The New York Giants had a very different season in 2023 compared to the previous one. The Giants were coming off a season where they beat a 12 win team in the playoffs and had the reigning coach of the year. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong for the team this past season
Quarterback, Daniel Jones had just signed a large contract in the offseason and started the year off horribly, losing to the rival Dallas Cowboys 40-0. Jones also threw two interceptions and barely over 100 yards. Jones would only play 6 games this season, partly, due to injury and partly due to poor performance.
It was the first-year player, Tommy DeVito who would start in Jones’ absence. DeVito played well, throwing for over 1,100 yards, 8 tds and only 3 interceptions across 5 games. DeVito’s impressive play leaves the Giants with a question mark at quarterback heading into 2024.
How the Draft Can Improve the Giants
The Giants did not make the playoffs this season and only had a 6-11 record. The only good part about the team performing poorly is that they got the 6th pick. The offensive line did not play up to par, so beefing up the line here might be the best option. The top linemen in the draft is Notre Dame’s Joe Alt.
Alt towers over most players at 6’8 and weighs 315 lbs. The surprising thing about Alt is he is quick on his feet and ran one of the quicker 40 yard dash times at his position. Sophomore, Evan Neal struggled at tackle, so it might be beneficial to the team for him to move inside while Alt can maintain that right tackle position.
One good move that the Giants made was trading the aging Leonard Williams to the Seahawks for a second round pick. That gives the team a little bit of wiggle room as far as their ability to take a top available talent at each pick. The primary need is help on the defensive line, this is a deep d-line draft, so there should be plenty of options at either pick.
How Will the Giants Look in 2024?
The Giants don’t only have a question mark at quarterback, they have one at running back as well. Saquon Barkley is due for a contract extension, but it is very possible that he decides to play elsewhere. If he does decide to move on from New York, that creates a big hole in the Giants offense.
Barkley has been a bell cow and a reliable back, while he’s been healthy since New York drafted him. Without him, the Giants could opt to take a halfback in the second round with one of their two picks. This would offer young legs to an offense that is just looking for some consistency.
In all likelihood, Jones will be back under center as he signed a large contract and played through injury in 2023. A team that is built around him, with young talent in the backfield, and top rookies on both the offensive and defensive lines could be dangerous. The Giants could be a sleeper team to make the playoffs in 2024 if they make the right moves this offseason.