With the recent news surrounding J.J. McCarthy and his draft stock, are the Giants not going to get their quarterback of the future in the first round? Welcome to mock draft 3.0, as things continue to get crazy. We know about Caleb Williams to Chicago. But, from picks 2-5, this is a draft that has left me with so many questions and scenarios that could happen before New York even gets to pick.
Round 1, Pick 6: QB Drake Maye, UNC
Surprisingly, the New England Patriots buy into the hype and take McCarthy over Maye with the third overall pick. With Arizona and Los Angeles going wide receiver, the Giants land their quarterback of the future (hopefully) in nabbing the UNC product.
Before you start with “OH, LOOK! ANOTHER ACC QUARTERBACK!”. I get it. But, enough is enough. The Giants are not going to roll with Daniel Jones for a sixth season, no matter what the coaches or front office says. From the injury history to mediocre play, you can’t keep hoping that things will turn around.
Maye had a better season in 2022 compared to last year. But, he still finished with a 90.8 PFF grade. His arm talent is undeniable and is mobile enough to be a threat in the running game. Working on his ball placement and decision-making is a must, but there’s no question that he will be a franchise quarterback for somebody. In this case, he’ll be Joe Schoen’s and Brian Daboll’s guy under center.
Depth chart-wise? It’ll be Maye, Drew Lock, and Daniel Jones as the QB3. Believe it.
Round 2, Pick 47: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
A 6’3″ product weighing just 187 lbs, there’s no question Franklin needs to get stronger. However, he is a smooth runner on vertical routes. As Bo Nix‘s favorite target last season, he had 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns.
His footwork helps him get good releases and will reach out to catch the ball instead of letting it come to him. Add in his willingness to do the dirty work on blocks and get physical with defenders, and the Giants land their WR1 of the future to pair with their QB1.
As you can tell from my previous mocks, we’ve gone QB-WR or WR-QB in the first two rounds. It doesn’t change here.
Round 3, Pick 82 (traded with Colts for Pick 70): RB Bucky Irving, Oregon
*trade details: NYG acquires pick 82 and pick 117 for pick 70
One thing about former Giant Saquon Barkley was his willingness to run east-west more often than he should instead of north-south. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s better to run straight through and get as many yards as possible instead of running to the outside and risk losing yardage.
With the need for a running back (is Devin Singletary really going to be the lone RB1?), Irving goes to the Giants here. One of the highest-graded backs in college football, he had 11 touchdowns on the ground while rushing for 1192 yards.
Irving has that burst to hit holes quickly and has solid footwork to make defenders miss. What makes Irving stand out is that despite his size, he will run between the tackles without fear.
The Oregon back also had 55 receptions last year, showing he has solid hands to contribute in the receiving game.
He may not be the RB1 out of the gate. But, it helps the Giants will likely have a running back by committee. If he develops into an every-down back, then this is a steal in round three.
Round 4, Pick 107: CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
Making a return from my last mock, the Giants land a cornerback to solve their CB2 issues. With Deonte Banks on one side plus the team not signing a veteran at this point in time, Abrams-Draine brings his excellence in zone to Shane Bowen’s defense.
Round 4, Pick 117: TE Cade Stover, Ohio State
With Darren Waller likely retiring, the current Giants tight end room (Daniel Bellinger, Jack Stoll, Chris Manhertz) doesn’t scream confidence. Enter Stover, who is well-rounded and athletic to be a team’s TE1.
He is a great blocker, showing strength and patience during his time as a Buckeye. But, more importantly, we see his strong hands contribute in the receiving game and ran a diverse route tree that will help him in the NFL.
Round 5, Pick 141: DL Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa
With Rakeem Nunez-Roches and D.J Davidson set as the lineman in the Giants’ 3-4 defense, it’s clear this position needs help. Boyd brings his athleticism and strength to solve that issue.
As a pass rusher, Boyd’s bull rush and hand techniques make him a consistent interior threat, capable of collapsing the pocket and challenging offensive lines. His versatility, being able to line up in the 3-technique and 1-technique positions, adds significant value, offering flexibility and strategic options for defensive coordinators.
FCS Football Central on Khristian Boyd
Boyd had an 89.0 PFF grade in 2023. It’s for good reason, as his play shows he will be an immediate contributor to the defensive line from day one.
Round 6, Pick 183: WR Jordan Whittington, Texas
The 6’1″ wideout battled with injuries early in his college career. But, Whittington has shown in the past two seasons how versatile he can be (was a running back in the past) while also showing his willingness to be a blocker. Projected to be a slot wideout in the NFL, it’s possible he can develop to be a solid WR3/4 for New York. At worst, he’s a depth piece.
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Featured Image: Kara Durrette/Getty Images
