While we are focused on the upcoming draft, last year's draft has the opportunity to really step up into an impactful role and could help determine what type of team we have this year.
I understand, the need to figure out the quarterback, but there are 1000 other threads on that.
Last years class showed some glimpses and some down points. However, each of these players play positions where there is a need for someone to step up.
Deonte Banks: Had a solid year. Was what Wink wanted in his defense. How will he do with the new De-coordinator. He is our #1 corner, but will he be a shutdown #1 this year?
John Michael Schmitz: Lots of ups and downs and some injuries. Sometimes oline need a year in an NFL weight lifting program. There was a lot to like and a reason he was a second rounder. With a new oline coach and some veterans on either side, he could come into his own.
Jalin Hyatt: Giants would have taken him 2nd round if Schmitz was gone and traded up to get him. He has top end speed and showed promise on some big plays. He could really shine with a better oline and consistent QB play. If the Giants get another receiver Hyatt may settle in as a #2 or can he become a #1?
Eric Gray: Largely unimpressive and most aren't even talking much about him. the punt returning was a fail. How do the giants see him. If Barkley couldn't run behind the line, Grey wasn't going to have much success. Does he become the 2nd RB or do we see an early exit with other RB additions.
Tre Hawkins: In preseason, everyone was excited about him. It looked like we had our future 1 and 2 locked up in 1 draft, but he didn't make the transition in the regular season. Was there too much hope for a rookie from a small school to make such a big jump--probably. He has the size, speed and aggressiveness and we have a strong DB coach. Will he take the #2 spot? Is he ready?
Jordon Riley: He flashed in preseason and then had a quiet year. Got some run time and had some plays sprinkled in that had a dominant look to then. There is room for someone to step up next to Dex and to have meaniful minutes as part of a rotation. Do the Giants see him having a big role this year, or we drafting DL high and bringing in more vets for that spot after cuts. For some reason, I have high expectations for him this year--just a feeling.
Gervarrius Owens: The last pick in last years draft also flashed early on, but didn't really have a role last season. X is now gone. Do we just have a role player 1 step to being replaced, or could he rise up as well into an important role. No idea, but would go a long way if he did to filling in the hole left by X.
Many of these players are subject to our newest coaches. It will be interesting to see how they fit and develop. Sometimes, it takes a year or 2 for players to turn-it on.
So who do you have making an impact this year? This group could end up playing a big part of turning the team around, or we may find out, that we still have a way to go in the drafting department.
I would love to see Hyatt become a bigtime player for us, but he wasn't a steal and he hasn't played like a steal nor looked like a steal since he's been here. He needs to prove he is more than just a deep threat and he hasn't done that yet. If he earns a regular role in 3-WR sets than he will have delivered on the third round pick that was spent and I'll be happy with that. If he becomes a starter in the base offense or sees a lot of snaps in 2-WR sets then he will have outplayed the expectations. At least that's how I see it.
I would love to see Hyatt become a bigtime player for us, but he wasn't a steal and he hasn't played like a steal nor looked like a steal since he's been here. He needs to prove he is more than just a deep threat and he hasn't done that yet. If he earns a regular role in 3-WR sets than he will have delivered on the third round pick that was spent and I'll be happy with that. If he becomes a starter in the base offense or sees a lot of snaps in 2-WR sets then he will have outplayed the expectations. At least that's how I see it.
There is video of the Giants draft room when the Bears traded above the Giants in the 2nd and took a CB. They were saying they will at least get JMS or Hyatt, so he was definitely in their range at that point.
Then they traded up for Hyatt. He didn't have the rookie year you want but Schoen wasn't just being polite. He's developing.
Link - ( New Window )
They are waiting for the price to come down on the vets. Would also not be surprised to see them draft a CB day two.
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When asked if Hyatt was in the mix for their second round pick, Schoen said "he was within range" which is a polite way of saying no.
I would love to see Hyatt become a bigtime player for us, but he wasn't a steal and he hasn't played like a steal nor looked like a steal since he's been here. He needs to prove he is more than just a deep threat and he hasn't done that yet. If he earns a regular role in 3-WR sets than he will have delivered on the third round pick that was spent and I'll be happy with that. If he becomes a starter in the base offense or sees a lot of snaps in 2-WR sets then he will have outplayed the expectations. At least that's how I see it.
There is video of the Giants draft room when the Bears traded above the Giants in the 2nd and took a CB. They were saying they will at least get JMS or Hyatt, so he was definitely in their range at that point.
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We'll go Schmitts or Hyatt
Then they traded up for Hyatt. He didn't have the rookie year you want but Schoen wasn't just being polite. He's developing. Link - ( New Window )
That is where I got the info from. I don’t think it was a comment for show in the video. They left that part in the video to probably show that they got what they thought was a high second round in the third.
Flott, too. And they tendered McCloud.
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interest in the free agent cb market makes me beleive they see something they really like in hawkins. maybe they expect a big year 2 jump!!
And Holmes is back, and the safety we signed can back up CB.
Flott, too. And they tendered McCloud.
A rookie, injuries, poor coaching, and two even worse players to his left and right were legitimate excuses for such play.
He's down to only one excuse in 2024, injuries. If he stays healthy, he needs to step it up, big time.
As fans we remain hopeful with the 2022 and 2023 groups, but must admit that we all use a lot of terms like "has potential", "will be better when healthy", "still transitioning to the pro game", etc.
Of course we are optimists, but plain and simple-you develop a championship thru your draft. Sure we all get excited with a trade or a FA signing, but the draft is where you build your team and it has been a Giants weakness for years-certainly including the time prior to Schoen.
Schoen needs to knock it at of the park with his 3rd Giants draft. Its a strong draft class in areas of Giants needs. We need significant 2024 contributions from his top 4 picks, all in the first 107 overall picks.
As fans we remain hopeful with the 2022 and 2023 groups, but must admit that we all use a lot of terms like "has potential", "will be better when healthy", "still transitioning to the pro game", etc.
Of course we are optimists, but plain and simple-you develop a championship thru your draft. Sure we all get excited with a trade or a FA signing, but the draft is where you build your team and it has been a Giants weakness for years-certainly including the time prior to Schoen.
Schoen needs to knock it at of the park with his 3rd Giants draft. Its a strong draft class in areas of Giants needs. We need significant 2024 contributions from his top 4 picks, all in the first 107 overall picks.
Very unfair to judge a draft class after a year or two
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hard truth is that Schoen has not done well with either of his first 2 Giants drafts.
As fans we remain hopeful with the 2022 and 2023 groups, but must admit that we all use a lot of terms like "has potential", "will be better when healthy", "still transitioning to the pro game", etc.
Of course we are optimists, but plain and simple-you develop a championship thru your draft. Sure we all get excited with a trade or a FA signing, but the draft is where you build your team and it has been a Giants weakness for years-certainly including the time prior to Schoen.
Schoen needs to knock it at of the park with his 3rd Giants draft. Its a strong draft class in areas of Giants needs. We need significant 2024 contributions from his top 4 picks, all in the first 107 overall picks.
Very unfair to judge a draft class after a year or two
Especially if you draft a QB, they need 6-7 years