Top 3 reasons why the NY Giants won the 2022 NFL Draft
By Toby Grundy
NY Giants 2022 NFL Draft: 2 – Playmakers
The Giants’ draft added exciting playmakers to this roster, as well as putting in place pieces that will enhance exciting talents who were already in East Rutherford. On the offensive side of the ball, the Giants added a playmaker in Wan’Dale Robinson who allows Mike Kafka and Brian Daboll to incorporate plays from the extremely productive systems they are used to in Kansas City and Buffalo.
On the defensive side of the ball, the most obvious playmaker added was Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has a chance to get to the quarterback on every play and will be the most talented pass rusher the Giants have seen in a long time.
It’s not just Thibodeaux who brings playmaking ability to this Martindale defense, however. Dane Belton is a ball-hawking safety who had 5 interceptions last season, Cordale Flott is an extremely athletic cornerback prospect with exciting playmaking upside, and Micah McFadden had the highest pass-rushing grade for an off-the-ball linebacker in the nation last season according to PFF.
While the new additions improve the excitement factor of this roster, there has actually been a sprinkling of game-breaking talent on it for some time. The likes of Saquon Barkley, Kadarius Toney, and Kenny Golladay struggled last year in the conservative Jason Garrett offense.
Basically, a product that was only made worse by inadequate offensive line play. Fortunately, many of the players drafted this past weekend will improve the way in which this team can use its playmakers.
Evan Neal is the most obvious example, representing the best right tackle in both Jones and Barkley’s time in New York. Add to that Daniel Bellinger who is one of the better run-blocking tight ends in the class, and a pair of developmental North Carolina guards who could add value down the line. In a make or break year for both Jones and Barkley, Schoen and the front office have provided them with enough help to make their case for an extended stay in New York.