NY Giants 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Joe Schoen passes on star QB in first round

NY Giants fifth-round pick: Michigan CB Mike Sainristil

If Schoen drafts two of Michigan's offensive cornerstones, he should also take one of the leaders of Michigan's defense, the best defense in college football.

A sneaky need for the Giants this spring is cornerback. With Adoree' Jackson and Darnay Holmes set to hit free agency, Deonte Banks and Cor'Dale Flott are New York's two starting corners with no enticing backup options.

Mike Sainristil has recorded six interceptions in his college career, five this season and one in 2022. PFF has given him a starter quality grade for the last two seasons. Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (Tua's younger brother) was picked off twice by Sainristil last Saturday, who was already allowing the lowest passer rating (37.5) when being targeted among slot corners in college football.

NY Giants sixth-round pick: Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson

Tommy DeVito has a chance to prove to Schoen the rest of this season that he can be an NFL backup quarterback, but if he doesn't, expect the Giants to target a cheap one in the later rounds of April's draft. The 2024 NFL Draft features a loaded quarterback class.

KJ Jefferson, a 6-3, 247-pounder, is a physical monster who has had a decorated college career. Nearly through his fifth college season, the Mississippi native has completed 624 of his 960 passes for 7,921 and 67 touchdowns to just 18 interceptions. He's averaging 3.5 interceptions per college season, which is extremely impressive.

Jefferson, who also has a 153.6 career passer rating, will have NFL value as a runner. He has rushed the ball 521 times for 1,861 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jefferson could have a role immediately as a QB sneak master, and with his size, he could play a Taysom Hill role. Schoen loves versatility, and Jefferson would be one heck of a chess piece.