Joe Schoen’s first NFL Draft as New York Giants GM is right around the corner, and New York could have its pick of blue-chip talent at key positions of need in Round 1
With the 2022 NFL Draft less than three weeks away, the New York Giants have been doing their due diligence in scouting potential prospects.
However, at the end of the day, there is a certain hierarchy in terms of prospects that the Giants are likely to go by for who they want to draft.
The New York Giants have holes at many key positions, most notably at right tackle, edge rushers, and left guard. While there are not any guards worth taking with the 5th or 7th picks in the first round, there are plenty of tackles and edge rushers who could come in and be instant impact players for the Giants
While the New York Giants have done a good job at diversifying their potential targets in this year’s draft by visiting and scouting a multitude of players at different positions, it is not hard to tell what positions they are in need of.
Here’s a look at who might be the New York Giants’ top-5 NFL Draft targets
Number 5: CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner – CB, Cincinnati
With the trade or release of James Bradberry seeming more and more likely each day, the New York Giants will need to look to replace the former Pro-Bowler.
One of the top NFL Draft prospects to potentially replace Bradberry is Ahmad Gardner out of Cincinnati.
Coming in at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Ahmad Gardner had one of, if not the best seasons for a cornerback this year.
In 14 games played, Gardner only allowed 18 receptions on 37 targets for 122 yards, while also snagging three interceptions and deflecting 3 passes. In addition to this, Ahmad Gardner never allowed more than 20 receiving yards in a game this season, and has never allowed a TD in his college career.
There are a lot of things to like about Gardner, whether it be his size, speed, ability to play in both zone and man schemes, or ridiculous upside.
Gardner is a special talent that the New York Giants should heavily consider drafting if they get the chance
Number 4: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
The New York Giants pass rush performed rather poorly last season, ranking 24th in sacks, 27th in QB knockdowns, and 24th in QB hurries.
It only makes sense that they look to add an elite edge rusher to pair with promising rookie Azeez Ojulari.
Kayvon Thibodeaux is that elite edge rusher, as he has all of the tools, both physically and mentally, to be an elite pass rusher in this league.
While previously, Thibodeaux was projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, his stock has somewhat fallen recently for some reason.
This should not deter the New York Giants from drafting him, however, as I truly believe he is going to be a fantastic player in this league.
In 11 games this season, Thibodeaux tallied nine sacks, 11 QB hits, 28 QB hurries, and 45 combined tackles. It is also worth mentioning that Kayvon Thibodeaux was dealing with an ankle injury throughout the season.
Thibodeaux is a truly elite prospect, however, due to some ridiculous reports, his stock has begun to slip. If he is available to the NY Giants at pick 7, they should heavily consider drafting him.
Number 3: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State
There are probably more heralded prospects in this class than Charles Cross, like Gardner and Thibodeaux, positional value is likely going to cause Cross to rise up on the New York Giants’ draft board.
It is best for the New York Giants to draft one of the top-three tackles in the draft with their No. 5 overall pick, as the right tackle position is without a doubt their position most in need.
Coming in at 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds, Charles Cross wrapped up a tremendous season at Mississippi State, gaining a pass-blocking grade of 84.9, and a run-blocking grade of 87.2 per, PFF. Alongside these grades, Charles Cross also only allowed 2 sacks and 14 hurries in 719 pass-blocking snaps.
Whether it be his fantastic ability in pass blocking, his clamp-like hands, or tremendous upside in run blocking snaps, there are plenty of reasons for the NY Giants to draft Charles Cross.
However, due to intense competition at his position, Cross falls to 3rd on the list.
Number 2: OL Ikem Ekwonu, NC State
Coming in at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Ikem Ekwonu had himself a monster season at NC State, gaining a pass-blocking grade of 78.3, alongside a ridiculous run-blocking grade of 93.8 per, PFF. Alongside these grades, Ikem Ekwonu only allowed 3 sacks and 10 hurries in 500 pass-blocking snaps.
Ikem Ekwonu is one of the best-run blockers I have seen in college football in a long time, as he is always looking to put a defender on the ground. Alongside this, Ekwonu also made massive strides in pass blocking, improving upon both his hand technique and footwork a ton.
While his size and playstyle may suggest that he is a better fit at guard, I believe it may be in the NY Giants’ best interest to keep him at tackle. As it is their biggest position of need and they desperately need an elite blocker at the position.
Ekwonu is the most likely pick for the NY Giants as the next player on the list will likely be selected before pick No. 5. However, Ekwonu is without a doubt the next best player at right tackle for the Giants.
Number 1: OT Evan Neal, Alabama
Last, well, technically first on the list, is Alabama tackle Evan Neal.
Neal is possibly the best prospect in the entire draft class.
Coming in at a monstrous 6-foot-7, 337 pounds, Evan Neal showcased just how special of a talent he is this season at Alabama, gaining a pass-blocking grade of 83.6, alongside a run-blocking grade of 80.4 per, PFF. Alongside these grades, Evan Neal only allowed 2 sacks, 5 QB hits, and 8 QB hurries in 650 pass-blocking snaps.
There’s a very legitimate chance Neal is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ selection with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, but if he slides …
Neal has been one of the most fascinating prospects to scout this college season, as his rare combination of size, athleticism, and speed is something truly special.
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While this is enough to warrant Neal being selected so high, there are several other things to like about his game.
For example, Neal has fantastic footwork and hand technique, when you combine this with his unbelievable strength, it is almost impossible for him to get beat.
While there is a very good chance that Neal will be selected before pick No. 5 in the NFL Draft, this does not mean the New York Giants should not target him. If by chance, Evan Neal is available to the New York Giants at pick No. 5, they should not hesitate to draft this truly special talent.