The prevailing opinion seems to be that the Giants will target a WR early, and this is supported by the team meeting with high-profile WR prospects.
Also, other than Okereke and Waller, none of the new players have big contracts so it's important not to read too much into the other signings.
That said, the Giants have added DL, LB, CB, S, WR, and TE in free agency/trade.
They have protected or re-signed QB, RB, WR, LB, P, LS in free agency.
Note what position is missing?
In addition, they let their only two UFA offensive linemen walk.
There are three ways to read into this:
(1) They didn't like what is out there and are waiting to see who shakes free and/or prices to come down.
(2) They aren't as worried about what they have as others (this makes Giants fans nervous because of Reese/Gettleman).
(3) They are going to target OL again in the draft (they drafted three OLs last year).
I think they will look for vets let go after the draft. I do think they like what they have (14 under contract is what Schoen said, IIRC?).
What is a little noteworthy is the center position. What is going on there?
I think Schoen's belief in positional value may keep them from drafting an IOL in the first round as well.
I think it's going to be a CB. Maybe with a move up even...
I think they like what they have more than a lot of fans and didn't see what was out there as a significant upgrade at the prices they wanted to pay, but I also think they will draft an interior OL in the 1st 3 rounds.
I think they like some of the younger guys on the roster and they’ll draft 2-3 more. Just keep at it until guys stick.
I don’t think they go center in round 1 but getting above average play from that position goes farther than many realize. We’re overdue for a stalwart who commands the OL.
Here’s my question - are the Giants going to lean into their running identity from last year? Or pass the ball more like Daboll did in Buffalo. The identity of the offense also determines what they prioritize on the OL.
I really believe in Neal, and Ezeudu has projectable traits. But to rely solely on potential development is risky, so quality depth remains a priority.
I think they like some of the younger guys on the roster and they’ll draft 2-3 more. Just keep at it until guys stick.
I don’t think they go center in round 1 but getting above average play from that position goes farther than many realize. We’re overdue for a stalwart who commands the OL.
Here’s my question - are the Giants going to lean into their running identity from last year? Or pass the ball more like Daboll did in Buffalo. The identity of the offense also determines what they prioritize on the OL.
Yeah, I'm not as worried about the interior yet, players can shake free, there is still the draft, but like you said, a lot hinges on how Neal plays this year. Improvement is so desperately needed.
I think they like some of the younger guys on the roster and they’ll draft 2-3 more. Just keep at it until guys stick.
I don’t think they go center in round 1 but getting above average play from that position goes farther than many realize. We’re overdue for a stalwart who commands the OL.
Here’s my question - are the Giants going to lean into their running identity from last year? Or pass the ball more like Daboll did in Buffalo. The identity of the offense also determines what they prioritize on the OL.
This is an absolutely huge point. They spent a 7 on him so he is a guy they probably (for better or worse) are going to give him at least this year to show what he has at RT.
It would be amazing to pull off acquiring a quality OG/RT as a backup (better than Phillips) but maybe they think that's Ezeudu.
If Ez gets some snaps at RT in camp that might be telling.
Bredeson is NOT a T but he seems to project well to OC.
Giants right or wrong may like what they have right now. And only add in round 3 or lower.
Invest heavy in the oline to keep him upright, get a nasty TE, and then find your Jags/Value at WR.
Ezeudu is a big wildcard to me. They're clearly high on him but are they deadset at developing him at LG or are they open to having him compete at multiple spots? I can certainly see the argument in wanting to develop a raw player at one position and not stunt his development by moving him around. If they do see him his a potential answer at either OG/OC then it does open up your options in the draft. It's not JMS/Tippman/Wypler or bust on the first couple of days then. A guy like Bergeron is even in play in that scenario.
I wouldn't rule out a draft day trade of Jeudy for a 2nd or 3rd+. Mike Lombardi said Denver doesn't want to pick up the 5th yr option. So if there is a player on the board that Payton wants, he'll deal Jeudy for less than the current asking price.
I think they like some of the younger guys on the roster and they’ll draft 2-3 more. Just keep at it until guys stick.
I don’t think they go center in round 1 but getting above average play from that position goes farther than many realize. We’re overdue for a stalwart who commands the OL.
Here’s my question - are the Giants going to lean into their running identity from last year? Or pass the ball more like Daboll did in Buffalo. The identity of the offense also determines what they prioritize on the OL.
I think if you look at what they've done with adding speed at WR, I think they want to have a more dynamic passing offense. Would really like to see the hit on at least one of these receivers to really emerge as a big weapon for Daniel.
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Mark Glowinski was a below average guard in 2022, and the same goes for Jon Feliciano at center. Evan Neal was terrible last season and jury is still out on him, and Josh Ezuedu amd Markus McKeathen are both coming off injuries and the jury is still out on them as well.
You just can't force any position. I think that Center position looms large. So 2nd or 3rd round getting a Center you hope the value matches at your pick. OG I think is no problem to add at any of those spots, but even if you have to push it to the middle or even late rounds, get some bodies. The Giants have other needs, particularly at corner and DL, not to mention receiver, so you just have to let the draft play out and get the best players where you're slotted (assuming no trades). On the latter point, I do think moving up and getting an extra 3rd or 4th has to be on the table. I'd prefer an additional pick, even if it's a 4th or 5th, than to have 5 picks at pick 172 and later.
I wish they could hide their intent better....
Yup, he's a guy I like and have had my eye on for a while. I'm surprised he hasn't gotten a deal yet, and surprised at the lack of reporting of Schoen's interest in not just him but the entire IOL free agent class in general.
McGovern remains a strong player out there who could slot in as a starter right away at center.
They have 13 WR’s under contract right now. At least 5 of those players are locks to make the roster. If they were 100% on the receiver heavy draft I don’t think they would have signed as many FA receivers.
I wouldn't rule out a draft day trade of Jeudy for a 2nd or 3rd+. Mike Lombardi said Denver doesn't want to pick up the 5th yr option. So if there is a player on the board that Payton wants, he'll deal Jeudy for less than the current asking price.
I just don't know how much a likelihood that would be....
The Giants haven't spent a 1st round pick on an IOL in 30+ years. Schoen is alignment with the stressing positional value mantra of this organization in the first round of the draft.
They also spent a high 3rd on Ezeudu. My guess is he will be the expected starter at LG and possibly even the back up RT. Center if they follow their normal M.O. won't be addressed until round 2 earliest but my guess is with our other needs and how deep this draft is , it won't be until at least round 3. Lastly they may very well like how Bredeson projects there
I'd strongly consider Torrence at #25, but think it's moot because he's likely to be long gone by then. My guess is they sign a veteran center and draft an OL on day three. I'd look strongly at Vorhees in round four.
They have 13 WR’s under contract right now. At least 5 of those players are locks to make the roster. If they were 100% on the receiver heavy draft I don’t think they would have signed as many FA receivers.
Many are very low contracts/commitments. I think they still very much want a guy with clear WR1 upside rhat they'll have cost controlled for the next 4-5 years to grow with DJ. Same at CB. I think down low they think the OL is in better shape than we may think.
They have 13 WR’s under contract right now. At least 5 of those players are locks to make the roster. If they were 100% on the receiver heavy draft I don’t think they would have signed as many FA receivers.
There wasn't a whole lot of cloak and dagger last year. A lot of the players they met with they had meetings and top 30 visits with.
Also, I don't think 5 WRs are locks to make the roster, a couple could start on PUP and almost none of the WRs have a serious commitment beyond this year.
As the 7th pick I would think he is getting at least all of training camp to see if they like his improvement and potential in year 2 at the more premium OT spot.
When your safety has that many tackles it means your ILBs are crap. It doesn't mean your safety is great.
The last 3 years they have drafted
Thomas, Peart, Lemieux, Neal, McKethan and Ezeudu
They traded for Bredeson and signed FA Glowinski
Also have J. Anderson(7) K. Cunningham(7) W. Davis(3), S. Kindley(4) T. Phillips(3) who were all NFL draft picks
I still think the OL will be Thomas, Ezeudu, Bredeson, Glowinski, Neal
Who are the other 5 to make the 10 on the roster
Seems so Cos. I agree.
And I posted this in the Feliciano thread, but it seems apropos here:
We always tend to overrate mid rounds guys as if they are somehow going to be the answer, such as Lemieux.
I'm sure the Giants like him. But he might not ever start a game for the team in his career.
Bookends are set, and I'd wager Ezeudu will develop at one OG spot. Find another OG and C in the mid to later draft rounds.
All of those things would be a mistake. Ezeudu was hurt his entire rookie season. McKethan tore his knee. Lemieux can't play a down without injuring something, and Bredeson is above average at best.
Again, this idea that we are set on the interior is nonsense.
I wouldn't classify Ezeudu as a midround pick. He was the 67th pick in the draft last year. Only 9 spots lower than our second rounder this year in a draft that was considered stronger and deeper at IOL. Maybe not written in stone but he's certainly being penciled in right now in his 2nd year.
Quote:
they really like the UNC Gs, and they probably think they can get similar play from Bred/Lemieux at C without spending extra $$$$
All of those things would be a mistake. Ezeudu was hurt his entire rookie season. McKethan tore his knee. Lemieux can't play a down without injuring something, and Bredeson is above average at best.
Again, this idea that we are set on the interior is nonsense.
Agree. Right now, the IOL has to be one of the worst, if not the worst in the league.