The New York Giants head into this week’s 2022 NFL Draft with a pair of top-10 picks. The Giants will look to use those selections on upgrades in the trenches. Luckily, the offensive and defensive lines are the strengths of this draft class. Here are PFN’s projections for how New York could handle the first round.
New York Giants 2022 NFL Draft projections
The Giants will need to make the most of their top two picks, as the cap-strapped franchise did little in free agency. New GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will hope that some of the blue-chip talent at the top of the draft slides to them at No. 5.
While the Giants have other needs, the squad is definitely chasing upgrades along the defensive line and at right tackle this weekend. With the class favoring those positions, it makes sense to target the cream of the crop at the top.
Below are three scenarios for the Giants’ first-round picks.
Improve the trenches at the top
The Giants face a relatively simple outlook. With needs at right tackle and defensive line, the Giants can take the top two “big uglies” on their board.
Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux, FSU’s Jermaine Johnson II, Georgia’s Jordan Davis, and Purdue’s George Karlaftis are strong fits for Wink Martindale’s defense, and at least two of those players should be available at No. 5. Evan Neal of Alabama and Ikem Ekwonu of NC State are the top offensive tackles on the board, and one of them should be available with that top pick.
Perhaps the most likely scenario is for the Giants to select Neal or Ekwonu at No. 5 and the best remaining pass rusher at No. 7.
Take advantage of a QB-needy team
With two picks in the top seven, the Giants can really take advantage of a QB-needy team. The Carolina Panthers (No. 6), Atlanta Falcons (No. 8), and New Orleans Saints (No. 16 and No. 19) all have long-term needs at QB. All three teams also play in the NFC South.
Given the division rivalry and stakes of identifying a franchise QB, the Giants could try to play the three teams off each other. If all three teams want Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett, the Giants could hold the fifth overall pick ransom in hopes of getting an unbelievable return that sets them up for the foreseeable future.
From there, they can take the best available lineman at No. 7 and use the trade package to improve their roster elsewhere.
Go with the BPA
While the Giants may view the edge rushers and offensive tackles as the cream of the crop of the class, they could still have an affinity for a prospect like Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton. Selecting a safety with a top-five pick would be a bold move, but Hamilton’s rare size and speed at the position could be a true game-changer on defense.
Following the departures of Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers, the cupboard is pretty empty for the Giants at safety. Coming from Buffalo, Schoen and Daboll know the importance of a good safety tandem, and Hamilton could be a major building block for the secondary.
Also, with veteran cornerback James Bradberry on his way out of town, the Giants could also look at Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner as an elite replacement with upside. Gardner has received top-five buzz heading into the draft weekend.
Giants’ NFL Draft needs
- EDGE, LB, OT, C, G, S
The Giants have notable holes along the defensive line. They are also in desperate need of an upgrade at right tackle. Once those two needs are dealt with, the Giants can focus on the other glaring deficiencies on their depth chart.
The Giants added Jon Feliciano, Mark Glowinski, and Matt Gono to their offensive line this offseason. While those players are upgrades over the incumbent group, the Giants could look to fortify the line even further with notable prospects.
The linebacker position is another spot to watch for the defense. While Blake Martinez is set to return, his tenure might only last another year. Safety is also a must-address position, but the Giants might stay patient at that spot on Day 1.
