Re-drafting Giants' iconic 2019 class bursting with regrets & what-ifs

The 2019 NFL Draft was supposed to be a turning point for the New York Giants - a chance to lay down the foundation of their future.

With three first-round picks and a handful of mid-rounders, the expectation was a mix of core contributors and potential playmakers. But six seasons in, that iconic draft class has become a subject of regret and plenty of “what-ifs.”

Today, we’re going to dive back into the first five rounds and re-draft those early picks with the benefit of hindsight. Looking at what each player has, or hasn't done since, we’ll ask: Who should the Giants have taken instead? And how might those alternate picks have shaped where this team is today?

Let’s dive in and re-imagine the 2019 draft as it could’ve, and maybe should’ve, been.

Reimagining the NY Giants 2019 Draft with a 5-round re-draft

*This comes with the profound understanding the Giants were going to take a QB with this pick*

Original pick: Daniel Jones, Duke - QB

This isn't going to be a hot take, but in hindsight, drafting Daniel Jones sixth overall was a mistake. However, the draft was light on quarterbacks, and the Giants wanted a QB. Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, and Dwayne Haskins were the only ones selected in the first round. At this point, the G-Men were looking for their Eli Manning successor. They were going to take a QB, so we will do the same.

They drafted Jones in the hopes that he'd pick up where Manning left off. While that wasn't the case, this team was clearly looking for a future QB, and so the pick here doesn't change - they still get Jones to be the supposed long-term answer. Hopefully it works out better in this alternate universe, but we're sticking with it.

Original pick: Dexter Lawrence, Clemson - DT

The Giants acquired this pick from the Browns in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade and used it wisely on former Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, who’s earned every bit of it. In five-plus seasons, Lawrence has become one of the league’s top defensive tackles, racking up 304 tackles, 30 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

New York showed its confidence in Lawrence by signing him to a four-year, $87.5 million extension last offseason. As one of the Giants’ franchise cornerstones, his best may still be ahead, and there’s no question New York makes this pick again in a redraft.

Original pick: Deandre Baker, Georgia - CB

The G-Men go all-in on securing wide receiver A.J. Brown, originally a second-round pick by the Titans. Brown has since developed into one of the NFL’s elite receivers, with explosive production and a physical playstyle that would perfectly complement New York's offense. After a Pro Bowl stint in Tennessee, Brown joined the Eagles and continued his dominance, earning two second-team All-Pro nods in just two seasons.

Adding Brown to the mix would have given Daniel Jones a true top-tier weapon and created a potent one-two punch alongside Saquon Barkley. While Barkley eventually left in free agency in 2024, pairing him with Brown during his Giants tenure would have given the offense a major boost and expanded their playmaking possibilities.

Original pick: Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion - DE

NY seizes the chance to secure edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who has evolved from a fourth-round steal into one of the league's most relentless defensive forces. Crosby burst onto the scene with 10 sacks as a rookie, and he’s only gotten better. He's a three-time Pro Bowler with 27 sacks over the past two seasons and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year finalist.

For the Giants, Crosby would become a foundational defensive piece, one they’d never let slip by in a redraft scenario. He'd form a dynamic duo of terror with Dexter Lawrence, obliterating opposing QBs.

Original pick: Julian Love, Notre Dame - CB

In this 2019 redraft, the Giants stick with Julian Love, a fourth-round gem who’s become one of the league's most adaptable and reliable defensive backs. Drafted as a corner out of Notre Dame, Love has since developed into a versatile playmaker, seamlessly covering deep, in the box, on the perimeter, and in the slot. His versatility has made him invaluable both for the Giants and, more recently, the Seahawks.

After a part-time role as a rookie, Love's impact grew each season, culminating in a Pro Bowl-worthy 2023 campaign with Seattle where he racked up 123 tackles, 10 passes defended, and four interceptions while holding opposing quarterbacks to an 82.2 passer rating. His steady development makes him a player the Giants would eagerly pick again at 108.

Original pick: Ryan Connelly, Wisconsin - LB

In this 2019 redraft, the Giants opt for linebacker Dre Greenlaw over Ryan Connelly - a move that would bring toughness, speed, and playmaking ability to New York’s defense. Originally a fifth-round pick by the 49ers, Greenlaw has become a key starter, known for his tackling, coverage skills, and sideline-to-sideline range.

Greenlaw’s production speaks for itself: he’s racked up 446 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 14 passes defended in five seasons, becoming a dependable presence in San Francisco’s linebacker corps. With his high football IQ and intensity, Greenlaw would bring the kind of consistency and impact that the Giants lacked in Connelly, making him an easy choice as the 143rd pick in this reimagined draft.

Original pick: Darius Slayton, Auburn - WR

Big Blue confidently select Darius Slayton again with the 171st pick. Drafted in the fifth round, Slayton quickly exceeded expectations, showing off his speed and knack for big plays. He’s been a consistent weapon, amassing 3,793 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in five-plus seasons.

Slayton’s chemistry with Daniel Jones and his ability to stretch the field has made him a key piece in the Giants’ offense, creating space and opportunities for other playmakers. His impressive production and durability make him an easy choice to retain, proving his value well beyond his fifth-round draft spot.

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