrissey - Practice Squad Exception (August 28)
K Jude McAtamney - International Practice Player Signing (August 28)
WR Miles Boykin, TE Lawrence Cager, WR Isaiah Hodgins, FB/TE Jakob Johnson, OT Joshua Miles, LB Ty Summers - Practice Squad Veteran (August 28)
LB K.J. Cloyd, DB Alex Johnson, OT Marcellus Johnson, DB Raheem Layne, RB Dante Miller, DL Casey Rogers - Practice Squad (August 28)
S Anthony Johnson - Claimed off Waivers from GB (August 28)
S Gervarrius Owens - Waived, No Recall (August 28)
LB Matthew Adams - Reserve/Injured - Designated for Return (August 27)
WR Isaiah McKenzie - Reserve/Injured; Prior to Cut to 53 (August 27)
LB Darrian Beavers, LB K.J. Cloyd, LB Tomon Fox, DB Alex Johnson, OT Marcellus Johnson, DB Raheem Layne, K Jude McAtamney, RB Dante Miller, C Jimmy Morrissey, DT Casey Rogers, TE Jack Stoll - Waived (August 27)
WR Miles Boykin, TE Lawrence Cager, DB Tre Herndon, WR Isaiah Hodgins, DB Darnay Holmes, FB/TE Jakob Johnson, DB David Long, OT Joshua Miles, OT Matt Nelson, WR Allen Robinson - Terminated, Vested Veteran (August 27)
DB Mario Goodrich, G Jalen Mayfield, DE Ovie Oghoufo - Waived, Injured, Prior to Cut to 53 (August 27)
RB Joshua Kelley - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 25)
DB Breon Borders - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 25)
DB Jonathan Sutherland - Waived, Injured, Prior to Cut to 53 (August 25)
DT Timmy Horne - Waived, Injured, Prior to Cut to 53 (August 25)
WR Ayir Asante, DT Kyler Baugh, DB Christian Holmes, DB Clayton Isbell, WR John Jiles, LB Trey Kiser, RB Lorenzo Lingard, T Marcus McKethan - Waived, No Recall (August 25)
DB Clayton Isbell - Free Agent Signing (August 20)
WR Dennis Houston - Waived/Injured (August 20)
DT Kyler Baugh - Free Agent Signing (August 19)
LB Trey Kiser - Free Agent Signing (August 19)
DL Ryder Anderson - Waived/Injured (August 19)
OT Yodny Cajuste - Reserve/Injured (August 19)
TE/FB Jakob Johnson - Free Agent Signing (August 16)
TE Tyree Jackson - Waived/Injured, Prior to Cut to 53 (August 16)
RB Joshua Kelley - Free Agent Signing (August 15)
S Raheem Layne - Free Agent Signing (August 15)
S Jonathan Sutherland - Free Agent Signing (August 15)
DL Jordan Phillips - Traded to Dallas Cowboys (August 15)
S Jalen Mills - Terminated, Vested Veteran, Failed Physical (August 15)
DB Elijah Riley - Reserve/Injured (August 15)
RB Lorenzo Lingard - Free Agent Signing (August 12)
RB Jacob Saylors - Waived, No Recall (August 11)
OT Evan Neal - Passed Physical (August 11)
DB Kaleb Hayes - Waived, No Recall (August 11)
LB K.J. Cloyd - Free Agent Signing (August 11)
CB Christian Holmes - Claimed off Waivers from WAS (August 5)
RB Jashaun Corbin - Waived/Injured (August 5)
CB Mario Goodrich - Claimed off Waivers from PHI (July 31)
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver - Terminated, Vested Veteran, Non-Football Injury (July 31)
OL Greg Van Roten - Free Agent Signing (July 30)
CB Aaron Robinson - Waived, Failed Physical (July 30)
DB Breon Borders - Free Agent Signing (July 28)
QB Nathan Rourke - Waived, No Recall (July 28)
TE Theo Johnson - Passed Physical (July 28)
OT Evan Neal - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 23)
CB Aaron Robinson - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 23)
DB Jalen Mills - Declared Non-Football Injury (July 23)
DB Stantley Thomas-Oliver - Declared Non-Football Injury (July 23)
TE Theo Johnson - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 16)
RB Jacob Saylors - Free Agent Signing (June 18)
WR Chase Cota - Reserve/Injured (June 18)
CB Tre Herndon - Free Agent Signing (June 12)
TE Darren Waller - Reserve/Retired (June 10)
S Tyler Nubin - Selection List Signing (May 31)
DB Elijah Riley - Free Agent Signing (May 30)
RB Gary Brightwell - Waived, Injured (May 30)
TE Theo Johnson - Selection List Signing (May 22)
LB Darius Muasau - Selection List Signing (May 15)
CB Dru Phillips - Selection List Signing (May 14)
DL Elijah Chatman - Free Agent Signing (May 13)
OLB Jeremiah Martin - Waived (May 13)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. - Selection List Signing (May 10)
WR Malik Nabers - Selection List Signing (May 10)
K Jude McAtamney - Free Agent Signing: Exempt/International Player (May 10)
WR Ayir Asante, WR John Jiles, DB Alex Johnson, OT Marcellus Johnson, G Jake Kubas, DE Ovie Oghoufo, DL Casey Rogers - Free Agent Signing (May 10)
RB Deon Jackson - Waived, Injured (May 10)
WR Allen Robinson - Free Agent Signing (May 9)
QB Nathan Rourke - Claimed off waivers from New England (May 7)
DB David Long - Free Agent Signing (May 1)
Giants select LB Darius Muasau with No. 183 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Giants select RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. with No. 166 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Giants select TE Theo Johnson with No. 107 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Giants select CB Dru Phillips with No. 70 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Giants select S Tyler Nubin with No. 47 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Giants select WR Malik Nabers with No. 6 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
DB Nick McCloud - Restricted Free Agent Signing (April 15)
LB Matthew Adams - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 12)
DL Jordan Phillips - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 11)
WR Miles Boykin - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 9)
S/LB Isaiah Simmons - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 5)
RB Dante Miller - Free Agent Signing (April 5)
WR Isaiah Hodgins - Free Agent Signing (March 24)
CB Darnay Holmes - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 22)
OT Matt Nelson - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 22)
OL Austin Schlottmann - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 18)
OL Aaron Stinnie - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 18)
TE Chris Manhertz - Free Agent Signing (March 16)
TE Jack Stoll - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 15)
OL Jon Runyan - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
RB Devin Singletary - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
QB Drew Lock - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
DB Jalen Mills - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
WR Isaiah McKenzie - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
WR/PR Gunner Olszewski - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
LB Carter Coughlin - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
OLB Brian Burns - Acquired via trade with Carolina Panthers (March 13)
LB Benton Whitley - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 12)
LS Casey Kreiter - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 12)
G Mark Glowinski - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (March 4)
C Jimmy Morrissey - Reserve/Future Signing (January 23)
WR Chase Cota - Reserve/Future Signing (January 23)
LB Tomon Fox - Reserve/Future Signing (January 10)
DL Ryder Anderson - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
OT Yodny Cajuste - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
DB Kaleb Hayes - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
WR Dennis Houston - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
RB Deon Jackson - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
ILB Dyontae Johnson - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
OLB Jeremiah Martin - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
G Jalen Mayfield - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
OT Joshua Miles - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
DB Stantley Thomas-Oliver - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
Lance Medow
With less than a month to go till the draft and the free agency process slowing down, here's how I would rank the top six needs for the Giants:
1. Offensive Game-Changer. New York averaged just under 16 points per game in 2023, third to last in the NFL. To put things in perspective, the Cowboys were first in the league and averaged nearly 30 points per contest. If you want to stay competitive, you need to score points. With Saquon Barkley and the team parting ways and Darren Waller's status a question mark, New York needs an offensive weapon, a player that will give the defense something to think about and force coordinators to lose a bit of sleep.
2. Pass Rusher. The Giants made a big splash this offseason in acquiring Brian Banks from the Panthers. They now have him, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, but the latter has been limited by injuries over the last two seasons and is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie deal. When you take the contract into consideration, developing an additional pass rusher jumps to the forefront. The team also lost Jihad Ward in free agency after he recorded five sacks in 2023, so a complementary player who can also serve as insurance on the depth chart is a need.
3. Cornerback. This position overall is noticeably young, so another prospect will fit right in. Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott, and Tre Hawkins were all drafted in the last two years. Nick McCloud and Aaron Robinson have been in the NFL for three seasons and Darnay Holmes four, making him the veteran of the group. Keep in mind, McCloud also has experience at safety and Robinson has only played in two games in the last two seasons combined. When you look past the names and add context, another corner can carve out a role.
4. Tight End. Darren Waller's status is what makes this position a wild card. If he retires, tight end becomes a bigger need, but even if he stays, adding a prospect is more than reasonable. Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager have both been showcased in the current scheme, but they're not yet the same level of threat as Waller. Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll both signed as free agents this offseason, but they're known more for their blocking prowess instead of stretching the field. Don't get me wrong, that facet is very much needed, but Waller's skillset is completely different.
5. Safety. They parted ways with Xavier McKinney in free agency, so his absence alone creates a void. While Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton are still in the mix, Belton has started only seven games in his first two seasons in the league and will now be learning a new scheme. Last year's seventh-round pick, Gervarrius Owens, appeared in three games in 2023 but only on special teams. Veteran Jalen Mills just joined the roster and has experience at both safety and corner. It's not a stretch to say they could use another player to, at least, provide depth at that position.
6. Offensive Lineman. They signed five offensive linemen in free agency, but they all have different contracts in length, and you can never have enough at any position in football because you have no idea how injuries are going to play out. Evan Neal, Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan have all been sidelined in recent history, so you must protect yourself on the depth chart. Additional competition also never hurts. There's room for another young player in the trenches.
View photos of the newest members of the Giants touring the Quest Diagnostics Training Center for the first time.
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
G Jon Runyan
RB Devin Singletary
WR Isaiah McKenzie
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
QB Drew Lock
DB Jalen Mills
TE Jack Stoll
OLB Brian Burns (0)
G Jon Runyan
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
RB Devin Singletary
WR Isaiah McKenzie
DB Jalen Mills
QB Drew Lock
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
TE Jack Stoll
OLB Brian Burns (0)
RB Devin Singletary
DB Jalen Mills
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
RB Devin Singletary
OLB Brian Burns (0)
QB Drew Lock
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
QB Drew Lock
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
Matt Citak
We still have over three weeks to go before the start of the draft, which means some of these positions could still be addressed by signing a veteran in free agency. But barring any big moves on that front, here are the Giants' top six needs.
1. Wide Receiver. While the wide receiver corps has a solid foundation with the likes of Slayton, Robinson, Hyatt and Hodgins, the group could still use that big X receiver. The Giants are in a prime position to secure this type of player with the No. 6 pick between Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze.
2. Cornerback. I still expect a veteran CB to be added to the fold at some point before the season, but even if that happens, it will likely be on a short-term deal. The Giants could afford to invest a Day 2 pick on a cornerback that can possibly grow into the No. 2 corner spot on the outside opposite Deonte Banks, while still allowing the likes of Nick McCloud, Cor'Dale Flott, and Tre Hawkins to get playing time in 2024.
3. Interior Defensive Line. The Giants addressed this position last year with the additions of Rakeem Nuñez-Roches and A'Shawn Robinson. But Robinson, who was signed to a one-year deal, has left for the Panthers, while Leonard Williams was traded to the Seahawks. Dexter Lawrence and Nunez-Roches are the primary interior linemen remaining, with young guys Jordon Riley and D.J. Davidson rounding out the depth at the position. The team's run defense has struggled over the last few seasons, so adding another big bodied run-stuffer to play alongside Lawrence could go a long way in helping the defense.
4. Safety. With Xavier McKinney departing for Green Bay, the Giants have a hole at the safety position. I have to say I'm a big proponent of Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton getting more playing time. The Giants also added veteran Jalen Mills in free agency to join the likes of Gervarrius Owens and McCloud, but another body could certainly be added to the mix. This is a position that could be addressed in free agency, as there are numerous talented safeties still available. But if the Giants want to get younger at the position, there are some solid safety prospects projected to go between Rounds 2-4.
5. Interior Offensive Lineman. The Giants have made a lot of moves to improve the offensive line this offseason. Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor were both added as potential starters on the interior, with Eluemunor also providing insurance at tackle. The Giants also signed veterans Aaron Stinnie and Austin Schlottmann as depth pieces, both of whom have primarily spent their NFL careers on the interior, while Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan are returning. But as we saw last year, injuries happen, especially along the O-line. I would much rather have too much depth on the IOL than too little.
6. Running Back. Barring another signing, the Giants are likely going to be in the mix for a running back at some point during the draft. Following the addition of Devin Singletary, it seems more likely the Giants use a Day 3 pick on the running back position. While there might not be any taken in the first round, there are a good amount projected to go late Day 2/early Day 3. The team's RB room currently consists of Singletary, Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell, Jashaun Corbin and Deon Jackson, so adding another Day 3 pick and allowing them the opportunity to develop behind these veterans could go a long way.
Bonus: The Giants' quarterback room currently consists of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito. While the position may not be as big of an actual need as the other areas listed above, if Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll see an opportunity to add one of the top quarterbacks, I wouldn't be surprised if they take it. Allowing a young signal-caller a year to learn under the veterans in the room could help the Giants shore up the most important position on the field for the long-term.
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