Grade the New York Giants 2021 NFL Draft

of the day three guys. It makes sense why they were drafted. You see the mentality they have. They seem to fit what Judge wants. At first I wasn't crazy about the Arizona RB but he is a no nonsense guy that LOVES special teams and will do whatever is in the best interest of the team. He grew on me.

But I think this is the happiest I have been for a draft since 2004.

During Giants Bears trade A+
Drafting Toney over edge B
Drafting Azeez A++
Screwing Eagles with Robinson A+
Dysfunction in Eagle draft room Priceless

not just because of the players, but because of the way they handles the draft making trades to acquire future assets, using assets acquired to get players they had targeted.

The Giants IMO are working completely differently these last two drafts, and it seems to me they are setting themselves up to be a more modern, more competent organization going forward.

There's two things EVERY organization has to get right. HC and QB. Hopefully, we have both.

In comment 15249982 blueblood said:

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not just because of the players, but because of the way they handles the draft making trades to acquire future assets, using assets acquired to get players they had targeted. The Giants IMO are working completely differently these last two drafts, and it seems to me they are setting themselves up to be a more modern, more competent organization going forward.

Agree 100% - didn’t panic at 11 and were prepared to be nimble and take advantage of the Bears desperation and a relatively flat talent pool (except QBs) to make some smart moves. I like that they went for a high upside player in Toney. They have confidence they can coach him up to be a high impact player with a skill set we currently lack.

But I like it based on what I think they are doing. I didn’t love the Toney pick, but if they can use him creatively he could keep defenses off balance. If they are typically lining him up in the slot and having him run routes, I don’t see much of a game changer.

I liked the Ojulari and Robinson picks. After that it is hard to get excited or disappointed as you are most likely getting special teams players and bottom of the roster competition.

What makes the draft a big success in my mind is the picks they acquired. They are set up to add difference makers next year, including the possibility to get a QB if necessary (although I am sure that was not DG’s intention).

Overall, it was a very successful draft and I liked it. But only time will tell if the players they picked were the right ones.

In comment 15249982 blueblood said:

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not just because of the players, but because of the way they handles the draft making trades to acquire future assets, using assets acquired to get players they had targeted. The Giants IMO are working completely differently these last two drafts, and it seems to me they are setting themselves up to be a more modern, more competent organization going forward.

Agree 100% - didn’t panic at 11 and were prepared to be nimble and take advantage of the Bears desperation and a relatively flat talent pool (except QBs) to make some smart moves. I like that they went for a high upside player in Toney. They have confidence they can coach him up to be a high impact player with a skill set we currently lack.

In comment 15249982 blueblood said:

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not just because of the players, but because of the way they handles the draft making trades to acquire future assets, using assets acquired to get players they had targeted. The Giants IMO are working completely differently these last two drafts, and it seems to me they are setting themselves up to be a more modern, more competent organization going forward.

Agree 100% - didn’t panic at 11 and were prepared to be nimble and take advantage of the Bears desperation and a relatively flat talent pool (except QBs) to make some smart moves. I like that they went for a high upside player in Toney. They have confidence they can coach him up to be a high impact player with a skill set we currently lack.

on day 1 and day 2. I really feel they killed providing the extra picks for 2022. The CB in the 3rd I feel sent a nice message to DAL and PHI, bet he was on both their boards as both teams needed CB help more desperately then we did.

My only issue was in the 6th round, if we felt Barnwell was a huge asset for STs but not someone we could really count on as change of pace RB then why not double dip. Herbert was still on the board. SY had a nice grade on him, as did many other draft gurus who felt he was quality "sleeper" in the draft. He can run with more wiggle and speed for sure. Now it's probably safe to say he adds no game for ST's but as a pure RB he could added a nice element to join SB, Booker, and Barnwell.

Minor complaint but all in all I am elated and on paper this has to go down as atleast an A- draft.

I'm not crazy about the 2 6th round picks, but I don't give picks at the end of the draft much weight. I like picks 1-4 a lot and love the trades.

since it now has been 3 years?

are appropriate. Because of the additional 2022 choices, though, I'll go with Pass, with a strong possibility of Honors.

In comment 15249998 chick310 said:

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since it now has been 3 years?

Hasn’t the ‘18 draft been beaten to death around here? We get it. It was a massive fail.

You are such a miserable fuck. How do you even get out of bed each day? Holy shit. We can’t enjoy the moment. Nope. Let’s revisit 2018 to bring back the misery! Yay!

I would give the Giants an A-/B+ for this draft because they pulled off the extra rd 1 pick next year, and Toney is imv a lower ranked prospect.

But we should readdress that in 3 years.

Gettleman and company shone through when things don’t go as planned.

A minus…. Well done

have at least taken an O lineman in the later rounds.

2022 is going to be a very interesting draft for the GMEN. With 2-1st, 1-2nd, 3-3rds, 2-4ths, they will have a lot of flexibility (and medicine if needed). Say what you want about DG and some of his picks, but he has really positioned this team well to build/replenish through the draft with good young talent. Depending on the team needs, D.Jones' development,and how good/bad the Bears 1st will be, he could pull similar moves in 2022 to gain more future draft collateral.
Future picks - ( New Window )

Actually, it's probably too early to grade 2018.

Barkley still could end up being the best back in the NFL.
My guess is Hernandez is our starting guard again this year.
Lorenzo Carter still could start this year depending on his rehab.
B.J. Hill will likely start this year.
R.J. McIntosh is still on the roster.

The only pick not on the team is Lauletta and he keeps bouncing around the NFL.

Based on the players they drafted, I’m going A- l agree in round 6 you’d think they would have found a way to get at least one OL.

Considering the 2021 players drafted AND the additional 2022 picks, an A+

I did like the trade back in Round 1, but I question the return from trading down from 42 to 50. Considering how picks are valued it was the equivalent of about a 4th Round pick in this draft. If you consider it equivalent to a high 2021 4th because of the expected pool and full scouting, that is still not enough to go down 8 picks in Round 2. Cincy got 2 4’s to trade down 8 spots, SF got 1 to trade down 5 spots. At 42 we could have boosted our OL with Liam Eichenberg. I also question the selection of Toney because I don’t trust Garrett to be able to deploy him properly. He may have been BPA, but if you don’t have the staff to reach that what is the point?

and a UDFA OL is minimal IMO. They got two OL UDFA.

they went into the draft with 2036 value points. This years picks are valued at something like 1720 according to GBN’s big board, around 1900 on Sy’s grades list. The future picks they banked, minimum, 726. That’s if Bears beat Dolphins in Super Bowl. If Bears have worst record, it could go as high as 3362.
How is that not an A+?
Only complaint, trade some of that future capital for an OL pick this year.

Have to downgrade due to lack of OL. They really needed come out of this draft with an insurance policy given the other investments on the offensive side even if they’re optimistic about the current group.

Otherwise great draft all things considered.

on paper

In comment 15249992 Kidprince said:

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In comment 15249982 blueblood said: Quote: not just because of the players, but because of the way they handles the draft making trades to acquire future assets, using assets acquired to get players they had targeted. The Giants IMO are working completely differently these last two drafts, and it seems to me they are setting themselves up to be a more modern, more competent organization going forward. Agree 100% - didn’t panic at 11 and were prepared to be nimble and take advantage of the Bears desperation and a relatively flat talent pool (except QBs) to make some smart moves. I like that they went for a high upside player in Toney. They have confidence they can coach him up to be a high impact player with a skill set we currently lack.

I dont think they panicked because of what they said repeatedly. They were prepared through their draft meetings and multiple what if scenarios. Gettleman said they had conversations with the Bears leading up to the draft. Im sure they were disappointed that Smith who was high on their board was gone.. but im pretty sure is a schlub like me sitting at home was hearing that the Eagles were looking to trade up for a playmaker the Giants SURELY knew..

....I actually didn’t love the Toney pick. Love that they got a 1st, 3rd, and 4th for next year. Great stuff, Bears pick could legitimately be in the top 10

Completely understand why they didn’t go OL, would have been nice to bring someone in for competition so that’s a bit frustrating. I think Robinson will turn out to be a great pick. Ojulari and Elerson would be “upside” type picks and might not be huge contributors in 2021, which might have fans a bit on edge, no pun intended.

Since the Giants did not improve the OL in free agency, the assumption was that it would be improved in the draft. I understand the logic of taking the best player in every round and I normally agree with that especially with premium picks. I also wholeheartedly support the trading back and don’t have a problem with deferring picks until next year. Nevertheless, the fact remains that we are relying on the following: Hernandez, Lemioux and Peart will be at least adequate. What are the odds all 3 will? I’m tired of hearing Hernandez had Covid. He was bad well before that. Also, Fulton has not played well in 2 years. If Peart is not adequate, Solder has not played RT since he was a rookie, did not play last year which at his age is problematic and stunk at LT the year before. To my knowledge, none of us have seem Murphy play against NFL quality starters.

We have a new Oline coach who looks good but last year at this time, people here were swooning over Colombo.

So, the draft itself looks great, one of the best in years and certainly the best since Gettleman took over. But, sometimes its what you didn’t do that counts. Maybe there’s money to find and sign a veteran to help. I hope so.

In comment 15250020 Pepe LePugh said:

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they went into the draft with 2036 value points. This years picks are valued at something like 1720 according to GBN’s big board, around 1900 on Sy’s grades list. The future picks they banked, minimum, 726. That’s if Bears beat Dolphins in Super Bowl. If Bears have worst record, it could go as high as 3362. How is that not an A+? Only complaint, trade some of that future capital for an OL pick this year.

It’s not an A+ because the point of the draft is to improve your team, not your draft chart point value. I’m surprised that has to be said.

If these players fulfill their potential then it is an A+. If they missed on these picks the additional picks last year are nothing but a consolation prize.

In comment 15249998 chick310 said:
[quote] since it now has been 3 years?
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Okay. Let’s play. DG’s first year. He didn’t have time to reset the scouting department which was still working under McAdoo Reese’s guidelines. 4 players still on the roster in 6 picks. He got a star RB which proved out in Year 1. He got a starting guard who almost certainly will remain on the roster in 2021. He got a starting Edge-LB, and he got a DL who has been and will be the first player off the bench. And a UDFA O-lineman who can play anywhere along the line and is the starting center.

There was no crystal ball that could predict that Barkley can’t stay on the field. Hernandez may have been a reach. No flaws with Carter except a rare injury.

Passing on Parsons for the trade haul appears to be the smart move at the moment, but time will tell. Would have preferred Darrisaw or Paye instead of Toney there. Assume Giants are certain about Toney's character given the high standard applied to Parsons and the Baker experience.

Given the Toney pick, the next two trades and picks were superb. Ojulari at fifty was one of the best value picks in the entire draft. Robinson maneuver was brilliant both in terms of the player, and keeping him away from the other three NFC East teams.

The day three picks were head scratchers. Smith was good value, but to pass on OL and/or RB with comparable value there seems like a miss. But I do believe that turning a good defense into a great defense is the path of least resistance to playoff football, so I was ok with it. Brightwell was a miss with good value RBs like Evans and Herbert available. And picking another corner seems excessive given recent draft history and free agents. But if a CB was needed, I would have preferred Kary Vincent instead of Williams.

But this draft will ultimately be remembered for the passing over of Parsons to the Cowboys and the acquisition of 2022 draft capital which was a deft and brilliant counter punch to the Cowboys/Eagles trade. I cannot recall a trade down in draft position resulting in that much future draft value for the Giants.

So it may be four years before we know how Giants did this year. But not a bad draft and certainly the best one on paper in recent memory.

In comment 15250067 Ivan15 said:

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In comment 15249998 chick310 said: [quote] since it now has been 3 years? _________________________________________ Okay. Let’s play. DG’s first year. He didn’t have time to reset the scouting department which was still working under McAdoo Reese’s guidelines. 4 players still on the roster in 6 picks. He got a star RB which proved out in Year 1. He got a starting guard who almost certainly will remain on the roster in 2021. He got a starting Edge-LB, and he got a DL who has been and will be the first player off the bench. And a UDFA O-lineman who can play anywhere along the line and is the starting center. There was no crystal ball that could predict that Barkley can’t stay on the field. Hernandez may have been a reach. No flaws with Carter except a rare injury.

No crystal ball in any year on any player picked. And no need to give excuses. We all hope 2021 draft goes well and no harm in giving fun grades out, but 2018 draft is what can be judged more fairly right now. How posters can't stay composed and discuss anything rational in the past is absurd.

So what say you on a grade?

trading down in rounds 1 and 2 while picking up 3 extra picks in 2022 was huge win for the team's long term plans.

1st pick - Toney at 20 feels like high ceiling player with unknown floor. I don't think he was a reach b/c he has raw talent but he does not strike me as Day 1 starter like Smith or Waddle. Really depends on JG uses him. This is the type of player that can help Jones on short passes or he could be another Sinorice Moss who struggles to get on the field b/c he does not conform to the system.

2nd pick - Ojulari at 50 was their best pick. Despite this being a weak ER class and injury red flags, I think AO will contribute a lot on D in 2021. Giants will finally have an ER that OL have to account for on every play. First round talent picked in the 2nd round!

3rd pick - Robinson appears to be an aggressive tackler, but not sure how many snaps he gets in crowded DB room. If he can develop into solid 3rd CB with starter potential beyond 2021 then he might be the steal of the draft.

4- 6 picks - Depth and Special Teams. I generally don't expect these guys to play in 2021.

Conclusion - While I am optimistic that Judge is having more say on the players selected and the players we selected fit his vision for the team, I can't help but feel that Giants may have been better off picking Slater at 11 or Darrisaw at 20. Once the run on OL started in round 2 it seemed predictable the Giants were not going to get another starting quality OG in this draft. This is not a knock on the players drafted, but a valid concern that DG and Mara are more interested in proving they were right about Jones than continuing to build the foundation of the team. If Jones is not the long term solution then the Giants should be in good position to get a QB in 2022, but I hope we are not all kicking ourselves for passing on Fields in 2022.

I think the most impressive part to me was the process of why they picked the players they picked. Judge mentioned the Senior bowl and how important it was to connect with them face to face. With the insanity of Covid and the restriction of interactions and no combine, limited number of games, players opting out, there were so many obstacles to overcome.

They also relied on the connections they have within their coaching staff. I believe our WR Coach had recruited Toney out of high school and also our LB coach recruited Ojulari to UGA. With 6 picks and wanting players to fit your scheme, culture and roster, having a prior connection helps with the conditions of this past year.

The draft picks acquired for the 2022 draft is mind blowing. With an unknown cap situation, plus the spending spree we went on in free agency, this will be a great asset to add affordable talent next year and in the case of trading up for a particular player if necessary.

I also was expecting the drafting of an O Linemen. I really liked Creed Humphrey and think KC got a steal in the last 2nd. In fact I would have traded our 3rd and 5th to move up for him. Instead we spent those picks on another CB which is fine. They want to play more man and he is physical player.

Toney is an exciting player and is very different from the other receivers on the roster. I am expecting him to help on ST as well.

Ojulari is gonna produce and has a great chance to start. This pick made my weekend. He is a total scheme fit and a culture fit. My 2nd favorite player in this draft after Parsons.

The 4th round pick Elerson Smith looks like a Leonard Floyd clone. He may actually be the tallest player on the roster. Lots. Of upside and again seems like a hard working grounded team first guy from his interview.

As for the current offensive line, I thin we have forgotten how much they have invested in this group. 4 of the 5 projected starters are basically 2nd year players and got considerable experience and playing time last year. That is very valuable. They are young but think they will surprise and along with better coaching and.a preseason and off season I expect them to be much improvised. Thomas, Lemieux, Gates, Hernandez, Peart with vets we have backing up is solid in my eyes.

Let’s also not forget there are lots of vets still unsigned that can be brought in. It’s only May folks.

This has already been a successful off season!

The Giants have improved their roster tremendously since last year ended. There were probably at least 15 players on last years team that wouldn't make a roster of teams that finished over .500. Some of them were starters. That's no longer the case and they have seven picks in the first four rounds next year.

I think there are three main questions for 2021. How well will the QB play? How well can the OL protect him? How many injuries will they have to deal with?

Grade B for 2021.

Grade A+ for 2022.

Overall high B+ to A-.

that you never grade rough drafts or project in their early stages of development. You need to see the finished, polished product before you can do that well. So grades can't be assigned on this draft until 2023 at the earliest.

But there are always comments that can be made in the margins, so here goes.

1. Trading down in the 1st and 2nd rounds to collect picks in the 2022 draft was brilliant. There's no other way to look at it.
2. Kadarius Toney has Ike Hilliard written all over him. That's a good thing.
3. Getting Azeez Ojulari in the 2nd was a dream come true. At this point in the draft, I was thinking to myself, "Self, I've been a Giants fan for literally fifty years and I can't remember a draft going quite as well as this one."
4. DG likes to cluster draft, and he did it twice in this one. I get it, and I like the people we selected at CB and LB; but there's only so much room on any single roster, and I wonder who are going to be the odd men out come August. Reading the tea leaves tells me that maybe Ximenes and Carter aren't progressing as well in their rehabs as the front office would like. Oh, and Sam Beal is done as a Giant.
5. I think our starting 22 in 2021 are markedly better than our starting 22 were in 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
6. Just as important, the bottom of our roster is in much better shape than it's been maybe since 2011.
7. I confess that I would've liked to see an interior OL brought in with one of our sixth round picks; but I'm not complaining.
8. Elerson Smith could wind up being a major player in our defense by the end of 2022.
9. We've had the best off-season I can remember since the Plaxico days of yore.
10. I wonder if we bring in another punter to serious challenge for that spot.

The grade is Incomplete. But this project is off to a really good start.

on paper.

The best part is all the assets we collected in 2022.

I probably would have passed on Toney and Ojulari but I understand why the Giants took them. I was a bit surprised that Brightwell was the RB they picked, but then read he is great on ST. The CBs were simply BPA. We are in a passing league, Dallas has great WR, the Eagles added Smith, and the WFT has McLaurin and now Brown. It's nonetheless incredible to think about all the draft picks DG has spent on CBs. I like that they didn't force an OL pick. Stick to your board.

(1) We have all now witnessed how the NYG will do business going forward. That in itself might be the biggest plus coming out of this. A more thorough and refined process. The upgrade in scouting and player development is unprecedented for this franchise.
(2) Due to our big jump into FA this year, we may not be players in FA in 2022. That said, players leaving us as Free Agents after this season will probably create a situation where we will be beneficiaries of Comp Picks next year. Management was aware of this too. The Strateic Planning of this course of action that was taken was outstanding.

on paper.

The best part is all the assets we collected in 2022.

I probably would have passed on Toney and Ojulari but I understand why the Giants took them. I was a bit surprised that Brightwell was the RB they picked, but then read he is great on ST. The CBs were simply BPA. We are in a passing league, Dallas has great WR, the Eagles added Smith, and the WFT has McLaurin and now Brown. It's nonetheless incredible to think about all the draft picks DG has spent on CBs. I like that they didn't force an OL pick. Stick to your board.

I would've drafted Joe Tryon after the trade down to #20, and then looked WR at #42. Really like Robinson and the flier on Elerson.

Coming away with three picks in the Top 100 range with Bears RD1 potentially a Top 5-10 pick was an absolute coup no matter how you slice it...

I've been following Toney since 2019 and assuming the off field stuff doesn't rear it's head, he is gonna cause opposing defenses problems underneath and over the top if Garrett can show some creativity... While I wasn't a big Azeez guy, he's certainly shows the ability to bend around the edge... And Robinson seems to be another athletic and aggressive CBs in the Bradberry mold

Big caveat is that we are obviously betting on the fact that our OL didn't need some additional support... Guess the coaches have a better idea but there are a fair number of unknowns and this was a solid OL class in the Top 50-75

If the OL holds up and Daniel Jones show more consistent play of what he has flashed, we should have a strong shot at a playoff berth this year and potentially much deeper in 2022

Hope springs eternal on May 2nd ;)

Got my second fav pass rusher at 50 and got an explosive WR along with an additional 1 and 2 mid round picks after all our guys were gone. I also like Robinson a lot plus LOTS of draft capital for next year.

If they didn’t trade back and get more picks it would be lower. I don’t like the gun issues with Toney. Also I don’t think his style of play will do any assistance to his body long term, could see the injury bug creeping up. Azeez has the knee issues and there was better talent on the board. Aaron Robinson maybe but not in the third. On paper it looks fine for now but I’m concerned we’ll look back on this one in a few years and go wtf.

Not getting a future guard.

Combine free agency and draft, give B+ also.

In comment 15250001 BigBlueShock said:

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In comment 15249998 chick310 said: Quote: since it now has been 3 years? Hasn’t the ‘18 draft been beaten to death around here? We get it. It was a massive fail. You are such a miserable fuck. How do you even get out of bed each day? Holy shit. We can’t enjoy the moment. Nope. Let’s revisit 2018 to bring back the misery! Yay!

You’re right the draft was a massive fail, and that is a big reason why the Giants haven’t had a winning record in 5 years. As for the grade for this year I give them a INC for not addressing their biggest need the O line, and we won’t have to wait 3 years to see how that works out. That grade will come in 6 months from now.

The future is bright.

2022 Picks acquired via trade = A+

In comment 15250205 Stan in LA said:

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The future is bright.

The future will Only be bright when they have a winning record again. FA, and the draft is only on paper, and will have to produce on the field, and until that happens, and they start winning they are who we think they are as someone said.