When the New York Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll on Monday, it was surprising to see them retain general manager Joe Schoen. It was even more shocking to see John Mara admit faith in the 46-year-old, as he quickly announced that Schoen will be the one primarily leading Big Blue's search for a new head coach.
While it's nice to see Mara trust his GM, it feels a bit perplexing. Since Schoen was hired in 2022, New York has failed to address needs at both wide receiver and along the offensive line. And Bleacher Report's latest article about NY's draft needs is further proof of his ineptitude. Yes, he drafted Malik Nabers, but his absence has exposed just how putrid the Giants' receiver depth is.
And on the offensive line, Evan Neal and John Michael Schmitz are both massive busts, while the signings of both Jon Runyan and Mark Glowinski also left much to be desired. This begs the question: If Schoen can't address some of the most basic needs on the roster, why is he still employed?
Now, his leash will grow even longer with a new coach tasked with developing rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, as the cycle of ineptitude in New York is set to just repeat.
Joe Schoen hasn't done enough to address WR or OL to warrant keeping his job
At wide receiver, Wan'Dale Robinson finally looks like he's developing into a quality option out of the slot, but he's also set to be a free agent this summer. The fourth-year wideout has admirably led the receiver room while Nabers recovers from his torn ACL, but it's clear he's not cut out to be a WR1.
However, Jalin Hyatt has been perhaps the most egregious draft bust Schoen has selected, as the former Biletnikoff Winner can't even beat out Lil'Jordan Humphrey for snaps. The fact New York finally has a QB capable of utilizing their deep threat, yet they still choose not to is incredibly telling.
The only player who can rival Hyatt for the biggest disappointment the Daboll-Schoen regime drafted is Neal. Even after moving to guard this summer in hopes of seeing the field more often has done nothing, as the former Alabama star has been a healthy scratch in every game this season.
Big Blue will be picking towards the top of the NFL Draft once again in 2026, and it presents their fourth-year GM with an interesting opportunity. He could land a wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate, an offensive lineman like Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa, or even linebacker Arvell Reese.
His track record is incredibly 50-50, as Schoen drafted future stars like Dart, Nabers, and Abdul Carter, but also took players like Neal, Hyatt, and the never-illustrious Deonte Banks. His talent evaluation has improved as of late, but it's still been incredibly disappointing relative to expectations.
If the Giants really want to get things right, they need to clean house completely.