The New York Giants are only working with a handful of picks in the 2024 NFL Draft so it will be vital they can maximize their selections with ideal prospects.
It won’t be an easy path for general manager Joe Schoen, who has his work cut out for him with the No. 6 overall pick. How he goes about using that pick is a complete mystery.
Even so, with less than two weeks until the start of the draft, the Giants are finalizing their big board.
For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.
In the meantime, Chad Reuter of NFL.com named the ideal prospects for each team’s first two picks in the draft.
Two NFL Draft prospects named as ideal picks for Giants
The No. 6 overall pick is an interesting spot for the Giants to be in considering the impact the quarterback position will have on the rest of the draft. The Giants clearly are doing their homework on the position, which is why it’s not surprise Reuter sees the ideal picks the way he does.
Round 1: No. 6 overall: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Round 2: No. 47 overall: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
If the Giants are truly looking to move on from Daniel Jones, then Maye’s strong arm, fearless attitude and thick overall build would be a welcome sight at MetLife Stadium. His strong physical presence could remind GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll of Josh Allen — both Schoen and Daboll were in the Bills organization when Allen arrived in Buffalo. Schoen signed Jalen Mills in free agency to help make up for the loss of Xavier McKinney, but the former Patriot could be used in a slot role, with Hicks playing in the box and deep at safety
Maye is arguably the most polarizing quarterback prospect of the draft. The tools certainly are there, and his live arm will get the front office excited. Further development with his processing, decision-making and footwork will be needed at the next level. Whether he would fall to No. 6 overall is another debate entirely.
MORE: Who is Giants’ most popular pick in NFL mock draft simulator?
In terms of pure need, the safety position probably finds itself at the top of the list. The current tandem of Jalen Mills and Jason Pinnock is something the Giants simply can’t afford to go into the season with. And unfortunately, this class isn’t boasting a deep crop of upside.
Hicks, however, is an intriguing prospect. He’s an elite athlete with size and versatility who can play deep or closer to the line of scrimmage. He would provide an instant boost to a major position of need.
