We have to consider it. We must. If the Giants really have confidence in Daniel Jones as the starter, then maybe drafting a quarterback won’t happen at all…Maybe Joe Schoen will decide to build (one more time) around Jones, but this time the right way. Although many of us won’t like this idea, here’s another mock draft where New York adds pieces around him.
*sigh, here we go*
Picks
- Round 1, Pick 6: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
- Round 2, Pick 47: S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
- Round 2, Pick 55 (traded for pick 141 and 2025 second-round pick with Miami): TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
- Round 3, Pick 80 (traded along with picks 115 and 194 for pick 70 with Cincinnati): WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
- Round 4, Pick 107: RB MarShawn Lloyd, USC
- Round 4, Pick 115: CB Elijah Jones, Boston College
- Round 6, Pick 190 (traded along with pick 239 for pick 183 with Saints): G Javion Cohen
- Round 6, 194: CB M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh
- Round 7, Pick 239: T Donovan Jennings, USF
Explanation
With Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze going fourth and fifth overall, that left Marvin Harrison Jr. on the board for the Giants’ taking. Why not, right? Despite not participating in the combine or his pro day, he is arguably the best receiver in the draft. Recording his second straight season of 1,200 receiving yards, he caught 14 touchdowns for the Buckeyes in 2023. He is a complete prospect, with great releases and an experienced route tree. It helps that he’s 6’4″, helping his ability to win 50/50 balls. In all, he is just a complete wide receiver the Giants have not had in years.
Nubin was added in the second round to replace the departed Xavier McKinney. Despite optimism with the current safety room (Jalen Mills and Dane Belton), Nubin comes in as a sure thing. He’s currently Minnesota’s all-time leader in interceptions and has the athleticism to be versatile and impactful no matter where he plays. Add in his ability to blitz effectively, and he reminds me of a Landon Collins-type player but better.
With the other second-round pick, it’s clear Sanders was the best choice here. After all, we still don’t know if Darren Waller will retire or not. He might as well make this pick easier. If it weren’t for the loaded weapons Texas had (Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mithcell, Jordan Whittington), Sanders would have had better statistical numbers. He is a great vertical threat and will overmatch most linebackers. Sanders runs routes like a receiver, and though he isn’t the best blocker, you can’t deny his ability to be a top, dependable weapon. Besides the Giants already have enough blocking tight ends.
In round three, we add another weapon to the offense. Because, seriously, Jones does not have any more excuses to not produce after this draft. Corley is a great athlete, though he is still learning the wideout position after playing running back at Western Kentucky during his first few years there. But, he showed strong hands and the ability to make big plays with the ball in his hands. Despite a crowded receiver room with Harrison and the incumbents in Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt, I can see Corley standing out and becoming a long-term WR2/WR3.
On day three, we start with Lloyd, who will likely not be an RB1 out of the gate. However, with his burst and long speed, he is a big-play threat who, if you allow him to get to the sideline, is gone. Add in his good hands in the receiving game and his patience when finding the hole, Lloyd is a steal. He’ll be a complete RB1 once he improves his vision.
Jones, standing at 6’2″, is an intriguing cornerback. But, the Giants need someone to be a CB2 (no, we cannot do the Tre Hawkins III experiment again). He was first-team All-ACC in 2023, starting nine games for Boston College and racking up five interceptions and eight pass breakups. He will shut down contested catches because of his long length and just knows how to make plays on the ball as a whole.
The rest of the draft was adding depth at cornerback and on the offensive line.
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Featured Image: Ben Jackson/Getty Images
