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NY Giants: 4 way too early 2022 NFL Draft needs

By Andrew Hughes

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 29: Nick Gates #65 of the New York Giants leads the offensive line during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 29: Nick Gates #65 of the New York Giants leads the offensive line during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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The NY Giants field what might be the most talented roster in a decade, but still have holes to plug during next spring’s 2022 NFL Draft 

When it comes to the NY Giants’ roster moving forward, there are a few certainties to keep fans  hopeful that a return to the postseason for the first time in half a decade is possible in 2021.

Both relate to the passing game. Offensively, the WR is as stacked as any across the league. Kenny Golladay is an All-Pro threat, while Sterling Shephard and Darius Slayton have both proven to be capable of deserving consistent and copious amounts of targets themselves.

Meanwhile, the ceiling of rookie Kadarius Toney is unknown, but Florida may have their next great receiver at the professional level given his breakaway speed in the slot. As of now, fellow Gator great Cris Collinsworth won’t get to call his games if the NY Giants don’t play their way into postseason contention by season’s end. Sunday nights won’t feature New York’s better professional football half should the schedule hold.

This is all to say that pass-catching certainly won’t be a problem. Breaking passes up on the defensive end won’t be a problem either given the additions of Aaron Robinson (in the 2021 NFL Draft’s first round) and Adoree` Jackson (through free agency via Tennessee).

As for who is throwing the passes, Daniel Jones will be getting our vote of confidence here. Another step forward isn’t guaranteed, nor is full health, but the talent is.

Saquon Barkley is in the same boat, with an even greater emphasis on the health following an ACL tear. Calling for either of their replacements as the starter before the season is effectively writing off the season itself.

Not happening here.

Instead, a little reflection about the shortcomings that could hold the NY Giants back from a 17-0 run through the regular season is more appropriate.

If these on-paper issues manifest for the NY Giants, these 4 way-too-early NFL Draft needs could end up needing addressing come April 2022:

NY Giants way-too-early 2022 NFL Draft need #1: Offensive line

Across the board, the NY Giants’ offensive line could use depth…at the very least. None of the positions up front are filled by headline names with long-term deals, and the position wasn’t addressed with any of the team’s 2021 draft picks after it finished as a bottom-ranked defense in 2020.

Essentially passing on Rashawn Slater and Alex Leatherwood by way of trading out of the No. 11 slot, the NY Giants decided to double down on loading up Jones’ air-raid arsenal with the selection of Toney.

Jackson Carman, Walker Little, and Liam Eichenberg all were available, though they would have been a reach with the #20 pick.

If the offensive line issues still persist in 2021, expect mock drafts in 2022 to have the (presumably underperforming) Giants to be projected to select someone along the offensive line once more.

Before there is any consideration of throwing Jones away, the offensive line would be addressed.

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