Hot Takes, Predictions for Giants Rookies After 2024 NFL Draft
Though there was plenty of pre-draft buzz about the New York Giants trying to secure a new quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft, that's not what happened in the early rounds. Instead, the Giants threw some support behind Daniel Jones and targeted players who can help the current roster improve.
Thanks to an active foray into free agency—one that saw New York sign the likes of guard Jon Runyan, running back Devin Singletary and tackle Jermaine Elumunor—plus a trade for pass-rusher Brian Burns, the Giants only had a few specific needs heading into draft weekend.
Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen largely addressed them.
The question now is whether the Giants' roster has improved enough to return to the playoff form it last showed in 2022.
How much of an impact will New York's rookie class have this season? Let's dive into a few hot takes and bold predictions.
Draft Results
1 of 4Giants Draft Order and Selections
- Round 1 (No. 6): Malik Nabers, LSU
- Round 2 (No. 47):
S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
- Round 3 (No. 70):
CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky
- Round 4 (No. 107): TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
- Round 5 (No. 166):
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue
- Round 6 (No. 183):
LB Darius Muasau, UCLA
Malik Nabers Will Help Fend of QB Questions, for Now
2 of 4
Only time will tell if passing on a quarterback like Michigan's J.J. McCarthy was the right decision for the Giants. Jones is recovering from a torn ACL and has shown very few glimpses of being a high-end signal-caller.
Adding LSU's Malik Nabers, however, should quiet questions about replacing Jone, for a time, anyway.
Nabers has the potential to be an elite receiver in the mold of Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase, and he'd have been the clear-cut WR1 in just about any draft class that didn't have Marvin Harrison Jr. at the top.
"it's easy to see how Nabers could make an instant impact in the NFL. His combination of speed, quickness and yards-after-the-catch skills will translate into explosive plays right away," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
Daboll was in Buffalo when the Bills added Stefon Diggs and helped unlock Josh Allen as a quarterback. He'll know how to use Nabers to get more out of Jones, assuming the quarterback is fully recovered from his injury, of course.
Jones is set to enter the season with the best supporting cast he's had as a pro, thanks in large part to the Nabers pick. That should buy him more time at the helm, even if Nabers ultimately plays with New York's next quarterback longer than he plays with Jones.
New York Got a Steal in Tyler Nubin
3 of 4
The Giants lost standout safety Xavier McKinney in free agency, but they found a new playmaking defensive back by taking Minnesota's Tyler Nubin in the second round. Nubin, who was the 28th-ranked overall prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's draft board, likely fell because of poor athletic testing.
However, Nubin can be a legitimate playmaker on the back end of New York's defense. He possesses tremendous field awareness and outstanding ball skills, and while he may be limited to playing closer to the line of scrimmage, he can be a star.
"He flows well and is able to get underneath routes of the closest threats," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Nubin has above-average ball skills to get his head around and locate the ball while also showing the timing necessary to play through the hands of receivers."
McKinney led the Giants with three interceptions last season, and it won't be a shock to see Nubin match or even outpace that number. Along with trade acquisition Brian Burns, he'll help give the Giants defense more impact potential than it had at any point last season.
Nubin was the top-ranked safety on the B/R board and a legitimate first-round talent. Thanks to an early run on offensive players, New York got an absolute bargain in Round 2.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Picking Theo Johnson Was a Brilliant Gamble
4 of 4
Tight end Theo Johnson didn't have a ton of production at Penn State, finishing with 938 receiving yards over four seasons. However, he has optimal size (6'6", 259 lbs) and the elite athletic traits needed to be far more productive as a pro.
It may take some time for Johnson to reach his full potential, but he can become a legitimate difference-maker in Daboll's offense. With Darren Waller still mulling retirement, Johnson could immediately vie for the starting role.
Waller's decision, though, remains up in the air.
"I haven't [set a deadline], but I know at the end of the day, you know, there's going to be no considering in reevaluating past when people report to camp, but I feel like I am getting an inch closer to a decision," Waller told Joey Chandler of NJ.com.
Whether Waller returns this season or not, Johnson should have a long-term place in the Giants' plans. His blocking ability gives him a solid floor and should get him on the field early. His physical tools can make him a future star, if he can add some nuance to his route-running.
The Giants are betting that Johnson's upside will outweigh his past production. Making that bet in the fourth round of a draft that didn't feature a lot of Day 3 depth was one of the smartest calls of New York's weekend.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
