2024 Draft Class
Grade: A (5th in the NFL)
Analysis: “First-round WR Malik Nabers (LSU) should be a field-flipping asset to Jones and/or whomever eventually replaces him. Third-round Kentucky CB Dru Phillips will compete against anybody. Some second-round maneuvering over the past few months netted highly regarded Minnesota S Tyler Nubin and former Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns, who’s already signed an extension and now bookends Kayvon Thibodeaux. Solid-plus.”
Analysis: “The former LSU pass catcher is speed personified, giving the team a much-needed no. 1 receiver to build the offense around. The team then turned around on Day 2 and bolstered its secondary, grabbing my top-ranked safety Tyler Nubin in the second round before adding feisty cornerback Andru Phillips in the third. Both could start from the get-go. In the fourth round, New York selected a highly athletic tight end in Theo Johnson, who is raw but well built and versatile and provides depth if and when Darren Waller retires. I liked the Tyrone Tracy addition in the fifth round, too—the former receiver-turned-running back who adds an explosive element to the team’s running backs group and gives the team a potential change-of-pace and pass-catching option on third downs.”
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema
Analysis: “Nabers — The Giants were linked to several of the quarterbacks in the draft process. Instead of packaging picks to move up or sticking at No. 6 to bring in J.J. McCarthy, they bring an explosive receiver into a receiving corps in need of talent. Nabers recorded 44 receptions of 20-plus yards over his last two seasons, second-most among FBS wide receivers.
Nubin — PFF’s top-ranked safety prospect, Nubin is versatile and impactful. He can be moved all over the secondary and handle the role, as he possesses a high-level football IQ and can stop the run with instincts to cover on the back end. Nubin sported a career-best 90.1 coverage grade in 2023 (first among Power Five safeties) and allowed a 33.0 passer rating in coverage from 2021 to 2023.
Phillips — The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round of last year’s draft and now add more youth to that group early in the third round this year. His career-best 23 defensive stops led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023, and his 72.9 PFF coverage grade was also the best mark of his career.
Johnson — Since 2022, Johnson generated a Big Ten-best 146.6 passer rating when targeted. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed 669 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
Tracy — Tracy is a good athlete — he recorded a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump — and should add some explosiveness to a backfield led by Devin Singletary. Despite being a six-year player in college, Tracy has only one season at running back, and he forced 46 missed tackles on just 114 carries in that 2023 season.
Muasau — A well-rounded linebacker, Muasau racked up 137 run stops since 2019 between Hawaii and UCLA in addition to providing value in pressure packages, with 107 total pressures in that time. Likely a core special teamer, Muasau has the football intelligence and tackling ability to hold up in a rotational role in a pinch.”
Sharp Football Analysis’ Ryan McCrystal
Analysis: “The Giants hit a home run with Malik Nabers and then added four more players with starter potential. Fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. has just one year of experience at running back but was immediately productive and explosive. He could challenge for snaps immediately given New York’s backfield depth chart.”
Analysis: “Nubin and Phillips were fair value in the secondary, where the team needed more talent. Johnson will be an excellent fourth-round pick if he can fully translate his athleticism to the field. Tracy is an offensive weapon in the making, whether at running back or receiver. Muasau will be a starter in the league despite being picked in the sixth.”
Analysis: “The Giants’ theme was pinpointing big-time athletes in this class. Nabers was my WR1, so fine start there. Phillips was one of the most impressive plant-and-drive corner in the class, and Johnson was the most athletic tight end with his best football in front of him. Tracy can threaten Devin Singletary for the RB1 and, if he can shore up his tackling, Muasau’s play-recognition skills are spectacular. He beats blockers with relative ease, too.”
Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald
Analysis: “Malik Nabers is the receiver they’ve needed for quite some time now and they found a solid replacement for Xavier McKinney in Tyler Nubin. Theo Johnson is a smart draft pick in response to Darren Waller being unsure about his future. The Giants might not have been able to make the splash they wanted to make, but they should feel pretty good about where they stand.”
Pro Football Network’s Cam Mellor
Analysis: “Malik Nabers is the most explosive wide receiver [Jones has] had while with the franchise, and Day 3 picks Theo Johnson and Tyrone Tracy Jr. bolster the offense in their own unique ways. The playmakers selected in the secondary on Day 2 should have an immediate and apparent impact, but it was somewhat surprising to see the Giants come away from the NFL’s annual selection event without adding any form of offensive line upgrades.”
Analysis: “WR Malik Nabers (6) fills a major void. Boosted the secondary on Day 2 with S Tyler Nubin (47) and CB Andru Phillips (70). RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. is raw but has potential.”
Favorite value picks by round: Round 3 – Dru Phillips
Favorite Pick: Theo Johnson
Analysis: “Johnson is the ideal Day 3 pick. The 6-6, 259-pounder has elite size, speed and athleticism. His scouting report is similar to Darren Waller’s in 2015. That’s fitting since the Giants have to be planning for Johnson to replace Waller, who is contemplating retirement. Johnson slipped to the fourth round because his college production was underwhelming, but late bloomers are common at tight end. Johnson’s traits suggest he could develop into a better pro than a college player.” — Dan Duggan