Forcing a choice based strictly on needs can sometimes work, but it often doesn’t. Teams must be loyal to their player evaluation committees and aware of what is needed not only now, but in the near future and beyond.
If a team concerned about the state of the quarterback position year after year can find a new quarterback without moving heaven and earth and draft picks, even if it’s based more on tomorrow than today. Even if it’s a decision, you have to make a bold decision.
This is why this particular NFL Draft is so attractive to the Giants. At No. 6 overall, they can go in a number of directions.
It makes sense to add a top playmaker to help Daniel Jones and an offense that is in trouble.
Alternatively, they could look for Jones’ successor, recognizing that adding a rookie quarterback may do little to improve their chances of success in 2024 after a regressive 2023 season. right.
For this journey into the unknown, we used the Pro Football Focus simulator.
Without further ado, I would like to introduce Giants Mock 2.0.
Round 1, 10th overall: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan.
Previous selection: Roman Odunze, WR, Washington
In this simulation, three quarterbacks, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, as well as one edge rusher (Dallas Turner) and one wide receiver (Marvin Harrison Jr.) are taken off the board. There is. So the Giants will have a choice between mega-prospect receivers Malik Nabors or Roma Odunze, or left tackle Joe Alto. The Giants already have a franchise left tackle (Andrew Thomas) and decided not to add a legitimate WR1 due to concerns about Jones’ increased medical risk.
At 21, McCarthy is the youngest of the top quarterbacks in this draft and doesn’t need to play right away. He was a big winner (27-1) in a run-heavy offense in college, and the Giants believe his skill set and temperament are a natural fit at the next level.
Round 2, 47th overall: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon State
Previous selection: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
The wide receiver corps needs help, and this player adds size (6-2, 176), speed (4.41) and production (school-record 25 touchdown receptions). Franklin is similar to 2023 third-round pick Jarrin Hiatt in terms of deep threat ability. He probably doesn’t have the explosiveness he had coming out of college, but he’s considered a little more polished as a route runner. Franklin caught 81 passes for the Ducks last season, averaging 17.1 yards. Wan’Dale Robinson and Hyatt give the Giants three young weapons to grow with their young quarterback.
Round 3, 70th overall: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Previous selection: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan State
Finding a starting cornerback to pair with second-year Deonte Banks will be one of the Giants’ most important fact-finding missions this summer, as former starter Adoree’ Jackson is currently unsigned. It is. Cordale Flott and Darnay Holmes fit into this slot, and rookie Tre Hawkins was unable to maintain a starting spot and was benched. Melton, a New Jersey native, is a skilled ball hawk with eight interceptions for the Scarlet Knights and has the versatility to play on the perimeter or inside. His younger brother Bo is a wide receiver for the Packers.
Round 4, 107th overall: Dwayne Carter, DT, Duke
Previous selection: Cade Stover, tight end, Ohio State University
There are some impressive intangibles here. Carter was the first three-year team captain in school history and was named the ACC’s top scholarship athlete. The 6-2, 302-pound inside defensive lineman should develop into a capable pass rusher (he had 12 sacks with the Blue Devils), which complements the do-it-all Dexter Lawrence. He could add depth to the rotation without Ashawn. Robinson started 13 games in 2023 and is currently with the Panthers.
Round 5, 166th overall: Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington.
Previous selection: Javon Foster, Otto, Missouri
After three years at Mississippi State, Johnson flourished for the Huskies, rushing for 1,195 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns with his sharpness to the end zone. At 6-0, 217 pounds, he’s nothing special speed-wise, he’s a hard hitter and a tackle breaker. With Saquon Barkley gone, there will be a rushing attempt after signing Devin Singletary in free agency. Johnson should provide the physical presence that Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell and Ja’Sean Corbin lack.
Round 6, 183rd overall: Ryan Watts, CB, Texas
Previous selection: Isaac Gerendo, RB, Louisville
Watts has great size (6-3, 208) and probably doesn’t have the coverage ability to match an NFL corner. OK, then move him somewhere safe. His length and aggressiveness as a tackler suit him there. With the departure of Xavier McKinney to the Packers, they need more talent on the defensive end. Watts could become a fixture on special teams as a rookie as he gains a new position.
