It has only been three Drafts so there are no hard and fast rules, but I noticed a few intriguing patterns:
Inside Linebacker
2022: Round 5 (#146) Micah McFadden
2024: Round 6 (#182) Darrian Beavers
2024: Round 6 (#183) Darius Muasau
Tight End
2022: Round 4 (#112) Daniel Bellinger
2024: Round 4 (#107) Theo Johnson
Running Back
2023: Round 5 (#172) Eric Gray
2024: Round 5 (#166) Tyrone Tracy, Jr.
As might be expected, most of Joe Schoen's other selections are all over the Draft Board, but all of his WR selections were procured with premium draft capital (#6, #43, #73).
So, are there any conclusions to be drawn? Probably not. But could Joe Schoen have a preconceived fixed idea about certain positions and when they should be selected? That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world and could simply reflect his notion of "positional value." But, then again, perhaps he should self-scout himself to ensure he does not hold himself too rigidly to any particular value system. That is a recipe for missing out on good players.
Don't think he has been free to develop a pattern.
Don't think he has been free to develop a pattern.
I have no doubt Joe Schoen follows his Draft Board very closely. But I don't think it's so far-fetched that he may have pre-conceived positional values baked into that Draft Board. As for drafting for "need," every team drafts for need within the context of their Draft Board. Here's to Joe Schoen selecting the right prospects and not letting "need" trump "value."
A 3 for Waller
A 2 for Burns
A 5 to select Banks instead of surely have Banks or Porter Jr
A 4 to get Hyatt.
JS has had 3 drafts and 3 off seasons and the Giants might not win more than 1 game this year.
Problem is - aside from Nabers - that special find has somewhat eluded him the first 3 drafts but it’s still early. The later round guys have actually outperformed the likes of Thibodeaux and to a degree Banks and that is not ideal. I do still think Thibs and Banks have a pivotal role in the future of this team and their talent is undeniable.
As much as it’s great to find a guy like McFadden, Gettleman was able to identify AT and Lawrence as “all pro.” But he sucked at basically all other rounds.
Schoen’s process of collaboration has worked somewhat well but soon enough you need to hit a home run.
For example, he didn't hit with Daniel Bellinger and the Giants are struggling at the TE position.
He didn't hit with either Evan Neal, Joshua Ezeudu or Marcus McKethan -- the result of which was the need to patch the right side of the line with much older FA vets.
And so far, there have been no hits at defensive tackle with the low draft capital devoted to D.J. Davidson and Jordan Riley which has led to significant defensive issues against the run.
Which is by no means to say Joe Schoen has drafted poorly. I don't believe that. But what is true is that he took over the worst roster (from 1 to 53) in the NFL, and when he didn't generate a "hit" with a draft choice it was bound to show up on the field, and not in a good way.
The Jones contract in hindsight was bad but at least there's an escape clause.
Also, too many trades with less than ideal results. Jury is still out on the Burns trade, but I am less than impressed so far.
and a second round pick. The bottom line is after 3 years Giants may be the worst team in the league. The DJ contract Neal Waller and Burns have really set the team back.
And yes, McKethan was a stab in the dark with a 5th round pick. Bellinger I think is still a serviceable TE that is being used incorrectly.
I hear where you're coming from!
Thomas and Lawrence have become studs. The others, by and large, have not. Is that on scouting or coaching? I think both. Obviously Toney was a scouting issue as DG had no idea how uninterested in football he was. Probably still too early for anything definitive on Banks or Thibs. Not at all looking good for Neal.
Drafting is not just about picking the right guys and avoiding busts. You need a coaching staff to develop guys (or for guys like Nabers, just stay out of the way). The team has had a lot of high draft picks the last few years, and they have certainly not made the most of them as an organization.
Most who have played competitive sports understand at some point you will just not be good enough to move the the next level of competition. Not a great sample sample with this regime but sometimes too much is put on a failure to develop when it is more the player(s) are not good enough imv.
Seems clear this regime is a lot different than previous successful Giants decision makers (HC's and FO).
The 2022 draft and off-season decisions are killing us right now as no one or nothing has shined outside of some good Robinson moments.
Schoen, if he had the crystal ball, would have traded down in 2022 for future picks and had picked up Jones 5th year option despite cap hit (somehow).