With the sixth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Giants entered the Naberhood by selecting wide receiver Malik Nabers from LSU. Welcome to the New York Giants, Makik.
The Giants had been trying to trade up to the number three pick held by the New England Patriots to get quarterback Drake Maye, but that didn’t happen. Even if the trade-up hadn’t happened, they still could’ve drafted Daniel Jones’s successor, but instead, they decided to give Jones some help and drafted Nabers, whom I predicted the Giants would pick with the number six pick in my Giants mock draft.
"I'm excited about Malik," Giants head coach Brian Daboll said. "He's a heck of a player. He's a fun guy to evaluate. He's got quickness, he's explosive--a good run after the catch.He's got a great mindset in terms of the competitor that he is, the competitive style he plays with, and he played well in big games. Get him in the program, get him with the receivers, and get him into the offense. I'm really looking forward to working with him."
Nabers was one of, if not the top, best receiver in the draft. Last year, he had 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns for LSU. He was named a first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC. He also set school records for career receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003). Nabers was also a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.
Drafting Nabers is an intelligent move by the Giants since they decided not to get a quarterback and needed a number-one wide receiver. They have given Jones a top target, which their offense needed. The Giants didn’t have a great receiver corps since that receiver corps featured Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt and Isaiah Hodgins.. With that receiver corps, the Giants didn’t have a top receiver. Now, Nabers will be the Giant's number-one receiver. He will add some firepower to the Giants and help their passing game improve significantly.
This was the best move that the Giants could make with the sixth pick since they decided not to go with a quarterback. Now, with most of the quarterbacks in the draft already off the table, the Giants will address their other needs.
Round Two: Pick 47:Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota
Nubin was one of the best safeties in the draft and was the first safety to be selected. The Giants needed a safety after Xavier McKinney signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency. Nubin will add some much-needed depth at safety, as the Giants had Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton as their top safeties.
Last year, Nubin had 53 tackles(34 solo), one sack, five interceptions, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He can play as an interchangeable safety and has good ball skills. While he’s good in the run game, he’s average in man coverage and lacks speed. Nubin has good instincts and will be a huge help to the Giants' defense.
Round Three: Pick 70: Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
Cornerback is another need for the Giants, and they addressed that by selecting Phillips. Phillips can play inside or outside and has good speed. He’s a high jumper and very physical. Zone coverage is where he’s at his best, as he’s not good in man coverage. Phillips wasn’t a star at Kentucky or one of the draft’s top cornerbacks. I think the Giants should have gone after another cornerback instead of Phillips. Phillips will be decent, but the Giants could have done better and really improved their cornerback situation.
Round Four: Pick 107: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
Giants tight end Darren Waller is contemplating retirement, so they picked Johnson as Walker’s replacement if he does retire. Last year, Johnson had a career-high 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 77 receptions for 938 yards and twelve touchdowns in four years at Penn State.
Johnson has size, speed, and good arm length. He will improve the Giants' passing game and be an excellent receiving target for Jones. He’s not a good blocker, so he must work on that. Overall, Johnson is an excellent addition to the Giants.
Round Five: Pick 166: Tyrone Tracey Jr., RB, Perdue
The Giants added Tracey to their offensive backfield. Tracey will add some depth, as the Giants only had newly signed Devin Singletary and backups Eric Gray and Gary Brightwell in the backfield entering the draft. He can play running back and receiver. His speed, agility, and elusiveness help him create more yardage. Tracy needs to work on his decision-making, but overall, he is a decent addition to the Giants and should help their offense.
Round Six: Pick 183: Darius Mausau, LB, UCLA
Mausau was one of the best tacklers at UCLA. Last year, he had 75 tackles (43 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, five pass breakups, and one interception, and he got an All-Pac-12 Second Team honor. He has speed and some scheme versatility, but he fits best in a 4-3 scheme. He’s better in zone coverage than man coverage, although both could use some work. Mausau will add some depth to the linebacker position and is a decent pick for the Giants.
Overall, the Giants did well in the draft. They have players who will improve their offense and defense. However, they failed to solve their quarterback problem. Daniel Jones will probably be done after the 2024 season, and they should have drafted his successor. It looks like Tommy DeVito will be Jones’s successor unless they get a young quarterback via a trade, free agency, or next year’s draft.
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