It seems the New York Giants front office is aware they may have a unique opportunity in the 2024 NFL Draft and are preparing themselves for the possibility of selecting a new franchise quarterback.
The Giants’ fortunes have so radically changed in the 10 months. A year ago they were one of the pleasant surprises as they seemed ahead of schedule under new head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. The team made the playoffs and actually won a postseason game. However, 2023 has been extremely different.
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Whatever luck they had in 2022 is gone as they’ve battled a virus of injuries and some disappointing performances from a few of the key players who are actually suiting up each week. As they enter NFL Week 10, the team is 2-7, and there is no reason to have confidence they will win another game with starting quarterback Daniel Jones out for the season.
However, while Jones is better than any other QB on the roster he seemed to regress this season and injuries continue to be a reason why he is hard to rely on it. It’s probably why the team only guaranteed the first two seasons of the four-year $160 million contract they gave him in the spring.
With the realization that the sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft is not going to become their franchise quarterback, it should come as no surprise that on Sunday NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport reported that “Schoen has scouted some of college football’s top passers in recent weeks” as it becomes clear the organization is likely to have a high pick next April.
Assuming the New York Giants use their top pick in 2024 — which likely might be No. 4 — or trade down in the draft to take a QB later in the opening round, here are five players they likely may target.
5 quarterbacks New York Giants could target early in 2024 NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders
While the Colorado Buffaloes have fallen off the table after a fantastic start to the season, Shedeur Sanders has made a serious case to be the second or third QB taken in 2024. With Deion Sanders being his father, he has a unique knowledge of reading secondaries and is playing a style that should be easy to transition to the next level.
Plus, he is nimble and athletic which is damn near a necessity for quarterbacks in the 2020s.
JJ McCarthy
JJ McCarthy’s stock is on the rise with Michigan being a serious title contender in 2023. He has a legit arm and the athleticism needed to compete at a high level in the NFL of today. While he wouldn’t be deserving of a top-five pick, he could be an option if they trade down to the teens or 20s and get more draft assets.
Drake Maye
Drake Maye has been lost in the national shuffle due to the high profiles of Sanders, USC’s Caleb Williams, and some other stars but he is a player who could eventually be the first QB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. The North Carolina star has a big arm, the type of size you want at the next level, and enough mobility to extend plays or get extra yards when plays fall apart. In ways he is similar to Daniel Jones but with more throwing potential.
Michael Penix Jr.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. has been outstanding in 2023 as he has finally hit a new peak after two torn ACLs during his college career. Unlike many of the young signal callers in this class, Penix Jr. is a classic pocket passer who is not looking to tuck and run when the pressure rises.
Another factor that makes him interesting is due to being red-shirted multiple times because of his previous injuries, he had a ton of experience and is as ready as any player that may come out next year.
Caleb Williams
Even if you aren’t a diehard college football fan, chances are you have heard about the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner. If Caleb Williams comes out in this year’s draft — which is still not a guarantee — he has been considered the likely top pick for a couple of years because, on a pure talent level, he is the best QB in this year’s class.
He can make all the throws and he is good at moving around the pocket and evading the rush, which allows him to extend plays. Williams is faster than he looks and has the wheels to get chunk yardage on the ground when given the opportunity.
The New York Giants may not get the chance to take him, but if this season continues as it has, it may not be impossible for them to get the top-two selection necessary to land the USC star.