The NFL Draft has finally come to an end. For the New York Giants, this is just the beginning as they look to make a run for the playoffs in 2024. No trades were made by general manager Joe Schoen during the draft, so New York went in and out with six players from the draft. Others were added after the draft, but let’s grade the 2024 Giants draft class as it stands at the moment.
Round 1, Pick 6: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Arguably the most electric receiver in the draft, New York didn’t hesitate to grab the LSU product. The Giants haven’t had a WR1 since the days of Odell Beckham Jr. It was time to get one, and Nabers fell to six after Los Angeles passed on him for OT Joe Alt.
No one is complaining. Nabers brings excellent separation and reach top speed quickly. His ability to get open easily, whether it’s because of his change of direction or explosiveness off the snap, will help whoever is playing quarterback out.
Many fans clamored for the team to get a quarterback in round one. JJ McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. were on the board. But, grabbing one of the two would’ve been a reach. At one point in time, both were considered second-round talents for a reason.
New York did the safe thing in round one and got a weapon for Daniel Jones. Though their faith in him may be criticized, he has never had a true WR1 in his career. Nabers fills that role.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 47: S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
New York grabbed the versatile safety in the second round, and he automatically slides into the spot previously filled by the departed Xavier McKinney. Nubin can move all over the field and will make a difference against the run and the pass.
The 89.2 PFF-graded safety was a ball hawk the minute he became a full-time starter for Minnesota. His 13 interceptions in his college career is the all-time record. His anticipation will help him create turnovers for a Giants defense that tied for first in the league in turnovers forced. The more the better, right?
In coverage, Nubin led all safeties in that department (90.1 grade). For him to fall this far to New York was a blessing, indeed. Add in his ability to be an effective blitzer, and the Giants made a solid pick in round two.
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 70: CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky
Cornerback was a need, and the Giants addressed that with Phillips. A guy who met with the team on a top-30 visit, he mainly played outside cornerback in 2023 after switching between the slot and the outside the year before.
His confidence in press coverage stands out, and is also a good run defender from the slot. It’s where he’s most likely to start with the Giants unless they feel confident enough to put him on the outside.
It looks as if New York may try Nick McCloud or Cor’Dale Flott on the outside for 2024. Phillips failed to record any interceptions in his collegiate career and isn’t as confident in coverage. But, he is a big hitter and could make a difference early if he impresses in training camp.
Grade: B-
Round 4, Pick 107: TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
Once the pick was made, many immediately thought of him as Darren Waller‘s replacement. There’s not much debate there. Johnson stands at 6’6″, which is appealing for a Giants team in need of a big-body target.
His long arms help him not just block but more importantly haul in passes. The Penn State product has caught 11 touchdowns in the past two seasons, seven of them coming in 2023. Though a vertical threat, he isn’t the best laterally. His change of direction is below average, limiting his route tree.
In the end, one thing is for sure. Passers had a 146.6 rating when targeting the big tight end. Along with Nabers, Johnson is just another weapon for Jones to trust heading into 2024.
Grade: C+
Round 5, Pick 166: RB Tyrone Tracy, Purdue
A running back was drafted! Formerly a receiver, Tracy transitioned to running back only recently. Regardless, he finished with an 87.5 PFF grade in 2023, rushing for 714 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 25 balls for 138 yards.
Tracy is somewhat explosive, running a 4.48 40-yard dash. He will make people miss (46 missed tackle forced). Along with being in a committee at running back with Devin Singletary, he will also contribute on special teams as a returner. Improving his vision will be key to getting more carries in the backfield.
Grade: C
Round 6, Pick 183: LB Darius Muasau, UCLA
The last pick for the Giants in the draft, the linebacker is a tackling machine. Muasau recorded a total of 440 of them during his time in college, which included a stop at Hawaii before going to UCLA. A well-rounded prospect, he made plenty of run stops while also being able to pressure the quarterback when called upon.
At the moment, he looks to make an impact early on special teams for the Giants to start his career. But, the coaching staff should have confidence in him in the event that he needs to start for the team. Muasau’s IQ along with his ability to tackle well will help him not have too tough of a transition to the NFL.
Grade: C+
Draft Grade: B
New York addressed their needs in this draft. Though they didn’t walk out with a quarterback, they drafted three playmakers for an offense in need of them. Nabers will be one of the best receivers in the league sooner rather than later, as long as he is targeted early and often. Nubin will make Giants fans forget about Xavier McKinney. Question marks lie with Phillips and Tracy. The same can be said for Johnson and Muasau. In the end, we’ll see if these guys show out in training camp and if they will contribute early for a Giants team looking to contend in a tough NFC East.
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: Getty Images
