The inaugural Hard Knocks Offseason that featured the New York Giants came to a close with Episode 5.
As previously stated, Hard Knocks Offseason gave unprecedented access into the day-to-day of an NFL general manager. It also gave a “fly on the wall” view of the decisions that shape an NFL team’s offseason.
Episode 5 showed why NFL teams employ such large college scouting staffs. The work of these scouts culminates with the NFL Draft. New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen and his staff must get an understanding of over 300+ draftable players in case the right one falls into their lap.
With only six picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, there were not many chances for the Giants to fill holes on their roster. Selecting the right player at those six slots was imperative.
Here are the past reviews for the last four episodes:
Also, I broke down all of the players selected by the Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft. Take a look for more detail into each player:
New York Giants 2024 Draft Class Analysis
Day 1 Round 1
As it turned out, Joe Schoen and the Giants correctly predicted the first three picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. All selections were quarterbacks. Failed negotiations to trade up to pick 3 with the New England Patriots dispelled any hope of getting a quarterback they desired. The Giants’ front office was certain about the first three picks and somewhat certain about Marvin Harrison Jr. being selected by the Arizona Cardinals at pick 4.
However, there was much uncertainty about what the Los Angeles Chargers would do at pick 5. The Chargers could draft a pass catching weapon in the form of Malik Nabers or a bookend tackle in the form of Joe Alt. The Chargers chose the latter option. The player Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll admired all along in Nabers fell into their laps at pick 6.
In Episode 5, previously unknown details were shared as to who called the Giants to potentially trade up. The Indianapolis Colts made an offer with a package that included multiple picks. Schoen ultimately declined the offer, stating that moving down to pick 15 would not fit his plan. The New York Jets reached out as well, but Schoen told the Jets he was more comfortable picking at 6.
Day 2 Round 2 & Round 3
The narrator of Hard Knocks, Liev Schreiber, had a great monologue highlighting how many holes the Giants needed to try and fill on their roster in the 2024 NFL Draft. After losing running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney to free agency, tight end Darren Waller to retirement, and an extra 2nd round pick and 5th round pick in the Brian Burns trade, the Giants had to make the most of their remaining five picks.
Cornerback remains a hole for the 2024 Giants currently in August. It was a position they were looking to address early on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Joe Schoen and the front office staff identified cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Kamari Lassiter as two options to pursue with their 2nd round pick. Had the Giants retained their 2nd round pick they traded to the Panthers, both McKinstry and Lassiter would have been available for them to select at pick 39. But pick 40 started a run that saw four cornerbacks in a row go off the board.
Ultimately, Schoen and the Giants opted to go for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s #1 option, safety Tyler Nubin. Schoen praised Nubin’s tackling, versatility, range, and ball production. Finally, in Round 3, Schoen and the Giants selected a cornerback in the form of Andru Phillips. The Giants staff viewed Phillips as a 3-down slot cornerback with inside/outside versatility. They also admired how Phillips tested and performed throughout the draft process.
Day 3 Rounds 4, 5, & 6
Giants assistant director of player personnel Dennis Hickey was absolutely right when he stated that Day 3 of the NFL Draft is where a front office “must make their hay”. General managers and their scouting staffs need to identify hidden gems that will provide depth and added value.
The Giants started off Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft selecting a player who could do just that. In Round 4, they selected a super unique athlete at tight end in Theo Johnson. The Giants came across Johnson every step of the way in the draft process, deeming him a “dawg”. They also lauded his work ethic, saying he never turned down a chance to compete.
In Round 5, Schoen and the Giants think they found a hidden gem in running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. Assistant GM Brandon Browne shared that teams may overlook Tracy Jr. because he’s an older prospect and relatively new to the running back position. But he and the Giants think Tracy Jr. is worth the gamble based on his big play ability, impressive draft process, and the underlying analytics supporting him. The Giants hope their 6th round selection, Darius Muasau, can be that type of underrated contributor to their team as well.
Quick Hits
- Later in the episode, the Giants unveil their controversial 100th season uniforms.
- The Athletic’s Dan Duggan and X-based Giants statistician @doug_analytics may have unraveled the meaning of all the statuses given to players on the Giants draft board:
- In his phone call from Brian Daboll announcing his selection by the Giants, Theo Johnson stated “you’re gonna get everything out of me coach.” At that moment, I wanted to run through a wall for and with Theo Johnson.
- Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and defensive back coach Jerome Henderson signed off on the selections of Tyler Nubin and Andru Phillips.
- Jerome Henderson is shown testing Andru Phillips on a 30-visit.
- Giants legend running back Tiki Barber announced their 2nd and 3rd round selections.
