Way too early 2024 Mock Draft: 4 possible first-round picks for the Giants

Last week, the New York Giants addressed several major needs. On the offensive side of the ball, they added immediate starters in center John Michael Schmitz and wideout Jalin Hyatt. On defense, they used their first-round pick in the '23 NFL Draft on a potential star in cornerback Deonte Banks.

With the roster assembled, this Giants team heads into the 2023 campaign with high upside. Following a trip to the playoffs last season, they will look to build on their already-established foundation.

While several key areas have already been addressed, the Giants could still add talent on both offense and defense. Along the defensive front, in the secondary, and at wide receiver, foundational players could still be added. With that said, is it too early to look at the '24 draft? Heck no. Here's four potential first-round targets for the G-Men and general manager Joe Schoen.

4. USC safety Calen Bullock

With the departure of Julian Love, the safety position is now headlined by Xavier McKinney, Dane Belton, and Bobby McCain. If this is the group they head into the season with, they could make a splash in next year's draft to add firepower. USC's Calen Bullock could be the perfect fit if that is the case.

During his freshman season in 2021, Bullock looked to have potential in the USC secondary. Over his first 11 collegiate games, he recorded 25 solo tackles, 40 total tackles, three defended passes, and two interceptions.

Following a strong freshman campaign, Bullock returned in 2022 ready to take on an even bigger role. Within a strong USC secondary, he often times looked to be a dominant force. While appearing in 14 games, he recorded 29 solo tackles, 48 total tackles, five defended apsses, five interceptions, and one touchdown.

Coming in at 6-3 and 180 pounds, Bullock has the necessary size to make an impact at safety. In addition, he has elite speed that allows him to easily fly around the field. Placing a player of his caliber alongside McKinney and Belton could give the Giants a solid secondary core for the future.

3. Florida State EDGE Jared Verse

With Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari taking the field, the Giants already have a young EDGE duo with high upside. But with Ojulari's injury history, the team could still look to add another young member to the group. Florida State's Jared Verse could be an elite option in the first round.

During his first two seasons, Verse took the field for the University of Albany. Over these two seasons, he recorded 46 solo tackles, 74 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks. After spending two seasons in Albany, Verse transferred to Florida State in 2022. In his first season with the team, he recorded 22 solo tackles, 48 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.

Following this campaign, many believed that Verse was one of the top EDGE talents in the 2023 class. But to the shock of many, he made the move to return to school. Now when looking at the 2024 group, he is arguably the most pro-ready. With his skill set, he could play across from Thibodeaux. With this one-two punch, and Ojulari also in the mix, this trio could quickly elevate an already dominant defensive front.

2. Ohio State EDGE J.T. Tuimoloau

Another option for the Giants defensive front could come in Ohio State's J.T. Tuimoloau. During his freshman season in 2021, the young pass-rusher showed flashes of potential. While appearing in 11 games, he recorded seven solo tackles, 17 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

In 2022, Tuimoloau returned to the Ohio State defensive front prepared to play an even bigger role. With a group littered with NFL-caliber talent, he put on a show. He finished the season recording 16 solo tackles, 28 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four swatted passes, and two interceptions.

Tuimoloau's best outing of the season came in Week 8 as Ohio State took on Penn State. In the matchup, he recorded six total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one pick-six.

While Tuimoloau still has room for improvement, he has proven that he has the necessary skills needed to make an impact. With his blend of speed and power, he will be able to win at the next level. In this Wink Martindale defense, he could be the ideal option at this time next year for Big Blue.

1. Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka

The Giants have made significant moves to improve the wide receiver room through both the draft and free agency. With the recent addition of Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt, the team has added a potential game-changer to the passing game. Now heading into the 2023 campaign, they have surrounded Daniel Jones with the most weapons of his NFL career. But when looking at the current makeup of the wide receiver room, it is hard to know if the team has a legitimate WR1. Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka could address this need.

This past season, much of the attention in the Ohio State passing game went to Marvin Harrison Jr. Often times he looked to be the best wide receiver in the nation and his performance overshadowed that of Egbuka. Yet even while sharing the ball, Egbuka put together an elite sophomore season.

Over 13 games, Egbuka hauled in 74 receptions for 1,151 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He's a playmaker and a guy who should already be on teams' radars.

Throughout the 2022 campaign, Egbuka delivered several elite outings. This included six games with at least 100 receiving yards and four receptions. In addition, he reached the endzone in 10 games. Placing Egbuka alongside Wan'Dale Robinson and Hyatt would give the Giants a reliable core of young wide receivers. With a group that versatile, this offense could open the playbook even more.

READ MORE: 4 moves the Giants still need to make after the NFL Draft