This will be another important draft for New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, as they look to land some impact pieces that can help them bounce back from an ugly 6-11 finish in 2023.
This time last year the Giants seemed like a team on the rise. Brian Daboll was dynamite in his first season as head coach, Daniel Jones had a breakout season, and the defense had serious upside as they reached the playoffs and even won a game in the Wild Card round. Boy have things changed since then.
- New York Giants draft picks in 2024: No. 6, No. 47, No. 70, No. 107, No. 166, No. 183
Related: Latest 2024 NFL mock draft
Now, Daboll is dealing with a borderline mutiny in his coaching staff, Jones regressed back to a draft bust last season and they also lost star running back Saquon Barkley in free agency. New York has a lot of holes to fill, and with that in mind let’s look at the top five needs for Big Blue in the 2024 NFL Draft.
5. Outside linebacker
After making a blockbuster trade for Brian Burns in the offseason, the Giants do not as desperately need more help on the EDGE. However, linebackers on the outside who can help in the pass rush in the middle rounds of the draft are possible. Marist Liufau of Notre Dame may be one player they target at that position.
- Possible New York Giants draft targets: Marist Liufau (Notre Dame), Steele Chambers (Ohio State), Jaylan Ford (Texas)
Related: New York Giants NFL Draft plans to reportedly be dictated by one major factor
4. Running back
In free agency the Giants signed veteran Devin Singletary, however, he has proven throughout his career he isn’t an impact RB1 and would be best served in a platoon. That is why the team could be targeting a running back in rounds three, four, or five.
It was recently reported that Florida State running back Trey Benson is a player the team is “heavily interested” in ahead of the 2024 draft.
- Possible New York Giants draft targets: Trey Benson (Florida State), Blake Corum (Michigan), Will Shipley (Clemson)
3. Cornerback
The Giants used their top pick in 2023 on Deontae Banks and he made an immediate impact. However, with Adoree’ Jackson’s future with the team unclear and good cornerbacks at a premium the organization could again target one again in this month’s draft.
- Possible New York Giants draft targets: Khyree Jackson (Oregon), Andru Phillips (Kentucky), Jarrian Jones (Florida State)
Related: Top New York Giants wide receiver targets later in 2024 NFL Draft
2. Wide receiver
If the Giants can’t land a quarterback with their top pick, going after the best available wide receiver in Round 1 is a distinct possibility. And it makes sense since the passing game desperately needs some game-breaker talents. While rookie 2023 Jalin Hyatt showed some flashes last season, targeting stud receiver Malik Nabers with their first pick, or his LSU teammate Brian Thomas Jr. early in Round 2 seems likely in the 2024 draft.
- Possible New York Giants draft targets: Malik Nabers (LSU), Roman Odunze (Washington), Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)
1. Quarterback
All signs point to the New York Giants not landing the quarterback they would love to get — Jayden Daniels –with their pick at No. 6. After reaching with Daniel Jones a few years back, they can’t do that again here but they are sure to take a signal caller on Day 2 or early in Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Flawed but talented stars from the 2023 college football season like Michael Penix Jr. and Jordan Travis will definitely be on the G-Men’s radar.
- Possible New York Giants draft targets: Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), Spencer Rattler (South Carolina), Jordan Travis (Florida State)