Despite the fact the New York Giants have many needs to address in this year’s draft, there are some positions the team does not need. Yes, a team with the sixth overall pick isn’t as bad as many say they are. There are a few positions Big Blue is set at going forward. Let’s dive into it.
Edge Rushers
One position the Giants do not need to worry about in the draft is edge rushers. Yes, you can never have too many. But, New York already has Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari. Don’t forget about Brian Burns, who the Giants acquired this offseason. It was arguably the biggest move they made.
The newly-acquired Burns had nine sacks in 2023, finishing with a 73.8 PFF grade while playing for the Carolina Panthers. He’ll be the opposite of Thibodeaux, who looks to improve on a season in which he recorded 13 sacks and show why he is going to be a star for years to come. When healthy, Ojulari is able to produce and make an impact.
Depth-wise, guys like Boogie Basham and Tomon Fox are serviceable.
Linebacker
The next position that shouldn’t require too much attention in the draft is linebacker. Bobby Okereke had an All-Pro-like season in 2023, recording 105 tackles (t-8th in league) and finishing with a 78.9 PFF grade. He’s one of the best linebackers in the league, whether it’s because of his contributions against the run or in coverage. In his first year as a Giant, he surely impressed.
Next to him is Micah McFadden, who played well next to Okereke and made his presence known at times. He had a 38.7 PFF grade in 2022, but that grade improved to 65.6 after the acquisition of Okereke.
New York recently brought back Isaiah Simmons, who the team acquired in an offseason trade last year. He was great in coverage last year when he was on the field, and should see the field more in 2024.
Behind them, guys like Carter Coughlin and the intriguing Darrien Beavers stand out.
(Yes, Thibodeaux and Burns are listed as linebackers, but they’re basically edge rushers too).
Tackle + Center
Andrew Thomas is the team’s franchise left tackle for the foreseeable future. There’s not much to say here. He’s top five at the position, no question.
It’s the other side that is a concern. Will it be Evan Neal starting? Or Jermaine Eluemunor? Regardless, Schoen added the latter in free agency, and I don’t see New York addressing the tackle position (unless they’re someone they see worth developing in the sixth round, but unlikely).
Considering there is more uncertainty at the two guard spots, New York is more likely to draft interior offensive linemen than the tackle spots. Center won’t be needed, as they drafted John Michael Schmitz last year in the second round.
So, That’s It?
Yup. You could argue that every other position needs to be improved at still, and could be addressed in the draft
- Quarterback: do I need to explain?
- Running back: Devin Singletary was a good pickup. But, drafting someone in the mid-rounds would help improve the room and possibly have a committee for 2024.
- Wide receiver: The team hasn’t had a true WR1 since Odell Beckham Jr. Darius Slayton‘s future is murky, leaving the Giants with a need for help at the position.
- Tight end: Darren Waller can’t make up his mind, and there’s uncertainty if Daniel Bellinger can be the TE1
- Defensive end: D.J. Davidson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Take that with a grain of salt.
- Defensive tackles: Dexter Lawrence is a star. The team did just acquire Jordan Phillips in free agency. But, you could upgrade behind Lawrence.
- Cornerback: New York needs a CB1/CB2, as they don’t have anyone we know that they can trust opposite of Deonte Banks.
- Safety: Gone is Xavier McKinney. Jalen Mills was signed as a free agent and the team does have Dane Belton. They could bring someone to replace McKinney’s production. Jason Pinnock is listed as the strong safety, which is not a problem. It’s just free safety I am worried about.
- Kicker: After Graham Gano‘s injury last year plus the mess at the position last year, signing one in the sixth round/trading for picks in the seventh round/UDFA should be on the table.
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