New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen is keen on the idea of trading back in the first round and acquiring more draft capital. However, the return depends heavily on the quarterback market. If teams view Malik Willis out of Liberty and Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh as premium level prospects, the Giants can price gouge opposing clubs looking to move up. The Giants already have an advantage with their picks in the 1st round.
In this mock draft, the Giants maximize their draft spot while providing insurance for Daniel Jones in case he fails to take a big step forward.
New York Giants 1st round mock draft:
Giants trade the 5th, and 112th picks to the Seattle Seahawks for the 9th overall pick and a 2023 1st rounder:
The Giants need to be seriously considering life after Daniel Jones. With a new offensive line consisting of bargain-priced players and likely rookies scattered across the unit, protecting Jones will once again be problematic. The fourth year quarterback is entering his third offensive scheme and third head coach, putting him at a massive disadvantage regarding scheme related verbiage and experience.
While Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka are well known for their abilities to build star quarterbacks, it might be too little too late for Jones, so the Giants look ahead to the future to bolster their draft capitals while retaining two first round picks this year.
7th Overall: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
There is a serious possibility that Oregon star pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux drops beyond the 5th pick. If that is the case, only the Carolina Panthers will stand in the Giants’ path for his services, and they may be looking for a quarterback themselves.
Thibodeaux brings elite pass-rush traits and quality production of the collegiate level to East Rutherford. Last season, the 6’5″, 250-pound outside linebacker recorded seven sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 49 tackles in total.
Pairing Thibodeaux with second-year pro Azeez Ojulari would provide the Giants with a dynamic young pass-rush off the edge, which should excite any Giants fan that remembers the defensive line being a Super Bowl catalyst years ago.
9th overall: OT Charles Cross
One way or another, the Giants need a right tackle to solidify the line this upcoming season. After missing out on Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu in this scenario, they find themselves with an opportunity to land the third best tackle and arguably the best pass protector in the draft. Charles Cross out of Mississippi State dominated his Pro Day, providing proof of position flexibility.
Giants’ offensive line coach Bobby Johnson had Cross practicing right tackle drills, which he effortlessly conquered. If the Giants have an opportunity to land Cross with the 9th overall pick, it should be an easy decision.
Walking away with a 2023 first round pick, arguably the best pass rusher in the draft and a stud pass protector would be an absolute home run for the Joe Schoen in his first year as the teams general manager.