With big names like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye on everyone's mind entering the 2024 NFL Draft, it's crucial to remember that there are hundreds of interesting draft prospects that will be available past the first round. Their floor may not be as high as these top-tier prospects, but their ceiling may be similar.
It's always difficult to determine how good or bad these middle-round players will be. However, if the NY Giants can hit on them, it can change the future of their franchise. We've seen what hitting on these types of prospects has done for other teams, so if New York can repeat this draft success, we could see them compete for the Lombardi sooner rather than later. Here's a look at five guys Joe Schoen should have his eyes on leading up to late April:
5. Notre Dame CB Cam Hart
With it being likely that Adoree' Jackson doesn't return to the Giants this offseason, Schoen is going to need to try and find some new options at corner. With that in mind, Cam Hart out of Notre Dame could be Schoen's guy on Day 2.
Coming in at 6-3, 202 pounds, Hart is a bigger corner with some impressive athletic traits that make him a tantalizing prospect in the third round. While his instincts aren't as sharp as you'd like to see, this doesn't cancel out his potential. Hart has been rather productive at Notre Dame, allowing just five touchdowns through three seasons as a starter.
Hart may not have the superstar upside as some of the top corners in his class, but his traits and size are very impressive. His lack of playmaking genes and make-up speed are somewhat concerning, but in the right scheme, Hart could flourish. Many will criticize him for only grabbing two interceptions during his time in college, but when you're as consistent as Hart at shutting opposing receivers down, it really doesn't matter that much.
Through 12 games last season, Hart allowed just 15 receptions on 28 targets for 137 yards and zero touchdowns. Hart looks to be a high-floor prospect who could be an impact corner for the Giants early on if drafted.
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4. Wake Forest S Malik Mustapha
Malik Mustapha is an interesting safety prospect in this year's draft class as his playstyle is old school and his size and frame are pretty unique for a safety. For the Giants, though, with Shane Bowen's history of developing safeties, Mustapha may be their guy, especially with their lack of a run-support safety.
Through 12 games at Wake Forest in 2023, Mustapha racked up 78 combined tackles and two forced fumbles. Mustapha is one of the best in his class at taking down ball carriers, whether it be his absurd aggressiveness, compact frame, or good tackling fundamentals. While his aggressiveness can cause some issues at times, it wasn't a big enough problem to affect his draft stock much.
When it comes to the NFL, Mustapha doesn't project to be a high safety. Not only does he lack size and length, but he often gives too much space in deep zones and has questionable instincts. Despite this, he was very successful as a short/medium zone safety in coverage and this, combined with the aforementioned run-stopping prowess, makes him a very fun prospect to watch.
Mustapha is a tantalizing athlete with traits that make him a high-upside prospect if he can figure out his coverage issues. Under Bowen, there's no telling what Mustapha can become. Regardless, he, at the very least, looks like a Julian Love-type of player, which can be very valuable for a team that just allowed the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL last season.
3. LSU DL Maason Smith
After losing A'Shawn Robinson in free agency, the Giants defensive line is looking pretty rough aside from Dexter Lawrence. This means they could be interested in drafting someone with high upside to play alongside the two-time All-Pro. If Schoen is looking for upside on the interior, then Maason Smith is exactly what he wants.
The floor may not be as high as others at his position, but given his size and athleticism, Smith has some serious upside the Giants may want to capitalize on. This, combined with Andre Patterson's history with developing defensive linemen, makes for a match made in heaven if New York opts to draft Smith.
Coming in at a massive 6-5, 305 pounds, Smith displays an impressive combination of strength and speed off the line. The only problem? Smith has some noteworthy technique issues, whether it be his inconsistent hand placement/pad level, or the lack of pass-rush bag, it may take time for Smith to catch on in the NFL. However, with some proper coaching from a guy like Patterson, while also playing alongside one of the league's best, Smith could improve before we know it.
2. Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen
Ever since the loss of Brandon Jacobs, the Giants have failed to find a true power back. While this is something that has somewhat faded away in the modern NFL, that doesn't mean this archetype doesn't have its benefits in the right system. While Schoen likely signed Devin Singletary to be the team's RB1 in 2024, Braelon Allen out of Wisconsin could answer the question of who will play behind him.
Sitting at a monstrous 6-1, 235 pounds, Allen is the definition of a bruiser. While a new system in Wisconsin limited his true abilities as a runner, his tape from 2021 and '22 shows a decisive, powerful runner that defenses should be afraid of. He isn't the most dynamic, but with power like that, Allen doesn't need to be.
Through 11 games last season, Allen ran the ball 181 times for 982 yards and 12 touchdowns. Considering he was THIS productive while being a poor fit in his system, it's easy to see why so many people are interested in what the 20-year-old RB can do in the NFL. He won't offer too much as a pass-catcher, but his abilities as a pass-blocker could make him some extra cash in the league.
Allen is the complete opposite type of running back compared to Saquon Barkley. Where Barkley would dance around to try and make a big play, Allen will make a decisive cut in the backfield and take the easy yards for the sake of getting a first down. Considering where the Giants are currently at, this is what they need and we really hope Schoen considers bringing Allen in.
1. USC WR Brenden Rice
Given all of the rumors surrounding what the Giants may or may not do with the No. 6 overall pick, it's hard to tell what the final outcome will be. In the scenario where they opt not to draft a receiver in the first round, it's very likely that Schoen and company look to Day 2 to find their new pass-catcher. With the family history Brenden Rice has, it seems like he may be destined for greatness and the Giants may want to capitalize on this.
Being the son of arguably the greatest wide receiver the NFL has ever seen in Jerry Rice, the younger Rice has received a fair amount of hype heading into the draft and we can see why. He's not the craziest athlete in this draft class, but he's one of the best route runners and has some pretty impressive open-field abilities for his size.
The USC product caught 45 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Not only did he work as a deep threat, but his intermediate route game is very sharp as well. In addition to this, Brenden Rice also racked up 234 yards after catch and worked as a kickoff/punt returner as well.
His limited explosiveness and top speed may limit his potential in the NFL, but Brenden Rice projects to be a high-floor, immediate-impact player. Considering that he's currently projected to go anywhere from the second to third rounds, this is very impressive and something Schoen needs to add to this offense if receiver is not addressed by Day 2 of the draft.