The 2022 NFL Draft has finally come to a close, and with it, the first big step in a new era of NY Giants football under Joe Schoen has been taken. Courtesy of a few draft day trades the Giants selected 11 prospects over the three-day event. Let’s take a look at them all, and provide a way-too-early draft grade for each pick.
NY Giants Day 1
Round 1, Pick 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
The former top-ranked high school recruit in the nation, Thibodeaux has been the best player on the field his whole career. He has elite explosiveness and bend, both of which scored 10/10 according to Pro Football Focus.
He will be the best pass rusher the Giants have seen in some time and his pairing with Azeez Ojulari represents a key step in bringing the franchise back to its super bowl winning days.
The front office met with Thibodeaux a number of times during the draft process and it’s clear he won them over. There’s a difference between having a strong personality and personality issues – a distinction the Giants clearly made during the process.
Speaking of personalities, Michael Strahan has already said he is going to mentor the young Oregon prospect and I don’t think there’s anyone more qualified to do so. Strahan 2.0? No, he’s Thibodeaux 1.0.
Grade: A
Round 1, Pick 7: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The most well-rounded tackle prospect in the class, Neal was in the conversation for the 1st overall pick for much of the offseason. This was the biggest need on the roster and Joe Schoen filled it with arguably the best prospect in the whole draft, at pick 7 overall.
Neal, a 6-foot-7 350 lbs monster, will slot in at right tackle and immediately become one of, if not the most talented piece of this offensive line. He improves the offensive unit as a whole more than any other pick in the draft – a “home run” selection from Schoen and the Giants on day one.