New York Giants Draft – Day 1 Recap

I’m sorry Giants fans. Let me preface, I hope for the sake of your team and enjoyment of football that this article comes back to bite me and is posted to mock me and my football knowledge for years to come, but back to the main point, I’m sorry. This was a bad Day 1, outside of Dexter Lawrence, I don’t feel as though Gettleman did anything to help this team and by drafting Daniel Jones over Dwayne Haskins Jr, he probably hurt the team. Nonetheless, let’s dive in.

1(6): Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

First let me show you a sign of despair on the analytical side of things:

Out of 58 QBs selected in the 1st Round over the previous 20 seasons, Daniel Jones' career 6.2 AY/A is equal or better than just Jake Locker, Patrick Ramsey and Kyle Boller.

— Rich Hribar (@LordReebs) April 26, 2019

Regardless, the Giants did get their QB. While my opinion is that Haskins is the far better quarterback, it is good that Gettleman went and got the guy he feels is best and will lead the team to success. In a positive light, Jones is coming from a similar coaching style and scheme and Manning’s familiarity with Cutcliffe should make the transition and communication for Jones to the NFL a lot easier than other prospects. Plus the way this offense is set up, Jones will not have to be the main source of momentum, the playmaker and focal point for this unit is Saquon Barkley, so in terms of safety net, Jones is one of the best options available and could potentially start whenever needed and likely not do a lot to harm the team. I just think the potential with Haskins was far superior and given the chance to sit most of Haskins flaws (lower body mechanics) could be worked out.

Grade: D

I can’t fail someone for going and getting their QB that they believe will lead the franchise for years to come. I just disagree with the evaluation.

1(17): Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

When the Giants were on the clock at 17 the two biggest rumors I was hearing was their love for Dexter Lawrence and their desire for an edge rusher. The rumors of Lawrence ended up to be the truest, as they made the pick for him at 17. Whether this means Tomlinson moves over to DE or if he is out will be determined later but Lawrence is a magnificent talent. He is both massive in size but also dominant in all facets of the game. He showed his athleticism so he’s not your typical limited Nose Tackle. The Giants got a guy who may be one of the most impactful presences on the line at nose tackle since Vince Wilfork. The Giants get a top 10 player of mine and walk away with a star on the defense.

Grade: A

There was bigger need elsewhere sure but Lawrence is such a dominant talent that getting him is well worth passing on other positions. Star player for years to come.

1(30): DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia

Seahawks trade: Pick 30

Giants trade: Pick 37, Pick 132, Pick 142.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 26, 2019

The Giants move up to secure their guy and do so for the cost of a 4th and 5th. Baker is a strange situation at the cornerback position. He does well in a lot of aspects of coverage but one of his biggest issues is he is a bit undersized at 5’11/193 but to go with that he is a horrible tackler. In the run game he is a liability which can be very frustrating for a defensive coordinator. Overall, he needs to get stronger but in coverage alone he has very fluid hips and nice feet to mirror receivers. I don’t love the value as a first round corner but I do understand those who are bigger fans of Baker and if they work on his play strength this could be a great pick.

Grade: C+

Baker has very nice production but there are certainly issues that exist and until he is no longer a liability in the run game he will have his share of troubles.

Day 2 Look Ahead: Picks: 3(95) The Giants will be off for most of the night until the 3rd Round where they will be back on the clock looking to add another potential impact player. So who could they grab?

Positions of Need: WR, RT, EDGE, LB, FS

WR Available (Expected Value):

• DK Metcalf (Early 2nd)
• AJ Brown (Early 2nd)
• Deebo Samuel (Early 2nd)
• Hakeem Butler (Mid 2nd)
• Kelvin Harmon (2nd/3rd)
• Parris Campbell (2nd/3rd)
• Miles Boykin (2nd/3rd)
• JJ Arcega Whiteside (2nd/3rd)
• Riley Ridley (3rd)
• Emmanuel Hall (3rd)
• Andy Isabella (3rd)
• Mecole Hardman (3rd/4th)
• Terry McLaurin (3rd/4th)

OT Available (Expected Value):

• Jawaan Taylor (2nd) *Medical Red Flags
• Dalton Risner (Early 2nd)
• Cody Ford (Early 2nd)
• David Edwards (Early/Mid 2nd)
• Greg Little (Early/Mid 2nd)
• Yodny Cajuste (2nd/3rd)
• Max Scharping (2nd/3rd)
• Dennis Daley (Mid 3rd)
• Bobby Evans Jr (3rd/4th)

EDGE Available (Expected Value):

• Chase Winovich (Early 2nd)
• Jachai Polite (2nd/3rd)
• Jaylon Ferguson (2nd/3rd)
• Christian Miller (Mid 3rd)
• Oshane Ximines (3rd/4th)
• Joe Jackson (3rd/4th)
• Ben Banogu (3rd/4th)

LB Available (Expected Value):

• Mack Wilson (Mid 2nd)
• Germaine Pratt (Late 2nd)
• Bobby Okereke (Late 2nd)
• Vosean Joseph (Mid 3rd)
• David Long Jr. (3rd/4th)
• Blake Cashman (Mid 4th)

FS Available (Expected Value):

• Deionte Thompson (Early 2nd)
• Nasir Adderley (Early/Mid 2nd)
• Amani Hooker (Early/Mid 2nd)
• Taylor Rapp (Mid 2nd)
• Juan Thornhill (Mid 2nd)
• Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Mid 2nd)
• Marquise Blair (Mid 3rd)

Day 2 Predictions: 3(95): Marquise Blair, FS, Utah

Curtis Riley cannot, I repeat, cannot be the Giants starting Free Safety next year. Blair offers impressive range and feel in coverage and while he is raw he gives the Giants potential for a quality starter at the position which is more than Riley offers.