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.
Grade: A+
NY Giants Day 2
Round 2, Pick 43: Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Schoen and Daboll went and got their guys in this draft. That was never more apparent than selecting Wan’Dale Robinson in the second round. While his height, at 5-foot-8, has been the main point of criticism since the pick was made, the same can’t be said for his college production. With 1,342 yards on 104 receptions last season at Kentucky he set the school single-season record in his first year with the program.
The Giants ranked last in the league in explosive pass rate last season, something which will no doubt change with Robinson on the field. He’s electric with the ball in his hands and while the Giants will scheme up plays to get it to him around the line of scrimmage, he offers down the field value as well, catching 16 deep balls last season.
His size had his consensus ranking much lower than 43, suggesting the Giants may have been able to pick him up a round or two later. In my opinion, better safe than sorry if he fits the vision Daboll and Kafka have for this offense moving forward.
Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 67: Joshua Ezeudu, OL, North Carolina
The Giants landed one of the most versatile offensive line prospects you will ever see. He played every position other than center during his time as a Tar Heel, even playing multiple positions on the same drive in a game – taking versatility to a whole new level.
He’s by no means a day one lock to start, but with left guard certainly a position the Giants would like to upgrade he has a chance to impress in the off-season and contend for a starting spot. Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson was at the North Carolina pro day and is clearly comfortable he can work his magic on the developmental prospect.
Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 81: Cordale Flott, CB, LSU
Selecting cornerback Cordale Flott out of LSU was a shock to many, despite the position certainly presenting a need. While he showed versatility at LSU by playing nickel, cornerback, and even safety, Joe Schoen has already confirmed he will likely play as a slot corner.
Both Darnay Holmes and Aaron Robinson have seen time at nickel and it will be an interesting position group to follow at training camp. Flott could certainly turn into a solid NFL player, but the Giants don’t have a proven outside cornerback to sit opposite Adoree Jackson if James Bradberry leaves the team, as is expected before the start of the season.
Grade: C-
NY Giants Day 2
Round 4, No. 112: Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
One of the better run-blocking tight ends in the class, Bellinger had 0 drops last season at San Diego state – two attributes in a tight end the Giants were lacking in the Gettleman era. He’s drawn comparisons to Dawson Knox, someone who brought success to Brian Daboll during his time in Buffalo. He fits what the Giants needed, and brings the versatility to provide an option for Daniel Jones in the passing game as well as more than hold his own in run blocking.
Grade: B+
Round 4, No. 114: Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Belton played as a hybrid-type player for Iowa this past season, seeing snaps at both safety and outside linebacker. Wink Martindale likes playing “position-less defense” and Belton will fit right in.
He had 46 tackles as well as 7 pass breakups and 5 interceptions. His defensive versatility is his best attribute and with a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL combine he certainly has the speed to come on the blitz – something Martindale likes to do with all his defensive players.
Grade: B
Round 5, No. 146: Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana
Another player who exceeded while blitzing in his collegiate career, McFadden had the highest pass-rushing grade for an off-the-ball linebacker in the nation last season according to PFF. It is clear the Giants are building a defense fit for Martindale and McFadden is a perfect linebacker for it.
He’s strong against the run and led Indiana in tackles last season. He lacks some athleticism but with a depleted inside linebacker group will certainly compete for a starting job in training camp. He has special teams experience as well, so will definitely see action for the Giants this season.
Grade: A-
Round 5, No. 147: D.J. Davidson, DT, Arizona State
Nose tackle was an under-the-radar need for this roster. Davidson is a 6-foot-3, 330lbs run stuffer and can add some value to this team. He will likely fit in behind free agent signing Justin Ellis on the depth chart but will be given a chance to impress in training camp.
Grade: C
Round 5, No. 173: Marcus McKethan, OG, North Carolina
The Giants doubled up on North Carolina guards, selecting the monster 6-foot-6, 340 lbs McKethan. The depth along the whole offensive line has been non-existent for years in New York and is clearly the unit Schoen and the new front office have committed the most to improve.
Bobby Johnson obviously liked what he saw at the Tar Heels’ pro day and will look to develop McKethan behind what is now a much-improved unit compared with 2021. As you would expect with a fifth-round pick he is a long way from a starting-level prospect at this stage, but Giants fans know better than most that anything can happen with a few injuries on the offensive line.
Grade: C+
Round 6, No. 182: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Beavers is in consideration for my favorite Giants pick in the whole draft. Don’t let his draft position fool you, he is a genuine chance to end up a starting inside linebacker on this roster. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award this past season, considered with the likes of Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, and Leo Chenal.
He offers value in a blitz-heavy scheme, something the Giants are likely to be in 2022 and at the very least his special teams experience means he will see action during the season. With Blake Martinez coming back from an ACL injury and Tae Crowder certainly not a lock to be a starter, it is not a stretch to expect Beavers could see serious playing time in Martindale’s defense in 2022 and beyond.