I never thought I would do this at this moment. We’re only in week 10 of the NFL regular season after all. However, when your franchise quarterback goes down with an ACL injury, the season feels lost. Welcome to the New York Giants, who lost Daniel Jones for the season on Sunday. Now sitting with a record of 2-7, Big Blue is more than likely to choose a quarterback in next year’s draft. Welcome to my very early New York Giants mock draft.
Before we start, how did we get here? Well, Jones’s play this season when healthy has been subpar. Despite leading the Giants to the playoffs last year, he has done nothing to deserve to remain the starter. It isn’t all his fault in terms of the team’s struggles. But, when you already have two neck injuries and now this ACL injury on your resume, it’s time to move on. Jones will remain on the roster next year because of his huge contract. But, the team will more than likely move on from him when they can let him go in 2025.
With that said, here we go. I have used PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator for this and will be going five rounds.
First Round: Caleb Williams*, QB, USC
*trade with Arizona Cardinals: 2023 first overall pick for 2023 fourth overall, 57th overall, 68th overall, and 2024 first-rounder
A huge package, indeed. But, you have to pay the price for a potential franchise savior. They choose Williams with the first overall pick. The USC product is arguably the best quarterback in the draft, with his ability to make plays like this.
CALEB WILLIAMS ? pic.twitter.com/EK0SEs1mtP
— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) November 5, 2023
Despite USC’s subpar record at 7-3 (and no chance at the College Football Playoffs), Williams is having a great season statistically. 28 touchdowns compared to four interceptions is among the best TD-INT ratio in the nation, and a QBR of 83.2 is good for sixth-best in the nation.
Yes, this Giants’ offensive line isn’t the best. But, it will get better. Even average play from the offensive line is enough, as Williams’s uncanny ability to make big plays regardless of the situation will solve any offensive issues. A great way to start my very early New York Giants mock draft, indeed.
Second Round: Johnny Wilson, WR, FSU
The best way to speed up Williams’s growth? Getting him a WR1. So, with the 36th overall pick, New York goes with a monster in Wilson.
First off, he’s 6’7″. As a wide receiver, that is unheard of! The man has 25 receptions for 415 yards and two touchdowns for the undefeated Seminoles.
WIth the exception of week two against Southern Miss, Wilson has finished with a PFF grade of at least 69.7 in every game this season.
Sure, all of the attention is on his teammate Keon Coleman since he has had a better season than Wilson thus far (went to the Cardinals in the first round, 15th overall). But, you cannot pass on a guy with height like this who also has great speed to pair with it.
2.05 Johnny Wilson
— Fantasy Fanatics (@FFB_Fanatics) November 4, 2023
“Physical specimen” has been a common theme with the class of 2024, but Wilson may just be the highlight of it
? 6’7
?️♂️ 237lb
? 4.5 40
We’ve never even seen an NFL WR prospect that has the size and skill of Johnny Wilson. It’s extremely rare to have the… pic.twitter.com/6UY95OzLmd
New York has been dying for a WR1 who can be a solid X receiver on the outside. Wilson fills that role nicely and gives Williams and head coach Brian Daboll a nice weapon to work with.
Fourth Round: Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame
Funny enough, his father was a tight end who played for the Giants from 1989 to 2001 and helped them beat the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV. This would be a great pick for both the team and the family.
Cross III has been outstanding for the Fighting Irish this year. His PFF grade of 88.0 ranks him among the best interior lineman in college football. A pass rush win rate of 12.6% and run-stop rate of 9.2% is near the top of the ranks, making him an absolute steal in the third round.
New York needs someone to replace Leonard Williams, who was traded to the Seahawks before the deadline. With 22 QB hurries and three sacks thus far, Cross III could be a solid or even better replacement at the position.
Fifth Round: James Williams, S, Miami
If Xavier McKinney does not re-sign with the Giants, they need someone to play free safety. Enter Williams, who stands at 6’5″ and has one of the best coverage grades in the nation.
Thanks for reading “Very Early New York Giants Mock Draft“. Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out The Case and Nate Podcast on Spotify and on YouTube, where we discuss everything about the NFL.
Featured Image: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
