Giants Draft Picks 2024: Comprehensive Selection Guide

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The NFL Draft is a pivotal event for teams looking to bolster their rosters, and the New York Giants are no exception. As the 2024 draft approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the Giants draft picks 2024. This year’s selection process has the potential to shape the team’s future and address key areas of need, particularly in the wake of recent performances and roster changes.

Brian Daboll and his coaching staff have a golden opportunity to strengthen the Giants’ lineup across multiple positions. From securing a dynamic wide receiver to reinforcing the defensive backfield, the draft strategy will play a crucial role in the team’s development. This comprehensive guide delves into the Giants’ selections, examining their choices from the first round through day three, and offering expert analysis on how these new additions might impact the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.

Giants’ 2024 Draft Strategy

As the New York Giants enter a critical third season under head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, their draft strategy has become increasingly important. After overachieving in their first year and experiencing a setback in their second, the team faces several key decisions that will shape their future.

Addressing Key Needs

The Giants have significant gaps to fill, particularly in their offensive and defensive lineups. One of the most pressing issues is the quarterback position. Despite Daniel Jones’ presence, the team might consider drafting his replacement, signaling a potential shift in their long-term plans.

Another area of concern is the cornerback position. With free agent Adoree’ Jackson unlikely to return, the Giants need to find a starting outside corner to complement Deonte Banks. While a veteran addition might be ideal, the draft offers an opportunity to inject young talent into the secondary and foster healthy competition.

The departure of Saquon Barkley has left a void in the Giants’ offensive identity. Although they’ve added veteran Devin Singletary to the backfield, there’s still a need to bolster their running back corps. The draft provides a chance to find a dynamic player who can contribute to the ground game and potentially in the passing attack.

Balancing Offense and Defense

The Giants’ draft strategy aims to strike a balance between offensive firepower and defensive solidity. On the offensive side, the team has a golden opportunity to secure a top-tier wide receiver. With the draft’s structure likely pushing elite receivers down the board, the Giants could find themselves in a position to select a game-changing talent at the seventh pick.

Defensively, the addition of Brian Burns has strengthened the edge rush, but the defensive line still needs depth. The Giants are looking to add players who can rotate in and provide quality snaps alongside Dexter Lawrence and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.

Long-term vs. Immediate Impact

The Giants’ draft strategy also involves weighing long-term potential against immediate impact. This is particularly evident in their approach to the wide receiver position. Players like Malik Nabers from LSU and Rome Odunze from Washington offer not only immediate playmaking ability but also significant room for growth due to their youth.

In the secondary, the Giants might target players who can contribute right away while also developing over time. Prospects like Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama or Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from Missouri could compete for starting roles early while also fitting into the team’s long-term plans.

The Giants’ strategy also extends to later rounds, where they’ll look for value picks who can provide depth and potentially develop into key contributors. This approach is exemplified by their interest in versatile players like Tyrone Tracy, a former receiver turned running back who could add an explosive element to the offense and contribute on special teams.

By focusing on a mix of immediate contributors and high-upside prospects, the Giants aim to build a roster that can compete now while also setting the foundation for sustained success. This balanced approach to the 2024 draft has the potential to address the team’s current needs while also shaping their future for years to come.

Round 1: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The New York Giants made a significant move in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick. This decision has the potential to transform the Giants’ offense and provide a much-needed boost to their passing game.

Scouting Report

Nabers comes to the NFL with an impressive collegiate resume. Standing at 6-foot and weighing 199 pounds, he possesses a versatile frame with 31 ⅜ inch arms and 9 ⅞ inch hands. His athleticism and versatility allowed him to line up all over the formation at LSU, showcasing his ability to play as an “X” receiver, off the line as a “Z” or “flanker,” and in the slot.

The former LSU star’s production speaks volumes about his potential. In 2023, Nabers led the FBS with an average of 120.7 receiving yards per game, accumulating 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His career at LSU was equally impressive, as he finished as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003).

Nabers’ game is characterized by explosiveness and versatility. He excels as both a possession receiver and a deep threat, running a diverse route tree with a good understanding of his role within route concepts. His field awareness is particularly noteworthy, especially in scramble drills and against zone coverage.

How He Fits the Giants’ Offense

Nabers’ arrival comes at a crucial time for the Giants’ offense. With Saquon Barkley’s departure and Darren Waller no longer in the picture, Nabers immediately becomes the team’s most potent offensive weapon. His ability to create big plays from anywhere on the field draws comparisons to peak Odell Beckham Jr., offering the Giants a dynamic playmaker they’ve been missing.

The rookie’s skill set aligns well with Brian Daboll’s offensive philosophy. Nabers’ proficiency in gaining yards after the catch (averaging 7.0 YAC per reception in college) fits perfectly with the Giants’ 2022 offensive scheme that prioritized getting the ball out quickly and creating opportunities for receivers to make plays in space.

Mike Kafka, the Giants’ offensive coordinator, now has a chance to reshape the offense around Nabers’ talents. Having previously worked with elite receivers like Tyreek Hill in Kansas City, Kafka can design an offense that maximizes Nabers’ versatility and explosiveness.

Projected Impact

Expectations are high for Nabers’ rookie season, with many experts projecting him to be an immediate fantasy starter, if not more. His impact on the Giants’ offense could be transformative, providing a much-needed boost to a unit that has struggled in recent years.

The Giants’ receiving corps has been significantly upgraded with Nabers’ arrival. He’s expected to take on a primary role, likely playing on the outside with Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt sharing the other outside spot, while Wan’Dale Robinson handles slot duties. This arrangement should give Nabers ample opportunities to showcase his skills and make an immediate impact.

However, there are some challenges to consider. The quarterback situation, with Daniel Jones at the helm, might not be ideal for maximizing Nabers’ deep-threat potential. Jones’ tendency to scramble or take sacks could limit Nabers’ targets, and his lack of deep-ball proficiency might not fully utilize Nabers’ speed. Nevertheless, Nabers’ diverse route-running skills and Jones’ habit of locking onto his first read could still result in a productive partnership.

While Nabers has the potential to become a top-10 fantasy wide receiver in the future, the current state of the Giants’ offense might temper expectations for his rookie season. However, his talent and the Giants’ need for a game-changing receiver could lead to Nabers becoming a focal point of the offense sooner rather than later.

Day 2 Selections: Strengthening the Secondary

The New York Giants continued to address their defensive needs on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, focusing on bolstering their secondary. With the departure of Xavier McKinney to the Green Bay Packers and a need for cornerback depth, the Giants made strategic selections to shore up their defensive backfield.

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

With the 47th overall pick, the Giants selected safety Tyler Nubin from the University of Minnesota. Nubin, the second-ranked safety in the draft, brings a physical presence and versatility to the Giants’ defense. Standing out as one of the top safeties in this year’s draft class, Nubin’s selection makes sense given the void left by McKinney’s departure.

Nubin’s collegiate career at Minnesota was marked by consistent improvement and production. After appearing in 12 games as a freshman and seven as a sophomore, he became a full-time starter in 2021. His senior year was particularly impressive, earning him second-team Associated Press All-American honors and first-team All-Big Ten Conference recognition. Nubin tied for sixth in the FBS with five interceptions and set a school record with 13 career interceptions.

The Minnesota product excels as a run defender, particularly when playing close to the line of scrimmage. His physical play style and strength make him a formidable presence in the box. Nubin quickly identifies running plays and reacts swiftly, using his hands effectively to disengage from blocks. His tackling ability is noteworthy, as he has the strength to deliver impactful hits on ball carriers.

In pass coverage, Nubin has shown the ability to play as a deep defender in single-high coverage and from split-safety looks. However, his best work often comes from the slot and in underneath coverage. With his size, length, and instincts, Nubin has the potential to be an interchangeable safety in the NFL, though he may initially have a specific role in run defense and special teams.

Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

The Giants further strengthened their secondary by selecting cornerback Andru Phillips from Kentucky with their second Day 2 pick. Phillips is a talented and athletic corner who is expected to play primarily in the slot for New York.

Phillips brings versatility and physicality to the Giants’ cornerback group. He has experience playing both outside and in the slot, showcasing quick feet, fluid transitions, and strong change-of-direction skills. His ability to play in both man and zone coverage schemes adds value to the Giants’ defensive backfield.

In man coverage, Phillips exhibits smooth mirroring skills and the ability to flip his hips and run with vertical routes. He has shown proficiency in press-man coverage from the slot, using his short-area burst to match receivers and his speed to stay with crossers. His ball skills are solid, with good production in pass breakups, though he didn’t record many interceptions in college.

Phillips’ competitive nature and willingness to engage in the physical aspects of the game stand out. He’s an aggressive tackler who embraces contact, making him an asset in run support. His high-intensity playing style and mental toughness align well with the Giants’ defensive philosophy.

The selection of Phillips addresses a significant need for the Giants, as they lacked depth at cornerback beyond last year’s first-round pick, Deonte Banks. General Manager Joe Schoen mentioned that Phillips is expected to start in the slot, highlighting his versatility as a key factor in their decision to draft him.

Both Nubin and Phillips bring emotional investment and the right mindset to the Giants, as noted by head coach Brian Daboll. Their selections demonstrate the Giants’ commitment to upgrading their secondary and adding versatile players who can contribute in multiple ways to Shane Bowen’s new defense.

Day 3 Picks: Adding Depth and Potential

The New York Giants continued to address their roster needs on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, focusing on adding depth and potential to key positions. Their selections demonstrated a strategy of targeting versatile athletes with high upside who could contribute immediately while also developing for the future.

Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

The Giants kicked off their Day 3 picks by selecting tight end Theo Johnson from Penn State. Johnson’s impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine caught the attention of many teams, as he showcased his exceptional athleticism with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and a 39½-inch vertical leap at 6-foot-6 and 259 pounds.

Johnson’s selection provides the Giants with insurance at the tight end position, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Darren Waller’s potential retirement. The Penn State product brings versatility to the offense, excelling as both a blocker and a receiver. His ability to “lose slow” as an in-line tight end and win in space makes him a valuable asset in various offensive schemes.

As a receiver, Johnson’s size and athleticism give him intriguing upside. He has shown proficiency in making himself available as a check-down target and has the speed to threaten defenses downfield. This combination of skills could make him an immediate contributor to the Giants’ offense while also offering long-term potential.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue

With their next pick, the Giants addressed their running back depth by selecting Tyrone Tracy Jr. from Purdue. Tracy’s journey to the NFL is unique, having started his college career as a wide receiver at Iowa before transferring to Purdue and transitioning to running back in his final season.

Despite his average size (5-foot-11, 209 pounds), Tracy possesses explosive athleticism, evidenced by his 40-inch vertical and 10-foot-4 broad jump. His background as a receiver enhances his versatility, making him a potential weapon in the passing game out of the backfield.

In his lone season as a full-time running back, Tracy showcased his potential by leading the Big Ten in yards per carry (6.3) and scoring eight rushing touchdowns. His vision, contact balance, and ability to generate yards in tight spaces make him an intriguing addition to the Giants’ backfield.

Tracy’s explosiveness and versatility could lead to an immediate impact, potentially filling a Tony Pollard-like role in the Giants’ offense. His experience as a kick returner (16 returns for 408 yards and a touchdown in 2023) adds value to his profile and increases his chances of contributing early in his NFL career.

Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

The Giants rounded out their Day 3 selections by adding linebacker Darius Muasau from UCLA. While Muasau may be undersized and not particularly athletic by NFL standards, his experience and productivity at the collegiate level make him an intriguing prospect.

Muasau’s college career spans five years, including three at Hawaii before transferring to UCLA. His durability is noteworthy, having played in 61 games throughout his collegiate career. Muasau’s production speaks for itself, with an impressive 436 total tackles, 40.0 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks.

What Muasau lacks in size and athleticism, he makes up for with instincts and play recognition. His ability to quickly flow to play direction and challenge lead blocks in the hole makes him an asset against the run. Muasau’s experience and productivity suggest he could contribute on special teams while providing depth to the Giants’ linebacker corps.

These Day 3 picks demonstrate the Giants’ commitment to adding versatile athletes with the potential to make immediate contributions while also addressing depth concerns across multiple positions. The selections of Johnson, Tracy, and Muasau provide the team with valuable options as they look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season and beyond.

Expert Analysis and Draft Grades

The New York Giants’ 2024 draft class has received positive reviews from analysts, with many praising the team’s strategic approach to addressing key needs. The Giants’ selections demonstrate a clear focus on bolstering their offense and strengthening their secondary, which could have a significant impact on their performance in the upcoming season.

Overall Draft Assessment

Experts have generally given the Giants high marks for their draft strategy. The team’s decision to prioritize explosive playmakers and defensive reinforcements has been well-received. By landing a top-tier wide receiver in the first round and addressing critical defensive positions in subsequent rounds, the Giants have shown a commitment to improving on both sides of the ball.

The selection of Malik Nabers at No. 6 overall has been hailed as a “home run” pick. Analysts believe Nabers immediately becomes the Giants’ most dynamic offensive weapon, drawing comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr. in terms of his potential impact. This pick has been seen as a defining moment for the Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll era, reminiscent of the bold moves made by Ernie Accorsi and Tom Coughlin two decades ago.

Individual Pick Evaluations

1. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU (1st Round, 6th Overall):
   Analysts unanimously praise this selection, noting Nabers’ explosiveness and separation ability. He’s expected to be a field-flipping asset and the first 1,000-yard receiver for the Giants since 2018.
2. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota (2nd Round, 47th Overall):
   Considered the top safety in the draft by some experts, Nubin is praised for his ball-hawking skills and leadership. He’s expected to step in immediately and be a key performer in the secondary.
3. Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky (3rd Round, 70th Overall):
   While some analysts rate Phillips higher than others, he’s generally seen as a solid pick. His toughness and coverage ability are highlighted, with expectations that he could have an earlier-than-expected impact.
4. Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State (4th Round, 107th Overall):
   Johnson is viewed as a good addition, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Darren Waller’s future. His physical gifts and pass-catching ability are noted as potential assets to the Giants’ offense.
5. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue (5th Round, 166th Overall):
   Tracy is seen as an intriguing pick due to his versatility and explosiveness. While some note his age (he’ll be 25 in November) as a potential drawback, his potential to contribute immediately is highlighted.
6. Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA (6th Round, 183rd Overall):
   Muasau is viewed as a solid late-round pick, praised for his well-rounded skills and potential to contribute on special teams. His experience and productivity in college are seen as positive factors.

Overall, experts believe the Giants have addressed key needs and added significant talent to their roster. The combination of immediate impact players and developmental prospects has been well-received, with many analysts viewing this draft class as a potential turning point for the franchise.

Conclusion

The Giants’ 2024 draft picks have a significant influence on the team’s future prospects. By nabbing a game-changing receiver in Malik Nabers and beefing up their secondary with Tyler Nubin and Andru Phillips, the Giants have set themselves up to compete. The later rounds also saw them add depth and potential, with picks like Theo Johnson and Tyrone Tracy Jr. bringing versatility to the offense.

All in all, this draft class looks promising for the Giants. It tackles their key needs head-on while also leaving room to grow. As these rookies start to mesh with the team, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they shape the Giants’ performance in the coming season. The true test will be on the field, but for now, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in New York.

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FAQs

1. What selections did the Giants make in the 2024 draft?
1. The Giants’ selections for the 2024 draft include Malik Nabers as a wide receiver from LSU in the first round, Tyler Nubin as a safety from Minnesota in the second round, Dru Phillips as a cornerback from Kentucky in the third round, Theo Johnson as a tight end from Penn State in the fourth round, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. as a running back from Purdue in the fifth round.
2. Which NFL teams had the most successful drafts in 2024?
2. According to experts, the teams with the most successful drafts in 2024 were the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, both receiving an A+ grade, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles with an A grade.
3. Who were the top picks for the SF Giants in the 2024 draft?
3. In the 2024 draft, the SF Giants focused on power hitters, selecting players like Tibbs from Mississippi State, Dakota Jordan in the fourth round, Jakob Christian from the University of San Diego in the fifth round, and Robert Hipwell from Santa Clara in the sixth round.
4. What was the order of picks in the 2024 NFL draft?
4. The 2024 NFL draft order began with the Chicago Bears, followed by the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons among the top selections.