As usual - I am going to dive right into a few names I expect to be on their short list. Schoen is a guy that likes to build his roster with balance. With most of the resources being used on offense to this point, I suspect both of tonight's picks will be used on the defensive side of the ball.
Cooper DeJean - S/Iowa is the standout name. I've been told there is a potential medical red flag on his foot - that could be the reason for his drop. The tweener status to him could be an add-on as well, similar to what we saw with Brian Branch last year. And like Branch - I would abruptly use the 47th pick on him without hesitation if he falls further. Ideal fit for the nickel-need and a good returner. Max Melton - CB/Rutgers and Mike Sainristil - CB/Michigan are the two other corners I like in this spot. Neither are big size guys though - so I could see them going after Kool-Aid McKinstry - CB/Alabama instead. An argument can be made he is the better fit, too.
The pass rush is something I have been discussing for months now. Even with Brian Burns, this team still needs to find a difference maker up front. Create a real identity that other teams fear. This can be DT or EDGE defender - there are are enough snaps to go around. Jer'Zhan Newton - DT/Illinois and Ruke Orhorhoro - DT / Clemson would be my first look if they drop to 47. Important to know some teams are scared off by Newton's foot injury on a less-than ideal frame. Orhorohoro never blossomed as a pass rusher at Clemson and his grade is more about projection that others. I feel safe with him because of how strong of a run defender he can be, however. High floor, sky-high ceiling with his untapped and raw tool set. We won't see an edge guy in round two that is worth the price, but Bralen Trice - Washington and Chris Braswell - Alabama are round three targets I feel good about.
Braden Fiske - DT/Florida State is a wildcard. I personally love the style he plays with and he has a special combination of athletic ability. His tape late in the year and at the Senior Bowl were dominant. Round 2 may be a bit rich - but getting him or even Michael Hall Jr. - DT/Ohio State shouldn't meet any resistance from anybody. If they hit their respective ceilings - that is the exact kind of impact this front can use.
All of this talk on defense has me peeking over at what can be there offensively. Many know I wanted McCarthy at 6 - we will have to wait and see how that goes. But seeing some of these receivers available has me wondering "what if" ...but I will stay away from this for now (no, I don't think NYG was in on Maye at 3). Anyway....
What about another OL addition? I lean toward Schoen wanting to stay away from young OL after signing four veterans that I plan on seeing on the week one roster. That said - there are multiple intriguing names available and I have to think at least one or two of these guys will drop to #47. This 32-50 range is always providing solid starting OL - notably inside. Jackson Powers-Johnson / Oregon and Zach Frazier / West Virginia are the top interior guys that can provide a hedge should center John Michael Schmitz not pan put. The former is being flagged for medicals, for what it's worth. If he keeps falling - I would assume it is more serious that first anticipated. The name I am MOST intrigued by is Kingsley Suamataia / BYU, a guy I initially thought would end up in the top 15 overall of my stack right next to JC Latham. While his inconsistencies pled up and pushed his grade down into day two - the thought of him coming here is hard to get over. He played both RT and LT in college - but some OL coaches say he will be best suited at guard. In some ways - he is the ideal fit for NYG.
The running backs are likely going to be looked at day three but there is no denying we will see some come off the board tonight. The loss of Barkley leaves the door cracked open and Trey Benson / Florida State is the one I would fully get behind on day two. Big, fast, unique back that can fill in multiple roles. Jonathon Brooks / Texas tore his ACL last November but he was easily trending toward RB1 in this class. Some view round 2 of this draft as a major discount on his impact down the road. With NYG not ready to fully compete - that could be a bargain that makes sense for the future vision. If they wait until round 4, however, I think multiple guys will still beg around that make this backfield better.
Lastly - tight end. Put me in the camp that believes Darren Waller is done. Even if he comes back - I do not feel good about his impact here in 2024 and obviously beyond. While this tight end group does not scream loud - there are certain points where the value needs to be discussed. Round 3 would be the earliest consideration - and there is where Ben Sinnott / Kansas State, Theo Johnson / Penn State, and the name I cannot seem to get out of my head, Johnny Wilson / Florida State are all options. If Kafka/Daboll believe Waller really could have been a turning point for their system - Wilson almost has to be considered day two.
That is all - Looking forward to day two. This is where NYG has been swinging and missing for years - and this is where they can create the biggest difference for themselves.
Would love to pair him with a CB, S, DT and I’m also open to TE options.
heard that somewhere yesterday as well.
good stuff as always sy, agree almost across the board. only name you didnt mention id love at 47 is kris jenkins, but i think harbough is going to pick him anyway so probably wont matter.
Max Melton - CB/Rutgers
Kool-Aid McKinstry - CB/Alabama
Trey Benson / Florida State
Ben Sinnott / Kansas State
Theo Johnson / Penn State
Jer'Zhan Newton - DT/Illinois
Max Melton - CB/Rutgers
Kool-Aid McKinstry - CB/Alabama
Trey Benson / Florida State
Ben Sinnott / Kansas State
Theo Johnson / Penn State
Jer'Zhan Newton - DT/Illinois
And based on Sy and other reports, some of those were probably medical checks.
I don't always like quantity over quality. The draft falls off after round 4 so moving down and missing on a better player for a 5th or 6th stab... no thanks.
@DDuggan21
Thoughts heading into Day 2:
• The Giants absolutely should not draft a QB tonight. If they couldn't add a game-changer in the first round, there's no reason to use a later pick on a prospect who won't be a clear upgrade on what they have. They went BPA in the first round. Continue with that philosophy to build the best roster possible. The future at QB will be addressed in 2025.
• Schoen mentioned adding picks or trading up. Trading up would be a tough sell. As Schoen continues to say, there's plenty of holes on the roster. They only have five picks remaining. Not sure they're in position to reduce their swings by giving up picks in a trade. If they trade back, I'd be aiming for 2025 picks. They're going to need as much ammo as possible next year.
• I can't imagine the Giants double-dipping at WR, so they should be rooting for a run on the position at the start of the second round to push other players toward 47.
• Looking for possible Day 2 targets: Focus on players from big schools. Schoen's picks in the first three rounds as GM have all been from power conferences (if they still exist). Would be surprised by a swing on a small-school guy tonight.
• I don't think the Giants should be in a rush to trade Darius Slayton — it's OK to have multiple good players at a position. But if his unhappiness with his contract turns into a trade request, the Giants would have to be open to moving him if they can get a mid-round pick.
• Schoen has added some players with promise on Day 2 in the past, but be needs to crush it today. There's nothing that says you can't land a guy on Day 2 who is an immediate stud.
@DDuggan21
Thoughts heading into Day 2:
• The Giants absolutely should not draft a QB tonight. If they couldn't add a game-changer in the first round, there's no reason to use a later pick on a prospect who won't be a clear upgrade on what they have. They went BPA in the first round. Continue with that philosophy to build the best roster possible. The future at QB will be addressed in 2025.
• Schoen mentioned adding picks or trading up. Trading up would be a tough sell. As Schoen continues to say, there's plenty of holes on the roster. They only have five picks remaining. Not sure they're in position to reduce their swings by giving up picks in a trade. If they trade back, I'd be aiming for 2025 picks. They're going to need as much ammo as possible next year.
• I can't imagine the Giants double-dipping at WR, so they should be rooting for a run on the position at the start of the second round to push other players toward 47.
• Looking for possible Day 2 targets: Focus on players from big schools. Schoen's picks in the first three rounds as GM have all been from power conferences (if they still exist). Would be surprised by a swing on a small-school guy tonight.
• I don't think the Giants should be in a rush to trade Darius Slayton — it's OK to have multiple good players at a position. But if his unhappiness with his contract turns into a trade request, the Giants would have to be open to moving him if they can get a mid-round pick.
• Schoen has added some players with promise on Day 2 in the past, but be needs to crush it today. There's nothing that says you can't land a guy on Day 2 who is an immediate stud.
That is all good stuff, but I wouldn't mind Joe Milton or Pratt in the 4th if they make it.
Also, is Max Melton only really suited to play nickel?
I wonder if this has anything to do with Sy's rankings, as in, Sy rated JJ over Maye... the Giants passed on JJ, so therefore he concludes that the Giants were probably not in on Maye either.
Ruke Orhorhoro would be my pick at #47.
I do think the Giants should consider trading down in the third round. Doing so doesn't mean favoring "quantity over quality." It's a recognition that most picks after the second round are fungible, and a few more can help improve the odds of finding a real contributor. Schoen has also had good success on day three with Bellinger, Belton, and McFadden.
They seemed to be locked in on Wandale in 22 and moved back twice because of it. In 23 they reacted to Hyatt on the board.
My belief is we will make a move or 2 today. A run on WR's in front of us helps push players down but also might make someone want to come up.
You make the draft extra special.
I agree with Eric....tonight will be fun!
@DDuggan21
Thoughts heading into Day 2:
• The Giants absolutely should not draft a QB tonight. If they couldn't add a game-changer in the first round, there's no reason to use a later pick on a prospect who won't be a clear upgrade on what they have. They went BPA in the first round. Continue with that philosophy to build the best roster possible. The future at QB will be addressed in 2025.
• Schoen mentioned adding picks or trading up. Trading up would be a tough sell. As Schoen continues to say, there's plenty of holes on the roster. They only have five picks remaining. Not sure they're in position to reduce their swings by giving up picks in a trade. If they trade back, I'd be aiming for 2025 picks. They're going to need as much ammo as possible next year.
• I can't imagine the Giants double-dipping at WR, so they should be rooting for a run on the position at the start of the second round to push other players toward 47.
• Looking for possible Day 2 targets: Focus on players from big schools. Schoen's picks in the first three rounds as GM have all been from power conferences (if they still exist). Would be surprised by a swing on a small-school guy tonight.
• I don't think the Giants should be in a rush to trade Darius Slayton — it's OK to have multiple good players at a position. But if his unhappiness with his contract turns into a trade request, the Giants would have to be open to moving him if they can get a mid-round pick.
• Schoen has added some players with promise on Day 2 in the past, but be needs to crush it today. There's nothing that says you can't land a guy on Day 2 who is an immediate stud.
The future at QB will be addressed in 2025. Yeah, heard that one before.
@JordanRaanan
Some names to watch for the #Giants on Day 2:
RB Trey Benson
RB MarShawn Lloyd
DT Jer'Zhan Newton
CB Andru Phillips
CB Bo Melton
TE Theo Johnson
TE Jared Wiley
S Jaden Hicks
S Cole Bishop
G Cooper Beebe
QB Spencer Rattler
A favorite day for me also. Actually, not because it is day 2 of the draft, but because it is my birthday!
@JordanRaanan
Some names to watch for the #Giants on Day 2:
RB Trey Benson
RB MarShawn Lloyd
DT Jer'Zhan Newton
CB Andru Phillips
CB Bo Melton
TE Theo Johnson
TE Jared Wiley
S Jaden Hicks
S Cole Bishop
G Cooper Beebe
QB Spencer Rattler
Taking Rattler might cheer up GT. A few years ago he was pretty intrigued with Spence as a prospect.
That would liven up the board when Jones starts doing Jones things in 2024... ;)
Excellent tease...
Agree about RB and I hope they get someone with some size.
Quote:
this is my favorite day of the draft. I think Day 2 is crucial.
A favorite day for me also. Actually, not because it is day 2 of the draft, but because it is my birthday!
Happy Birthday! Best wishes! And many more!
Hall Jr had a few maturity concenrs early in his career. Rock solid since 2022 - he is a father now and that can change things for the better.
I do not - I can see a trade down for some 2025 capital
Yes I do - unless Melton/Sainristil are there. Have to take one of those guys
@JordanRaanan
Some names to watch for the #Giants on Day 2:
RB Trey Benson
RB MarShawn Lloyd
DT Jer'Zhan Newton
CB Andru Phillips
CB Bo Melton
TE Theo Johnson
TE Jared Wiley
S Jaden Hicks
S Cole Bishop
G Cooper Beebe
QB Spencer Rattler
It is Max Melton, no Bo
More of a round 4 guy
Likely medical as well (foot)
Because he is very much like Waller - that is the comparison. If you like Waller, you will like Wilson.
Everyone said the same thing about Waller when he came out
Another CB in range tonight who put some strong play on tape against MHJ…
Max Melton