4 players the NY Giants should target with the No. 5 overall pick

After being eliminated from playoff contention, several NY Giants fans have turned to the franchise’s future. With Big Blue projected to finish with the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, many fans began thinking about which direction Joe Schoen and the Giants will go after a frustrating 2023 campaign.

The Giants lacked consistency from their offensive line and the quarterback position, especially at the beginning of the season. They could also explore options at wide receiver and build off their current defensive line after dealing Leonard Williams at the trade deadline.

Still, it will be interesting to see what the G-Men prioritize and how they will address their positional needs this offseason. That said, let’s take a look at four players the New York Giants could draft with the fifth overall pick.

4. WR Malik Nabers - LSU

If the Giants decide to build off their current receiver core, they could take LSU wideout Malik Nabers, who has more yards, receptions, and broken tackles than the draft class's top wide receiver prospect, Marvin Harrison Jr., over the last two years. Nabers is a true deep threat who served as LSU's slot receiver this year and excelled as a quick, flexible route-runner with good burst and explosiveness.

This season, the junior wideout has paired nicely with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was recently named the 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner. The duo helped lead the Tigers to a 9-3 record, finishing third in the SEC behind Alabama and Ole Miss. Nabers finished with 86 receptions, 1,546 yards, and 14 touchdowns on the season. Undoubtedly, the LSU wide receiver will find a home next season and quickly succeed in the NFL.

3. Edge Dallas Turner - Alabama

If the Giants want to improve their defensive line, they could take Alabama pass-rusher Dallas Turner, who would line up across from former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux. This season, Turner has 26 solo tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles, leading the Crimson Tide to a 12-1 record atop the SEC. Now, Turner and Alabama will have an opportunity at a National Championship in the CFP.

The Giants' front office has had their eyes on several prospects, including a few from Alabama, so it wouldn't be a complete surprise if they decide to prioritize a defensive player from the SEC powerhouse in the first round of the draft. Giants GM Schoen attended the Crimson Tide's 49-21 victory over Kentucky on Nov. 11.

2. OL Joe Alt - Notre Dame

It feels like the Giants have drafted an offensive lineman in the early rounds of every recent draft; however, the position continues to become a significant concern for the New York Giants, so it wouldn't be a complete surprise if they decided to draft a lineman with the fifth pick. An excellent option for Big Blue could be Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt.

In 12 games and 368 pass-blocking snaps, Alt has allowed just one sack and two hits, earning him a 90.8 player grade on Pro Football Focus. The 6-8, 322-pound tackle has helped lead the Fighting Irish to a 10-3 record this season. Although he did not participate in Notre Dame's Sun Bowl victory on Friday, his contributions all season allowed Notre Dame to succeed this year.

We can expect Alt to be a Top 10 pick in the next draft and to find success in his new home next season. The Notre Dame lineman's tall and long frame, combined with his lean, well-proportioned build, gives him a competitive advantage, making life tough for pass-rushers. Alt is also extremely light on his feet in pass-blocking and demonstrates elite strength and toughness to finish blocks at a high level.

1. OL Olu Fashanu - Penn State

One of the prospects making the most sense for the New York Giants is Penn State offensive lineman Olu Fashanu, who is considered one of the best prospects in this class and will likely be a Top 5 pick in the draft. In 12 games and 382 pass-blocking snaps this season, the junior tackle has not allowed any sacks, earning him a 78.8 player grade on Pro Football Focus.

The 6-6, 319-pound left tackle demonstrates precise footwork and body positioning, which has allowed him to become college football's best pass-protector in 2023. Fashanu has helped lead the Nittany Lions to a 10-2 record and a Peach Bowl matchup with Ole Miss. We can expect Olu to be a valuable asset on whichever team he joins next season and for the Penn State lineman to carry his collegiate success to the professional level.

The Giants have drafted offensive linemen twice with their first-round picks in the last few years in Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal and even took center Jon Michael Schmitz in the second round last year. Yet, the position continues to be a consistent concern for the team. Big Blue fans are starting to wonder if the organization plans to use another pick in the early rounds on an offensive lineman, which this front office will likely be interested in exploring again.

Something to keep in mind is that both Fashanu and Alt are left tackles, and right tackle is the position the Giants need more help with at the moment. Alternative options for the G-Men could be JC Latham or Amarius Mims. When the Giants tried to convert Neal to right tackle after playing mainly on the left side at Alabama, it didn't turn out the best for either side, which we saw this season. That said, we will have to wait and see what the Giants decide to do during the draft and how they prepare their roster to bounce back in 2024.