The New York Giants came into the 2024 NFL draft needing an influx of talent throughout their roster. Speculation circulated for months about whether or not they would address the quarterback position early in round one. With six picks at their disposal, the Giants needed to walk away with impact players on both sides of the ball. Did they do enough? Are they closing the gap with their division rivals? Let’s take a look at the 2024 draft class.
New York Giants 2024 NFL Draft Grades: Smart, Tough, Dependable
First Round (6th Overall): Malik Nabers, WR
Much of the chatter revolving around the Giants focused on whether or not they could pull a draft-day deal with the New England Patriots for the third overall pick. As the draft got closer, more news came out that the Patriots were content sticking at third overall and drafting quarterback Drake Maye. The attention quickly shifted to a potential match with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Giants’ interest in McCarthy was all a smokescreen, as the Giants added LSU superstar, wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers brings back flashes of another LSU superstar, Odell Beckham, Jr., who once took the league by storm representing Big Blue. Nabers dominates with run-after-catch-ability, give him the ball in space, and watch him fly. The Giants desperately needed a do-it-all wide receiver.
Giants Draft Grade: A
Second Round (47th Overall): Tyler Nubin, Safety
General Manager, Joe Schoen’s decision to not re-sign former Giants safety Xavier McKinney was met with criticism. An ascending player who did not miss a single snap on defense was allowed to cash in with the Green Bay Packers during free agency. Joe Schoen’s vision of not overpaying for a replaceable position remained true. He found his replacement for McKinney when they drafted arguably the best safety in the class with University of Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin. Nubin brings incredible instincts as a deep safety or down low in the box, allowing him to make plays on the ball. The best safety at pick 47 is incredible value.
Giants Draft Grade: A
Third Round (70th Overall): Andru Phillips, CB
The Giants had a glaring need at the second cornerback position, a void created when the Giants decided to let Adoree Jackson test free agency. The Giants drafted Andru Phillips, out of the University of Kentucky, to potentially help fill that void. Phillips brings outside and inside versatility. He is effective in both man and zone coverage. The concern with Phillips is ball production, he registered zero interceptions during his career at Kentucky. Perhaps coaching at the NFL level will help him develop more play-making skills.
Giants Draft Grade: B-
Fourth Round (107 Overall): Theo Johnson, TE
With the impending retirement of tight end, Darren Waller, the Giants needed to add insurance to the position, and they did just that, with the selection of Penn State tight end, Theo Johnson. Third-year tight end, Daniel Bellinger is still developing his receiving skills but brings more value as a run blocker. Despite his incredible size, Johnson has a good initial burst and displays strong hands. This is a potential steal in the fourth round.
Giants Draft Grade: A
Fifth Round (166th Overall): Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB
The departure of former running back, Saquon Barkley is well-documented. The Giants are a team that will allocate resources to more premium positions. Tyrone Tracy Jr., out of Purdue brings high-end speed and explosiveness to an offense that is focused on home-run ability. Tracy Jr. is a wide receiver convert, so understanding route concepts and leverage will make him an adequate option in the passing game when needed. His developmental traits should have Giants fan excited.
Giants Draft Grade: B
Sixth Round (183rd Overall): Darius Muasau, LB
With their last pick, the Giants selected a potential special teams ace in UCLA Linebacker Darius Muasau. Muasau is a tackling machine that shows the ability to crash the line of scrimmage. Muasau also plays with a violent tenacity, making life difficult for opposing blockers, despite his smaller frame.
Giants Draft Grade: B
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