The New York Giants have done a solid job this offseason upgrading their roster. After making a surprise run to the postseason, and even defeating the Minnesota Vikings during Super Wild Card Weekend, general manager Joe Schoen is making moves hoping to ensure being a playoff contender becomes the norm once again.
New York made one splash defensively, signing linebacker Bobby Okereke away from the Indianapolis Colts. Other than that, a majority of their work has been done on the offensive side of the ball.
Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder were both signed in free agency to bolster the wide receiver group. They will be joining holdovers Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayon, who all re-signed. 2022 second-round pick Wan’Dale Robinson will also be in the mix eventually once he recovers from his ACL tear.
The biggest acquisition on offense was tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller has struggled to stay on the field the last two seasons, but when healthy, he is one of the most dynamic pass catchers at the position in the NFL. His skill set will mesh well with Daniel Jones.
Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, the Giants will have another opportunity to add to their roster. Many people believe they will target a pass catcher, as a wide receiver is near the top of their needs list. In a recent mock draft done over at ESPN, Todd McShay has Big Blue doing just that.
However, it is not at the position you would think. With the 25th overall pick, McShay is predicting the Giants will select Notre Dame tight end, Michael Mayer.
“Yes, the Giants just traded for Darren Waller, but he’s turning 31 years old and hasn’t played a complete season since 2020. And besides, the top three receivers are off the board and Mayer — my No. 19 overall prospect — is still available. He’s a different kind of tight end than Waller; he’s a reliable target in the pass game and displays awesome strength after the catch, but he will also take care of business as an in-line blocker.”
This is a bit of a head-scratching pick for the Giants my McShay. New York received excellent contributions from Daniel Bellinger in 2022 as a rookie despite dealing with a serious eye injury. With Waller in the mix, tight end is far from the team’s biggest need.
Both Waller and Bellinger are locked into contracts for multiple more seasons. Using a first-round pick on Mayer, talented as he may be, feels like a poor use of assets. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston went two picks after New York, while pass rusher Myles Murphy and hybrid defensive back Brian Branch were also selected after the Giants made their pick.
All three of those players would help fill voids on the roster. If the draft board shakes out as McShay predicts, expect some confused Giants fans to be shown during the telecast.
