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The New York Giants face an offseason of decisions that will speak to the urgency of turning the franchise into a winner again. That comes with the obvious pressure under which general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will be operating as they enter a pivotal fourth season in control of Big Blue.
With NFL Draft festivities in Green Bay set to begin with the first round in prime time on April 24, and now with the NFL Combine in the rear view and free agency underway in full bloom, we will continue to analyze what we know about the prospects who should be in play for the Giants.
So much is on the table for the Giants, who currently hold the No. 3 overall selection as the NFL Combine came and went this past week. Whatever plan Schoen executes in free agency was going to have a significant impact on the Giants' draft plans, especially at quarterback, and uncertainty remains. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are viewed as the top two QBs in the Class of 2025.
Story continues below photo gallery
The veteran QB market is a game of musical chairs and the Giants can't be left without a seat, especially with the fact that there are currently no guarantees they will be able to select Ward or Sanders sitting at No. 3.
Aaron Rodgers is still waiting on his decision, leaving the Giants and the Steelers - presumably - in FA limbo. Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco have visited the Giants this past week, and either (or both) could wind up with Big Blue, too.
That's why a trade with the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 pick remains in play, and will receive strong consideration from the Giants. The only question now, with the Titans fortifying their offensive line in free agency, is whether they will just stick and pick Ward at No. 1.
Using the Pro Football Network Draft simulator, here is our third stab at laying out a possible mock path for the Giants. This process - for those keeping score ‒ comes with obvious disclaimers: Big Blue is unlikely to prioritize cornerback with the signing of Paulson Adebo and safety with Jevon Holland coming aboard. Will that take Travis Hunter, perhaps the best non-QB on the board, out of the mix? That remains to be seen.
Aggressive throws. Throws with velocity. Throws off script and out of the pocket.
The desire to create "wow" plays can also lead to unnecessary mistakes that should be avoided, and as NFL scouts have continued to judge where the 6-foot-2, 223-pounder fits in their game, the Giants have been at the forefront of that evaluation - even if we have not witnessed those moments publicly unlike their encounters with Sanders.
For the purposes of this mock, I sweetened the deal that was made in Stapleton Mock Draft 2.0. I now have the Giants sending their second round pick this year (No. 34 overall) and a 2026 third round pick in addition to No. 3 overall for the Titans' No. 1 overall selection. Tennessee would move two spots, get two strong Day 2 picks - potentially - and in theory get either Abdul Carter or Hunter. The Giants may have to add another Day 3 pick if Titans GM Mike Borgonzi feels as though he needs to impress with the perception of a haul, but let's be real here: if Tennessee decides it isn't taking a QB and both Carter and Hunter are ranked at the top of their board, they can get two very good picks from a fellow rebuilding team and still get their guy.
And if the Giants do get to No. 1, it could still be a race for Ward vs. Sanders until draft day. There are those in the organization intrigued by each player, as you'd expect. A move up would remove any uncertainty of getting the top quarterback on their board.
Ward's journey from Incarnate Word to Washington State and now Miami has opened eyes with the way he has adjusted to every level of competition and everything being thrown at him within different offenses, beginning with the Wing-T system in which he played in high school, averaging just 12 throws a game.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic praises Ward's "whip for an arm and quick release," while Reid compares him to Packers QB Jordan Love when he came out of Utah State in the 2020 draft. I still believe the Giants will sign a vet QB (Wilson would appear to be the likeliest at this point) and he could be ready to start as Ward adjusts to the pros.
This pick made too much sense for me, considering Mbow's athleticism and versatility up front. The Giants have met with him throughout the pre-draft process and are expected to bring him in for a "30" visit, too. The 6-foot-4, 304-pounder could challenge for a starting guard spot right away with veteran Greg Van Roten and Jake Kubas, who showed promise as an undrafted rookie a year ago.
Mbow turns 22 on April 2, and he has played right tackle the past two seasons, so there is a bit of a projection if the Giants kick him back inside. But his talent was too much to pass up.
The Giants will certainly get all the intel they need on Johnson with Ladell Betts, his position coach at Iowa, now on Brian Daboll's staff coaching the running backs here. He may start out his career as an early down back, which could complement Tyrone Tracy's skill set exceptionally well.
Johnson just racked up 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns during his final season with the Hawkeyes, leading the Big Ten in both categories and setting Iowa's single-season record in the latter.
Phillips had himself a week at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showcasing good power and explosion on the interior. He's an early draft entrant still just 20 years old who was included on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in The Athletic for his 665-pound squat and 365-pound overhead press. The Tennessee transfer could fit with the Giants as a 3-technique, and it'll be interesting how high his all-star performance boosts his value. But in a loaded class at the position, Phillips could emerge as one of those Day 3 gems who should have gone way earlier.
Pegues was a popular player among Combine prospect interviews, which speaks to the respect the 300-plus-pounder has earned by playing on both sides of the ball. While we're not talking Hunter levels of two-way play, Pegues was a playmaker across the Ole Miss defensive front with the ability to stand out in multiple spots. He also was second on the team in rushing touchdowns, playing a fullback role in certain packages. His continued development with technique combined with that rare athleticism for a guy his size makes Pegues an intriguing ball of clay to add to the DL room.
Former St. Peter’s Prep star from Jersey City is an excellent run defender who also holds his own in coverage; value as a developmental prospect and potential special teamer. He's got good size (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and his toughness is undeniable. At this point in the draft, you're looking for prospects who can make the team and contribute in any way.
Lane had a strong week at the Senior Bowl and impressed in drills and testing at the Combine. He might not be available this late, but WR is always an eye-of-the-beholder position with deep options. Lane has potential to become a versatile chess piece who can be used all over the field.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New York Giants mock draft 3.0: A Big Blue trade in latest projection
Continue reading...
With NFL Draft festivities in Green Bay set to begin with the first round in prime time on April 24, and now with the NFL Combine in the rear view and free agency underway in full bloom, we will continue to analyze what we know about the prospects who should be in play for the Giants.
Who will Giants draft in first round?
So much is on the table for the Giants, who currently hold the No. 3 overall selection as the NFL Combine came and went this past week. Whatever plan Schoen executes in free agency was going to have a significant impact on the Giants' draft plans, especially at quarterback, and uncertainty remains. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are viewed as the top two QBs in the Class of 2025.
Story continues below photo gallery
The veteran QB market is a game of musical chairs and the Giants can't be left without a seat, especially with the fact that there are currently no guarantees they will be able to select Ward or Sanders sitting at No. 3.
Aaron Rodgers is still waiting on his decision, leaving the Giants and the Steelers - presumably - in FA limbo. Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco have visited the Giants this past week, and either (or both) could wind up with Big Blue, too.
That's why a trade with the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 pick remains in play, and will receive strong consideration from the Giants. The only question now, with the Titans fortifying their offensive line in free agency, is whether they will just stick and pick Ward at No. 1.
Giants mock draft: Every selection for Big Blue ... and a trade!
Using the Pro Football Network Draft simulator, here is our third stab at laying out a possible mock path for the Giants. This process - for those keeping score ‒ comes with obvious disclaimers: Big Blue is unlikely to prioritize cornerback with the signing of Paulson Adebo and safety with Jevon Holland coming aboard. Will that take Travis Hunter, perhaps the best non-QB on the board, out of the mix? That remains to be seen.
Round 1, Pick 1 (projected trade): Cam Ward, QB, Miami
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Aggressive throws. Throws with velocity. Throws off script and out of the pocket.
The desire to create "wow" plays can also lead to unnecessary mistakes that should be avoided, and as NFL scouts have continued to judge where the 6-foot-2, 223-pounder fits in their game, the Giants have been at the forefront of that evaluation - even if we have not witnessed those moments publicly unlike their encounters with Sanders.
For the purposes of this mock, I sweetened the deal that was made in Stapleton Mock Draft 2.0. I now have the Giants sending their second round pick this year (No. 34 overall) and a 2026 third round pick in addition to No. 3 overall for the Titans' No. 1 overall selection. Tennessee would move two spots, get two strong Day 2 picks - potentially - and in theory get either Abdul Carter or Hunter. The Giants may have to add another Day 3 pick if Titans GM Mike Borgonzi feels as though he needs to impress with the perception of a haul, but let's be real here: if Tennessee decides it isn't taking a QB and both Carter and Hunter are ranked at the top of their board, they can get two very good picks from a fellow rebuilding team and still get their guy.
And if the Giants do get to No. 1, it could still be a race for Ward vs. Sanders until draft day. There are those in the organization intrigued by each player, as you'd expect. A move up would remove any uncertainty of getting the top quarterback on their board.
Ward's journey from Incarnate Word to Washington State and now Miami has opened eyes with the way he has adjusted to every level of competition and everything being thrown at him within different offenses, beginning with the Wing-T system in which he played in high school, averaging just 12 throws a game.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic praises Ward's "whip for an arm and quick release," while Reid compares him to Packers QB Jordan Love when he came out of Utah State in the 2020 draft. I still believe the Giants will sign a vet QB (Wilson would appear to be the likeliest at this point) and he could be ready to start as Ward adjusts to the pros.
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Round 3, Pick No. 66: Marcus Mbow, OG, Purdue
This pick made too much sense for me, considering Mbow's athleticism and versatility up front. The Giants have met with him throughout the pre-draft process and are expected to bring him in for a "30" visit, too. The 6-foot-4, 304-pounder could challenge for a starting guard spot right away with veteran Greg Van Roten and Jake Kubas, who showed promise as an undrafted rookie a year ago.
Mbow turns 22 on April 2, and he has played right tackle the past two seasons, so there is a bit of a projection if the Giants kick him back inside. But his talent was too much to pass up.
Round 3, Pick No. 99: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
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The Giants will certainly get all the intel they need on Johnson with Ladell Betts, his position coach at Iowa, now on Brian Daboll's staff coaching the running backs here. He may start out his career as an early down back, which could complement Tyrone Tracy's skill set exceptionally well.
Johnson just racked up 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns during his final season with the Hawkeyes, leading the Big Ten in both categories and setting Iowa's single-season record in the latter.
Round 4, Pick No. 104: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
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Phillips had himself a week at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showcasing good power and explosion on the interior. He's an early draft entrant still just 20 years old who was included on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in The Athletic for his 665-pound squat and 365-pound overhead press. The Tennessee transfer could fit with the Giants as a 3-technique, and it'll be interesting how high his all-star performance boosts his value. But in a loaded class at the position, Phillips could emerge as one of those Day 3 gems who should have gone way earlier.
Round 5, Pick No. 155: J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
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Pegues was a popular player among Combine prospect interviews, which speaks to the respect the 300-plus-pounder has earned by playing on both sides of the ball. While we're not talking Hunter levels of two-way play, Pegues was a playmaker across the Ole Miss defensive front with the ability to stand out in multiple spots. He also was second on the team in rushing touchdowns, playing a fullback role in certain packages. His continued development with technique combined with that rare athleticism for a guy his size makes Pegues an intriguing ball of clay to add to the DL room.
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Round 7, Pick 219: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
Former St. Peter’s Prep star from Jersey City is an excellent run defender who also holds his own in coverage; value as a developmental prospect and potential special teamer. He's got good size (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and his toughness is undeniable. At this point in the draft, you're looking for prospects who can make the team and contribute in any way.
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Round 7, Pick 246: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
Lane had a strong week at the Senior Bowl and impressed in drills and testing at the Combine. He might not be available this late, but WR is always an eye-of-the-beholder position with deep options. Lane has potential to become a versatile chess piece who can be used all over the field.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New York Giants mock draft 3.0: A Big Blue trade in latest projection
Continue reading...
