The picks are in and new GM Joe Schoen have completed his first draft for the New York Giants with an overall approval rating. The Giants finished with 11 total picks thanks to a couple of trades made by Schoen in Round 2. Day 1 started and finished with a bang, Day 2 had many fans second-guessing the selections until further evaluation and Day 3 finished strong with early Day 3 prospects falling into the later rounds. Let’s take a look at each pick with my final grade for each one and on the overall draft.
Round 1 (#5)-Kayvon Thibodeaux (OLB/Edge) Oregon-6’5/258: For the first time since the Giants drafted Carl Banks in 1984. Thibodeaux brings playmaker ability to a Giants defense that was desperately needed. Thibodeaux will be a plug/play defender opposite Azeez Ojulari giving the Giants arguably the best OLB tandem since Banks and a guy known as LT. Grade-A+
Round 1 (#7)-Evan Neal (OT) Alabama-6’7/335: The draft board fell perfectly for the Giants with the first four picks leaving the top 3 offensive tackles still on the board as GM Joe Schoen wasted no time selecting Evan Neal to cement him at Right Tackle and joining Left Tackle Andrew Thomas to form dynamic duo bookends to give QB Daniel Jones the long awaited protection. Grade-A+
Round 2 (#36)-Wan’Dale Robinson (WR) Kentucky-5’8/178: you often hear the phrase “good things come in small packages” well Robinson certainly fits that description as he is defined as a gadget playmaker. HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka to put together a nice offensive package that will utilize Robinson’s skill set. Grade B-
Round 3 (#67) Josh Ezeudu (OG) North Carolina-6’4/308: Ezeudu went under the radar among the mid-round OL prospects and was a bit of a shock pick by GM Joe Schoen based on the talent of prospects still on the board. Ezeuda is not by no means an under-performer and could challenge for the starting spot at left guard in 2022. Grade C+
Round 3 (#81) Cor’Dale Flott (CB) LSU-Flott is another pick that came as a surprise, but he is a solid defender in the secondary. Flott can play on the outside and inside and likes to play physically. Floot can be a solid rotational piece who DC Wink Martindale can utilize in certain packages. Grade B-
Round 4 (#112) Daniel Bellinger (TE) San Diego State-6’6/252: Bellinger is a high-end blocker who was underutilized in the passing game and could possibly be a better pro than he was in college. Grade C+
Round 4 (#114) Dane Belton (S) Iowa-6’1/205: Belton should fit nicely in DC Wink Martindale’s system. Belton had a solid grade as a pass defender in 2021 and the Giants hope he continues that success in the NFL. Grade C+
Round 5 (#146) Micah McFadden (ILB) Indiana-6’2/232: McFadden is an unsung prospect without a ton of fanfare, but he is a solid ILB who has good blitzing ability and is a downhill linebacker. Grade B
Round 5 (#147) D. J Davidson (DT) Arizona State-Davidson is a solid run stuffer who will complete for a roster spot and add depth to the roster. Grade C+
Round 5 (#173) Marcus McKethan (OG) Arizona State-6’6/340: McKethan is a human wall and has the size, strength and ability to compete for a spot on the Giants opening day roster. Grade B-
Round 6 (#182) Darrian Beavers (OLB) Cincinnati-6’4/252: Beavers is a solid run defender who has improved his pass coverage skills in 2021. Beavers is a solid player who will look to compete for a roster spot in 2022. Grade B
Overall, GM Joe Schoen first draft for the New York Giants appears to be a successful one with a total of 11 picks who will compete for a roster spot come training camp. Also, Joe Schoen was busy immediately following the draft with the UDFA class as the Giants signed 11 UDFA prospects with 7 of them in the trenches. (See next article highlighting the UDFA prospects) Final Overall Grade: B