On the heels of their 2022 playoff run to the NFC Divisional Round, the Giants’ 2023 season was a disappointment.
A tougher schedule and injuries at key positions like quarterback and offensive line were significant setbacks that led to a 6-11 finish. The season served as a reminder that the Giants are still a long way away from being a consistent contender.
The headlines surrounding the team in the early part of this offseason were all negative. Discontent and battling egos in the coaches’ room led to defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s resignation. Tight end Darren Waller had been considering retirement. Worst of all, star running back Saquon Barkley signed with the Giants bitter rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Is Joe Schoen the right man for the job?
The general consensus is that Brian Daboll is the right man at head coach based on his ability to get the most out of players, especially quarterbacks. General Manager Joe Schoen overall has contributed to the positive outlook Giants fans have for their future. Schoen has extended star players like left tackle Andrew Thomas and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, made in-season additions of significant contributors like Jason Pinnock and Isaiah Hodgins, and has had a willingness to play hardball when negotiating deals with non-premium positions, namely running back and safety.
However, successful scouting and stringing together successful draft classes is how NFL GMs make their money. Schoen has been a so-so drafter to this point. He has a good split of hits and misses from his first 2 drafts, but no bona-fide superstars. What is also not encouraging is that there is no clear-cut solution at quarterback for the foreseeable future. That means there is more added pressure on Schoen to hit on his draft picks and build a talented roster to support a quarterback.
Schoen and the Giants 2024 Draft Class may have done just that.
The Giants had six picks in the 2024 Draft, beginning with the 6th overall pick thanks to their 6-11 finish in 2023. And as we’re now entering July, a few things have occurred since the draft. Darren Waller’s retirement is now official. Rookie Camp, OTAs, and Mandatory Minicamp all took place. All these events have shed some light on each pick’s role with the Giants for 2024.
Round 1, No. 6: Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, LSU
Once it became apparent that trying to trade up to pick No. 3 to draft Quarterback Drake Maye was unrealistic, the Giants landed arguably the most explosive wide receiver in the 2024 Draft in Nabers. The Giants turned down calls to trade back (i.e. Atlanta) and balked at the chance to draft a quarterback. They were confident that Nabers was the type of weapon to transform their passing attack.
The wide receiver’s impressive resume includes becoming LSU’s all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003). Nabers will demand most of the attention from NFL defenses as the Giants #1 option this upcoming season. And in Mandatory Minicamp, Nabers’ flashed his impressive skillset throughout each day of practice:
Round 2, No. 47 (via Seattle): Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota
Just after the Giants refused to pay key contributor at Safety Xavier McKinney, the Giants drafted Safety Tyler Nubin in the same round they drafted McKinney 4 years earlier. Nubin is a true ball-hawk and Nick Saban even labeled him the best safety in the 2024 draft.
With brilliant instincts to read a quarterback’s eyes and break towards the football, it’s no surprise Nubin became Minnesota’s all-time leader in interceptions. Nubin served as a four-year starter and captain for Minnesota, demonstrating his leadership qualities that also made him an attractive pick.
Round 3, No. 70: Andru Phillips, Cornerback, Kentucky
Cornerback is probably the biggest question mark for the Giants heading into the 2024 season. It is no surprise that the Giants invested in that position with one of their six picks, especially early on in the draft. Andru Phillips was drafted with the expectation to start at slot corner.
Phillips’ willingness to be aggressive with receivers and stay sticky in coverage are skills that should serve him well in the slot. However, there is reason for concern. He did not record an interception in his career and was inconsistent tackling, missing 15 in 2023. Tackling is a trait that is crucial to play the slot in the NFL. Combine these concerns with the fact that there were many talented offensive linemen remaining on the board at the time of the pick and this decision looks even more head-scratching.
Round 4, No. 107: Theo Johnson, Tight End, Penn State
Theo Johnson is a “sexy” pick that the Giants made in the 2024 Draft for a myriad of reasons. The pick looks even “sexier” considering Darren Waller recently announced his retirement. Johnson was widely considered the 2nd or 3rd best tight end in this draft, boasts a 6’6” 259 lb. frame, and ran the 2nd fastest 40-yard dash time for a tight end at the combine (4.57 secs).
His production was not consistent considering his athletic profile and body frame. However, his touchdown catch numbers (11 over the last 2 years) and strong hands are encouraging signs to make him worth the gamble. While he has work to do to improve his blocking, he has shown to be a willing blocker and shown signs of improving year-over-year.
Round 5, No. 166 (via Carolina through San Francisco): Tyrone Tracy Jr., Running Back, Purdue
Tyrone Tracy Jr. played wide receiver at Iowa until he transferred to Purdue in 2021. He made the switch back to his high school position, running back, for the 2023 season. Tracy Jr. is an elite athlete worth taking a swing on after losing Saquon Barkley. He’d be especially effective if he is used as a change of pace to Devin Singletary.
Tracy Jr. was not the “bell cow” running back at Purdue, but he made the most of his reps. He led the Big Ten in yards per carry and in all purpose yards per game, he led the nation in explosive run rate and was 4th in yards after contact per rush, and was a dangerous kick-returner. While he lacks refinement on some of the fundamentals of the running back position, the Giants hope that more experience and coaching is all he needs.
Round 6, No. 183: Darius Muasau, Linebacker, UCLA
Viewed mostly as a special teams contributor for the 2024 season, Darius Muasau was Mr. Reliable on defense for UCLA. He was a two-year starter, played mike-linebacker, and led the team in tackles both years. In fact, Muasau was coached by the Giants current special teams coordinator, Michael Ghobrial, for one year at Hawaii.
Muasau is a smart player: he has great vision to identify how a play is developing and knows exactly where he has to be. However, he lacks the athleticism that would make him a reliable starter. Expect Muasau to be indispensable on kickoff and punt coverage since he will always fill the gaps needed to contribute to the unit.
Grading Each Pick
Malik Nabers – B
Tyler Nubin – A
Andru Phillips – C
Theo Johnson – A
Tyrone Tracy Jr. – B
Darius Muasau – C
