New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen indicated several weeks ago that more “swings of the bat” would be preferable in the 2022 NFL Draft. Laying the foundation of the team is a priority, especially after years of neglect and inferior moves from Dave Gettleman.
There are a significant number of holes on the roster and tough decisions that Schoen has to make regarding salary space and acquisitions. However, there is one reality that was always clear-cut, he would be using the draft to plug voids at several impactful positions.
While Schoen has done a good job landing value-grab offensive linemen this off-season, giving quarterback Daniel Jones a fighting chance, the majority of his strategy relies on drafting players who can compete and offer value on Day 1.
Fortunately, he’s projected to have around 10 selections this year, which could potentially increase if he strikes a deal in the first round to move back and acquire more draft capital.
SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano reports that “According to multiple NFL sources, the Giants have signaled they are open to trading either the 5th or 7th overall pick in this year’s draft for a package that includes a first-rounder in 2023.”
The Giants have been interviewing first-round talents frequently, but if they can leverage their position with a quarterback-needy team, they can add even more talent around them with immediate production.
Teams like Seattle, Washington, New Orleans, Houston, and Pittsburgh all make sense as potential trade partners. All five of these squads have an interest in the quarterback position, so the Giants could look to move back from the 5th overall spot in exchange for a sizable haul.
The problem with moving back is that you may pass on an elite talent in exchange for additional swings of the bat, but given the situation the Giants are currently in, they may not have a choice.
The pass-rush, offensive line, tight end, linebacker, and cornerback positions all need a bit of support. The Giants are expected to trade James Bradberry in the coming days with the Kansas City Chiefs showing interest, which would leave an opening opposite Adoree Jackson.
The middle of the first round still has plenty of talent to choose from, notably several high-profile linebackers. However, if Schoen managed to execute a deal with Seattle or Washington, they would still have a fighting chance at acquiring a big name that slips past the top-10 due to a run on offensive lineman and quarterbacks.