Despite a disappointing 6-11 season, the New York Giants enter the offseason in a good spot to improve their roster through the 2024 NFL draft as they have four selections within the top 70. There’s a lot of areas on the roster the Giants could look to improve upon as they took a step back this season after going 9-7-1 and reaching the divisional round in Brian Daboll’s first season as the head coach. This Giants mock draft will give a look at how they can improve their roster for 2024 and beyond.
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback is certainly in play for them. Even though Daniel Jones signed a massive 4-year, $160 million contract last offseason they still have to weigh out their options. Regardless of who starts for the Giants at quarterback for next season and beyond, the supporting cast needs to improve drastically. Outside of Andrew Thomas, the offensive line was a complete disaster this season and wide receiver is still a need for them.
On the defensive side of the ball, they will have a change in philosophy next season after parting ways with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. On paper, they’re a unit that has some talent but doesn’t have nearly enough depth currently and could look to address any defensive position group in the 2024 NFL draft if the value is good. Without further ado, let’s get into this New York Giants mock draft.
Round One, 6th Overall: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
With the talent at wide receiver and offensive tackle in this draft class if the Giants don’t land a quarterback, they are still in a good position to add a high-level prospect to their offense who can make good contributions in year one.
Joe Alt is considered the top offensive tackle in this class by many experts and for good reason. Alt who was a two-time All-American at Notre Dame possesses massive size at 6-foot-8, 315 pounds to go along with good foot quickness and balance. That along with how well he uses his hands in pass protection and run blocking makes him a very highly rated prospect with both a high ceiling and high floor.
Offensive line is a massive need for the Giants and while this wouldn’t fix all of their problems it would at least give them to very good offensive tackles with the option of moving Evan Neal to guard moving forward after his struggles at right tackle in his first two seasons.
Round Two, 39th Overall: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
With Adoree’ Jackson being a free agent the Giants may look to find a new corner opposite last year’s first round pick Deonte Banks. Luckily for them this cornerback class is deep enough that they should have some solid options available at corner with their two second picks if they go that route.
In this mock draft scenario, they add T.J. Tampa out of Iowa State. Tampa is someone who is expected to blow people away at the combine as the first-team All-Big 12 cornerback possesses very good movement skills at his size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds).
Round Two, 47th Overall: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
If the Giants opt for offensive line over wide receiver like they do in this mock draft scenario, they’ll have plenty of good wide receiver options on day two. Here they add Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
Polk’s Washington teammate Rome Odunze is deservedly getting hype as one of the best players in this draft class, but Polk is also a top-50 player in this class.
Polk has some of the best hands in this draft class as his ability to fight through contact at the catch point as well as haul in passes outside of his frame are very good. Polk projects well to the NFL as a complimentary receiver and would be good value for the Giants with this selection.
Round Three, 70th Overall: Christian Haynes, G, UConn
Offensive line is a big enough need for the New York Giants to double down on offensive line picks in the first three rounds and that’s what they do by adding Joe Alt in the first round and now Christian Haynes in the third round in this mock draft scenario.
Christian Haynes has a strong track record of production in college football as a four-year starter for UConn at right guard and projects to start day one in the NFL.
Main Photo Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
