Brandon Olsen's New York Giants Mock Draft, Version 4.0

With the Giants looking like they'll be drafting fifth, here's an updated mock draft.

Author:
Brandon Olsen
Publish date:
Jan 6, 2024 12:00 PM EST

In this story:

Just one game remains for the New York Giants in the 2023 season. It was a season that was a disappointment, to say the least, but one that sees them in a prime opportunity to turn the franchise around.

R1, No. 5: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

The season that Jayden Daniels put together at LSU was nothing short of incredible. From his time at Arizona State to his transfer to LSU, Daniels made strides as a passer and became more decisive as a runner.

While fifth overall might seem like a slight reach, it’s been reported NFL teams view Daniels as high as QB2 in the draft, even over Drake Maye. With his dual-threat ability, skill as a decision-maker, and raw potential, it’s easy to see why NFL teams might fall in love with the idea of drafting Daniels early.

R2, No. 39: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona

Jordan Morgan is another pick here to add an elite athlete at his position that the Giants desperately need help with. Morgan returned from a torn ACL in 2023 and picked up right where he left off before the injury.

In this scenario, like any other where the Giants draft a tackle, the plan would be to move Evan Neal to guard, where he has experience from playing at Alabama. Morgan has only played at left tackle at Arizona, but his skill set would also translate well to right tackle.

R2, No. 46: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina

The Giants have been lacking talent on the outside at receiver for years. Enter: Xavier Legette. Legette is 6’3, just under 230 pounds, and can outrun defenses on the boundary.

A height, weight, and speed freak that had just two drops on 96 targets in 2023 was one of the few reliable options on that Gamecocks offense.

In this scenario, Legette is a vertical threat that hypothetical first-round pick Jayden Daniels would be able to use to attack downfield. Daniels has a beautiful deep ball thrower and gives the Giants a reason to draft someone like Legette as his potential #1 option.

R3, No. 70: RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas

Jonathon Brooks is one of the best running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he tore his ACL in early November, so his stock will tumble slightly. Brooks has three-down ability and is a big play waiting to happen because of his vision, contact balance, and ability to accelerate to attack tackle angles.

With Saquon Barkley’s future with the team up in the air, the Giants should use a mid-round pick to address the position and allow them to at least have an alternative option. Brooks’ skillset won’t make him a Barkley replacement, but if he isn’t back in blue, Brooks could be part of the committee to replace that production.

R4, No. 101: DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU

The Giants traded Leonard Williams earlier this season and can now replace him with Mekhi Wingo out of LSU. Wingo has experience playing along all spots on the interior of the offensive line and has the potential to completely take over games when he gets into a groove.

Consistency is a concern but not for lack of motor, moreso just building upon performances. In 2023, Wingo missed the end of the season with an injury but returned and showed up as a pass-rusher in the bowl game.

R5, No. 135: WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida

After adding Xavier Legette earlier in the draft, the Giants, in this draft, add a slot receiver here that has special teams ability as well. Pearsall’s a buttery, smooth route runner who broke out in 2023 with a 1,000-yard scrimmage season and had one of the best catches in football since the Odell Beckham Jr catch.

He doesn’t have the ideal size to work consistently on the outside, but his dynamic playmaking ability on day three is always a plus. As a returner in 2023, Pearsall had 11 returns for 126 yards and a long of 40.

R6, No. 166: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr, Missouri

Ennis Rakestraw Jr is a corner capable of playing in the slot or on the outside and has experience playing press-man frequently at Mizzou. Wink Martindale may or may not be the defensive coordinator in 2024, but Rakestraw has the skillset to be a scheme-versatile addition to the roster.

Rakestraw Jr. played Cover 1 plenty in the SEC but also worked in Cover 3 and quarters, giving him an NFL skillset. Size may be an issue at the NFL level, as he’s listed as 6-0, which could mean he’s 5-10.