A few years ago, the New York Giants missed out on drafting DeVonta Smith due to the Eagles’ leap-frog move. Under Joe Schoen’s current management, the Giants were determined to secure their top target and avoid any similar setbacks.
Giants’ Draft Decisions
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Minnesota Vikings were contemplating a significant move up in the draft order to potentially select LSU standout receiver Malik Nabers before the Giants could snag him. The Vikings, holding the 10th overall pick, explored trading up to the fifth spot, which ultimately saw the Los Angeles Chargers select Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt.
The Giants, who also showed interest in Alt, secured Nabers with the 6th overall pick. Nabers had an impressive season at LSU, accumulating 1,568 yards and 14 touchdowns with a 69.5% reception rate. The Vikings’ interest in moving up indicated a possible strategic shift, potentially trading away star receiver Justin Jefferson, especially after acquiring Jordan Addison in the previous year’s first round.
The Future at Quarterback
Instead of making a trade, the Vikings chose to draft J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan with their existing pick, signaling a shift towards developing a new quarterback to eventually replace Kirk Cousins. This move aligns with a broader trend of teams looking to rejuvenate their rosters around promising young quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, the Giants had also considered trading up for UNC’s Drake Maye, aiming to solidify their quarterback position. However, they were unable to make a deal, as the Patriots decided to stay put at the third pick, focusing on building around a young quarterback themselves.
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Ultimately, the Giants are pleased with nabbing Malik Nabers, viewing him as a valuable addition to their receiving corps. While they missed out on drafting a quarterback this year, the decision on Daniel Jones’ future with the team and their potential need to target a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft remains pending. The next year will be crucial in evaluating the direction the Giants will take, particularly at the quarterback position.
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