NY Giants 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux gets a new pass-rushing mate

The New York Giants were in prime position to land a Top 5 draft pick just a few weeks ago. Now at 4-8, the Giants hold the draft's seventh spot. Somehow, the Jets, also at 4-8, are currently ahead of New York in the draft order.

The draft order fluctuates weekly, and the Giants are only one win behind New England, which currently sits in second place in the draft order. Big Blue certainly isn't out of the generational quarterback sweepstakes, especially with a demanding schedule remaining, but the odds are stacked against them getting back up into the Top 2-3. New England's win in Pittsburgh Thursday night was a significant start in that pursuit. If Joe Schoen has to pick seventh in April, the draft may look a lot different than fans would like to see:

NY Giants first-round pick: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

The Giants pass rushing-group for 2024 leaves a lot to be desired. Behind Kayvon Thibodeaux, a budding superstar, the Giants have Azeez Ojulari, who is immensely talented, but oft-injured and a whole lot of nothing. 

Championships are won in the trenches, and Schoen could take a page from the San Fransisco 49ers' playbook and build a ridiculous defensive line if he is not in range for a top quarterback, Marvin Harrison Jr., or Malik Nabers.

Laiatu Latu is a dominant pass-rusher who can play at a Pro Bowl level in Year 1. The 6-5, 265-pounder was the lynchpin of one of college football's most dominant defenses in 2023. Latu registered 15 sacks and posted a ridiculous 96.1 PFF total defense grade, which was far and away the best in college football among defensive ends.

In three college seasons, he has 29 sacks and 137 total pressures. Latu can be a perennial double-digit sack guy at the next level. If he's still on the board when it's Schoen's turn to make a pick, then he could end up being the guy taken.

NY Giants second-round pick: Texas WR Xavier Worthy

The Giants need to add wide receivers to the fold this year, and Worthy is a first-round talent who could be pushed into Round 2 due to the depth of the 2024 wide receiver class. In three college seasons, the 6-1, 172-pounder has hauled in 195 balls for 2,710 yards and 26 touchdowns. Despite his thin frame, Worthy has the size and ability to play on the outside. 

You can't teach that speed. If Schoen drafts Worthy, suddenly Big Blue would have a wide receiver room of Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Darius Slayton, and Worthy. That's a good start in the wide receivers room overhaul process. 

NY Giants second-round pick: Ohio State DB Denzel Burke

Cornerback is a sneaky need for Big Blue-headed into the off-season. With Adoree' Jackson and Darnay Holmes hitting free agency this spring, it leaves Big Blue with only four corners: Cor'Dale Flott, Deonte Banks, Nick McCloud, and Tre Hawkins, who have seen meaningful playing time this fall.

Of that group, only Banks and Flott have solidified futures in the Big Apple. Denze Burke has gotten to play against some of the toughest college receivers in his career and has more than held his own. The 6-1, 190-pounder has allowed quarterbacks to complete just 51.4 percent of their passes when targetting him in his three years at Ohio State. He has recorded 21 pass breakups and two interceptions. 

Mel Kiper Jr. has Burke ranked as the fifth-best corner in the 2024 class. He's a great defensive playmaker, no doubt about that.

NY Giants third-round pick: Texas DL T'Vondre Sweat

The Giants may look for Leonard Williams' replacement in April, and T'Vondre Sweat could be just that. The 6-4, 362-pounder is an athletic freak and his size is out of this world. Imagine him in the middle of the d-line making plays for the G-Men.

PFF has Sweat graded as the No. 5 defensive player in all of college football in 2023. He's also graded as the best defensive tackle thanks to his 28 pressures, 25 tackles, 23 hurries, and two sacks. He lives in opposing backfields and apparently can play some tight end.

NY Giants fourth-round pick: Michigan G Zak Zinter

Zak Zinter suffered a broken tibia and fibula in the third quarter of Michigan's win over Ohio State, which could cause his draft stock to fall. Zinter, a two-time first-team All-Big Ten member, was the heart and soul of Michigan's team, evidenced by the reaction of the players and fans when he suffered his devastating injury.

Big Blue must continue adding high-upside bodies to the offensive line room, especially at guard. All current members of the New York Giants offensive line room at OG, outside of maybe Ben Bredeson, have yet to prove to Schoen and the rest of the front office that they should have a future in the Big Apple.

NY Giants fifth-round pick: Florida State QB Jordan Travis

If New York doesn't draft a quarterback early, they could target one late. Jordan Travis, who suffered a devastating knee injury in late November, profiles at worst as a long-term backup NFL quarterback, which is something Schoen is searching for.

In parts of six college seasons, Travis completed 637 of his 1,027 pass attempts for 8,715 and 66 touchdowns. The Florida State leader also ran for 1,950 yards and 31 touchdowns on 417 attempts.

Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff despite going 13-0 primarily due to the dropoff in quarterback play from Travis. That is a loud statement from some of the most influential voices in the sport, and it speaks to just how talented and essential Travis is.

NY Giants sixth-round pick: Southern Miss RB Frank Gore Jr.

Frank Gore's son will play in the NFL in 2024. He is also one of the most accomplished running backs in the 2024 class. In four years at Southern Miss, Frank Gore Jr. rushed the ball 759 times for 4,022 yards and 26 touchdowns. His average of 5.3 yards per carry will undoubtedly play in the NFL.

The Giants need to add young, athletic running backs to the team, regardless of Saquon Barkley's 2024 status. Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell are likely out the door, which leaves just Eric Gray and Jashuan Corbin, whom Schoen has already cut twice, on the roster.