Heading into the NFL Draft, Joe Schoen has put together a New York Giants roster that is built for success in 2023 and beyond. With potential building blocks on both sides of the ball, this team looks to be a threat this season.
With the Giants not selecting until pick No. 25, many of the players on their radar may already be off the board. But with 10 total picks, including seven on Day 3, the team could look to move up. For some of the players that could be on their list, including Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a trade up could make sense, but for others, this move could only hurt the team.
In some cases, many of these players could still be on the board when the Giants pick. Or, they could be positions that have depth, meaning other solid options could still be available. With that being said, here are four players the Giants should avoid trading up for in the draft.
4. Pitt DT Calijah Kancey
Since the end of the season, Schoen and the Giants front office have made it clear that they are looking to solidify the defensive front. While a deal with star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence feels imminent, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, and Leonard Williams all set to return for 2023, the team could still add more. An elite prospect in Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey could be on their radar. If the team is in fact looking to add another piece to the group, Kancey could be the ideal candidate.
During his time at Pitt, Kancey developed into an elite talent on the interior. While taking the field in 33 total games, he recorded 52 solo tackles, 91 total tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks. In each of his final two seasons, Kancey recorded at least seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss in both outings.
With the collegiate career that Kancey put together, along with how he has tested, he has put his name alongside the top defensive talents in this year's class. Some assume that Kancey could be selected within the first 15 picks, and if the Giants were to want him, they'd have to leap other teams in front of them.
The addition of Kancey would help elevate the group, but trading up to add him would feel more like a luxury pick. With a foundation already in place, he would only help elevate the unit. If Kancey is still on the board at No. 25, the Giants could give the young defensive tackle a hard look, and if he matches what they are looking to put together, it could make sense. But trading up to add him may not be in their best interests when they have other positions that could use reinforcements.