The New York Giants made their splash on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. Twice.
First came Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall—a twitched-up edge rusher with Micah Parsons comps and an All-Pro ceiling. It was the pick Giants fans had been begging for. The one that made amends for 2021. Then, just when it seemed like the night was over, Joe Schoen cooked up more chaos. He packaged picks 34, 99, and a future third-rounder to trade back into the first with the Houston Texansand land Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25.
Two first-rounders. Two massive swings. One edge rusher to wreck the NFC East. One quarterback to develop behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The board fell perfectly, and the G-Men didn’t panic. They played it right.
Now? They’ve got one pick on Day 2 after depleting their war chest, and one glaring need they can’t afford to ignore.
Giants will definitely hope Arizona OL Jonah Savaiinaea falls to them in third round of NFL Draft
With picks 34 and 99 gone in the Dart trade, the Giants will make just one selection on Friday: No. 65 overall. And after investing in their future under center, protecting him becomes priority No. 1.
Enter Jonah Savaiinaea.
The Arizona product is everything you want in a plug-and-play NFL guard. He’s massive—6-foot-4, 324 pounds—with nearly 34-inch arms, heavy hands, and the versatility to play multiple spots along the line. He started games at right guard, right tackle, and left tackle in college, and thrived in a zone-heavy system that mirrors what the Giants run.
He’s physical. He’s smart. He’s a team captain. And most importantly, he’s already met with the Giants during the pre-draft process. They clearly see the fit.
There are some technique issues to clean up, namely with anchor strength and balance against power. But as an interior mauler with burst and finishing ability, Savaiinaea is exactly the kind of mid-round blocker who could develop into a Day 1 starter at right guard. The Giants need that yesterday.
Behind him, there are fallback options. Georgia’s Tate Ratledge has starting upside. Boston College’s Ozzy Trapilo brings versatility and nasty hands. Marcus Mbow (Purdue) offers solid athleticism. Even Tennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott or Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo could make sense if the board falls differently.
But make no mistake: Savaiinaea is the guy. He fits the need and he fits the scheme. The real concern is if he'll still be on the board when Big Blue is back on the clock.
After all the fireworks in Round 1, the Giants don’t need to get cute with it. They just need to keep playing it smart. And if Savaiinaea is sitting there at 65, Schoen and Co. shouldn’t think twice.