By Spencer Kessler
Going into the offseason, the NY Giants are in a position that many rebuilding teams would love—tons of cap space and good draft capital. Notably, the Giants have the 3rd overall pick and also the 34th pick in the second round. While there are many holes on this Giants team, free agency was major progress. Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo’s signings seemingly eliminate Travis Hunter in the secondary, so what should be the Giants’ main focus now? Here are short list of players I think could fulfill the remaining needs for Big Blue.
DT Mason Graham, Michigan
The fact that I don’t see Mason Graham being mocked at #3 to the Giants is shocking. Graham each year has progressed from Freshman All-American (AA) to a Second Team AA in 2023 to a Unanimous First Team AA in 2024. I can confidently say that a front four of Brian Burns, Sexy Dexy, Mason Graham, and Kayvon Thibodeaux would be one of the premier units in the NFC, if not the whole NFL. According to NFL.com, Graham ranked 1st in production and overall scores for all DTs at the recent draft combine. I don’t think there is a greater need for the Giants other than a Quarterback in regards to getting another premier partner for Dexter Lawrence, and Graham fulfills that need.
LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
Based on the various reports that the Giants front office staff doesn’t value LB captain Bobby Okereke (which is questionable), the Giants could be looking for a new LB. Enter Jalon Walker. The 2024 Butkus Award Winner (Top Collegiate Linebacker) is a freak of nature. NFL.com graded him 3rd in athleticism and 7th in production for an overall score of 80, which was 3rd for all linebackers at the combine. He was a First Team AA this past season and was Second Team All-SEC the year prior, so he has been recognized for his excellence. Even if the Giants don’t do anything with Okereke, a potential LB pair of Walker and Okereke is enticing.
DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Nolen fits the build of what I want in Graham, just a little bit less. Personally, the Giants should not even think about drafting Nolen at #3. If Schoen and Co. trade back, Nolen should be the priority with the new selection. By becoming a First Team All-SEC and Unanimous AA this past season, Nolen has developed into a very solid DT who could become Dexter Lawrence’s newest partner in crime.
QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Ole Miss QB, interested in playing for the Giants, helped raise offense productivity with stellar play. Does this ring any bells? Dart, in my humble opinion, is better than Shadeur. His productivity at Ole Miss was pretty remarkable. Lane Kiffin brought the best out of Dart with his great deep ball, ability to read the field, and solid decision-making. With Dart at the helm, in his two years at Ole Miss, the offense ranked 16th and 2nd in the nation. Did I also mention that Eli said he would help with mentoring and nurturing the player? Dart can be the Giants’ top choice in Round 2, or they could trade up late in the first round and take the player to get that coveted 5th-Year option.
LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
The Studman screams charisma and energy at the core of Oklahoma’s defense. With three straight years of 100+ tackles, Stutsman’s production has been steady ever since his sophomore year. He was a First Team Selection in the Big 12 and SEC, which is a huge accomplishment. This past season, his play in the SEC also earned him a spot as a Consensus AA. His rush defense could use some work, but his tackling skills are considered supreme in D1 Football. I also like this move because he would offer great depth in case McFadden or Okereke got injured.
EDGE Mike Green, Marshall Thundering Herd
I believe Green is the biggest boom or bust prospect in this draft on the defensive side of the ball. On one hand, you have the FBS’ sack leader with 17 and who was a First Team AA and Sun Belt Player of the Year. On the other hand, you have a guy whose character could be an issue and might not be as good as his stats show due to the level of the Sun Belt. He did have a sack early in the season against Ohio State, though. Then, at the Combine, Green made a statement of a showing for the scouts. Boasting the 5th best overall score for DE/Edge, Green is now rated 28th and 18th by ESPN and CBS Sports, respectively. The only thing is that against the run, he tends to leave his gap open due to trying to work around blocks.
WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford Cardinal
What saddens me is that nobody seems to remember that in 2023, Ayomanor put up 13 receptions, 294 yards (Stanford receiving record), and 3 TDs on Travis Hunter… in the second half! While he wasn’t as productive this year on a faltering Cardinal team, he still has great attributes. Ayomanor is a lengthy receiver with good route-running skills and good YAC. He just has to limit the drops, or he’ll end up as Evan Engram 2.0. While scouts don’t think he’s explosive, his 4.44 40-yard time says otherwise. Look for him to be a highly-touted second-round selection.
WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss
If you want to get Dart, the Giants should think about getting his top receiver as well. Harris, a Louisiana Tech transfer, flourished with Dart, earning First Team All-SEC honors. What I love about Harris is how natural it is for him to be a big-play receiver. 17.2 yards per reception is absurd! I am interested to see how his route running translates to the NFL, given Ole Miss’s limited route playbook, but he is a player the Giants should certainly have on their board.
TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
If you don’t know who Harold Fannin Jr. is, learn the name fast. Just because Fannin was on Bowling Green didn’t prohibit him from leading the FBS in receiving yards and putting up arguably the greatest receiving season by a TE. Also, Fanning continuously put up TE1-grade performances against even the toughest opponents. For example, against a top-10 Penn State defense, Fannin was the only player all season to have 100+ receiving yards against them. He was top 10 in production and athleticism at the combine, leading him to have the 3rd best total score for a TE at the combine. Fannin is another receiver on the field who can give LBs nightmares when they have to cover him. It is a bit early to give up on Theo Johnson, but Fannin is too unique a prospect to pass on.