Damian Parson's Seven-Round New York Giants Mock Draft

It's time for a penultimate, full seven-round mock draft for the New York Giants, this one courtesy of Damian Parson.

Author:
Damian Parson
Publish date:
Apr 15, 2024

In this story:

New York Giants

NFL Draft

Malik Nabers

With less than two weeks to go until the annual NFL Draft, the New York Giants no doubt have the majority of their value board set and have considered various scenarios regarding how they might proceed in the various rounds.

With the Giants hoping to improve their team enough to ensure they will not again be picking inside the top 10 in future years, general manager Joe Schoen has to get this draft right. What might he do that makes sense? That remains to be seen, but here is what I would consider doing if I were running the Giants' draft.

Round 1, No. 6: WR Malik Nabers, LSU

If the Giants are going to run it back with quarterback Daniels Jones as the unquestioned starter, they must improve the talent around him. Malik Nabers is one of the most explosive receivers in the draft. His burst is sudden and can overwhelm defensive angles if not corralled quickly.

His ability to eat versus zone coverages and run to open areas of the field will help Jones settle into games early. Nabers is an outstanding yards-after-catch receiver who can turn a 5-yard slant into a 40-50-yard explosive play. Giving Jones a true WR1 caliber weapon is best for business.

Round 2, No. 47: CB TJ Tampa, Iowa St.

Deonte Banks is the questioned CB1 heading into his second year in the league. However, after losing Adoree Jackson to free agency, the CB2 position is wide open.

TJ Tampa is a big, long-legged cornerback who can play both man and zone coverages. He has good ball skills with plus-athleticism. This move gives the Giants two young corners with the physicality and coverage abilities to live on the outside.

Round 3, No. 70: QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

If the Giants are going to pass on a quarterback in the first round, they must grab one by the end of Day 2. Spencer Rattler was once considered to be the first overall pick a few years ago for a reason. He has arm talent, toughness, and mobility that entices NFL decision-makers.

Rattler’s physical ability and poise under pressure will fit in a Brian Daboll lead offense. A mentally tough and battle-tested QB is an ideal match for the Giants and Coach Daboll’s system.

Round 4, No. 107: TE Jared Wiley, TCU

When healthy, Darren Waller is one of the better tight ends in the league. But with rumors swirling about his future and if he plans to retire, the end is closer than most fans expect and hope. That said, there’s a clear opening for a young developmental tight end for the Giants to consider.

Jared Wiley provides a great frame listing at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, and 33 1/4 in arms. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Wiley tested well with a 4.62 forty-yard dash and jumping a 37-inch vertical. He has the speed to play as a move/detached tight end.

He can threaten the seams from the slot or in-line. His catch radius and leaping ability allow him to separate from tightly contested coverage defenders in the air. A year or so learning behind Waller would help prepare Wiley as a potential replacement when Waller’s time in the Big Apple ends.

Round 5, No. 166: RB Audric Estime, Notre Dame

The Giants had no interest in paying Saquon Barkley over $10 million a year, so the one-time second-overall pick in the draft walked straight to the Giatns' division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. This left a void in the backfield for the Giants until they signed veteran Devin Singletary.

Singletary is coming off a strong season with the Houston Texans in 2023. He proved starting is not too much for him to handle effectively, but they cannot put all their eggs in that basket.

Audric Estime would bring a muscular build and a tough, physical downhill running style, reminiscent of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Estime thrived getting north and south to operate as a bowling ball for his offense. He would be a nice change of pace behind Singletary before potentially taking over the job heading into 2024.

Round 6, No. 183: CB Shyheim Battle, North Carolina State

Day 3 of the NFL draft is about adding depth and taking swings. After selecting TJ Tampa on day two, doubling down on young cornerbacks isn't a bad idea.

Shyheim Battle is a tough-minded and physical cornerback. He does not mind getting dirty and making tackles in the run game or in space. He is a bigger corner who can live in this zone-based defense that new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is expected to run. Battle is willing to do whatever the team needs and works hard. At worst, he can be a special teams ace as he finds his footing on defense.