Day 2 Preview

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.