The day has arrived. After months of speculation, we will find out today who the New York Giants will select at sixth overall. Will it be a quarterback? A wide receiver? Will they trade down or up? Regardless, fans should trust in Joe Schoen to make the right decision tonight. With that said, here is the final Giants mock draft from yours truly (and my co-host Brian Germinaro of the 3rd and 10 Podcast, check us out there!)
For this one, Brian and I did two separate mocks. We’ll start with his, along with his explanations for each pick.
Brian Germinaro’s Picks
Take it away, Brian.
“Odunze was the selection here in round one. The Giants need to get a WR1 in this draft, no matter what. In this scenario, they get one of the top three in this year’s draft. I could have waited until the next round to get one, but the former Washington wideout is too appealing to have fallen any more past six. As for Nubin, he’s automatically the replacement for Xavier McKinney, who left in free agency. Great against the run, he’s an immediate starter.
“Spencer Rattler was the quarterback of choice in the third round. Why not, right? He’s a good developmental guy who could start in a year or two. Audric Estime was the selection at pick 107, as he reminds me of a Brandon Jacobs type of back and will be part of a committee in the backfield (could be a starter?). Finally, I rounded out the final two picks with linebackers in Bertrand and Muasau. The reason why no cornerbacks were drafted was because of the ability to sign some in free agency still, especially after the draft“
Thank you, my guy! By the way, go follow Brian @brianpg1016 on X/Twitter.
I have no issues with his mock, whatsoever. Estime stands out the most to me, as he is a solid power back the Giants have not had in years. Odunze will be a great receiver for years to come, and Nubin solves any safety concerns in the secondary. Rattler will be a great project to see Daboll work with, and why not add more depth behind linebackers Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden?
Alright, my turn.
Nathan Nguyen’s Picks
Of course, I made some trades! The New York Giants only have six picks in this year’s draft, and I see a scenario where Schoen trades down to acquire more picks to solve the holes on this team.
Like Brian, I decided to go with Rome Odunze in the first round. Sure, JJ McCarthy was still on the board. But, we can’t deny the Washington wideout can be a pivotal part of this offense from day one. He fits the need of the current wide receiver room, which is a big-bodied target who can run any type of route with great vertical ability.
Rome Odunze: contested catch specialist..
— Adam Carter (@SmartfootbalI) April 22, 2024
pic.twitter.com/mfdrWYIwwF
Then, the trades began. With the Raiders not going quarterback in the first round, I made a trade with the Falcons to jump ahead of Las Vegas in the second round to select Michael Penix Jr. Reuniting with Odunze, Penix has been my favorite quarterback from the beginning. His big arm and leadership stand out the most, something the Giants need at the position.
Four picks later, Tyler Nubin was the selection. Whoever is next to him (Jason Pinnock, Dane Belton, Jalen Mills), the Minnesota product is a complete ball hawk and will make an immediate impact from day one.
With no selections until round four, it was time to trade down and acquire more draft capital. Kansas City was helpful, and New York fell 24 picks down from their original spot in the round but acquired a fifth and seventh-round pick.
Chau Smith-Wade was part of the New York Giants’ top-30 visits, so they have familiarity with him. The Washington State product is somewhat undersized (5’11”) to be on the outside, but could find himself a home in the slot. He’s capable of playing in man or zone coverage regardless and can make up for lost ground with his speed. In an NFC East with tough receivers, that will be needed.
In round five, Tyler Davis and Beaux Limmer were the choices here. The former adds depth to the defensive line behind Dexter Lawrence, even though Jordan Phillips was also signed not too long ago. A solid run defender, but there is some work with his pass rush that could be done if he wants to be a consistent starter. As for the latter, his versatility to play guard or center is something the Giants could use in Limmer.
Finally, I would trade back one more time to get two more late-round picks. At 194, I went with the guard in Javion Cohen, who brings power to the position and could develop into a starter if he improves his balance and anticipation.
I wanted to get a running back, so I went with Odunze’s and Penix’s teammate Dillon Johnson. An all-around athlete, he ran for 16 touchdowns and 1,189 yards in 2023. He isn’t the fastest, nor is he good at making people miss consistently. But, he can make plays, and honestly, feels like a steal this late. He also had decent hands in the receiving game.
Finally, Khristian Boyd rounds out the draft. Another prospect on the New York Giants’ top-30 list, his power and size stand out the most. The 24-year-old graded near the top against the run and the pass. The Northern Iowa product could make a name for himself if he doesn’t let his length affect his play.
Thanks For Reading!
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the 3rd and 10 Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
