Big Blue Huddle

We all know we need a QB.  We also know if Schoen/Dabs stay they will be in survival mode as 100% coaching for their jobs.

This draft for probably the top 15 picks to top 20 is a defense heavy draft with the only likely O positions being WR (and maybe Jeanty at RB).

If Giants draft BPA it is likely to be a defensive player.  That will not fix the O and may not generate more wins (given how bad the O is) but is it the right thing to do?  I say yes.  The best teams have a QB BUT they also have a lot of top talent.  We cant get a good QB at 3 but we can get a very good player.

Schoen needs to go big in FA for a QB with Daboll convinced he can develop him into a winning QB.  I say Justin Fields.  In Chicago Fields did not have a good team yet he was ok, not great.  He's young, live arm and is mobile.  That is today's type of QB.

If Giants solve QB in FA, go build a team with BPA.  Get one on defense unless you want to build more O threats then draft Hunter or McMillan.  The OL will have to come later. Tate Ratledge would start day 1 at RG if Giants draft him.  He does not have positional versatility or at least has not demonstrated it.  I dont care if he can be a good RG.

If Giants want a boundary CB later say mid-round, someone like Denzel Burke out of Ohio State might be a good pick.  He has size and good movement.  He was supposed to be a Will Johnson type talent at CB but never got there.  A good position coach may get more out of him.

Kenneth Grant (340 pounds) was the other DT at Michigan who along with Graham stuffed the run game.  They stopped Ohio State from having any rushing between tackles.  He plays NT but imagine him alongside Dex as two 340 pounders in the interior DL.  With Dex having more burst maybe you move him to 3 tech.  Grant becomes a replacement for Dex later at NT.

I agree with Ted (Todge) we need an OT but not the first rounders being mentioned.  Hope later there is one like Josh Conerly from Oregon who moves well laterally.

That's how I see it.

I truly believe that simply getting consistent QB play will do wonders for this offense. The O-line actually looked pretty good when it was healthy early in the year but we obviously need depth there. Looking at it now, this feels like a good draft to take a swing on some OL on day 2 or early day 3.

As for the first round, if either of the QBs get past the top two spots then I think all bets are off. However, I would absolutely hate it if we gave up significant future capital to secure either of them. I'd be fine with any of the top tier D guys (Hunter, Johnson, Graham or Carter) but would absolutely love to trade down a couple of picks to secure more day 2/3 capital to give us more of a cushion to potentially take a shot on Jaxson Dart in the 2nd or 3rd round.

I am not convinced they'll take Sanders or Ward if available at 3.

This is one year in which I believe the top players for top 5 picks simply won't slip out because of some factor in the Combine, private workouts, interviews, etc.  Carter, Johnson, Graham and Hunter are damn clean prospects, all with plenty of game tape to back it up.  They will test well.

Quote from: Philosophers on January 06, 2025, 03:10:48 PMThis is one year in which I believe the top players for top 5 picks simply won't slip out because of some factor in the Combine, private workouts, interviews, etc.  Carter, Johnson, Graham and Hunter are damn clean prospects, all with plenty of game tape to back it up.  They will test well.

I agree, Joe.

I think they go Travis Hunter or Carter at 3 

I do not believe they go QB at 3

In fact I'm hoping the QB is on roster before the draft 

Quote from: babywhales on January 06, 2025, 03:41:40 PMI think they go Travis Hunter or Carter at 3

I do not believe they go QB at 3

In fact I'm hoping the QB is on roster before the draft

I would think the team will both sign a bridge veteran and draft one.  The question remains if the drafted QB is day one or day two.

Quote from: Philosophers on January 06, 2025, 08:54:31 AMWe cant get a good QB at 3 but we can get a very good player.

Phil: Here's hoping the Giants agree.

Quote from: babywhales on January 06, 2025, 03:41:40 PMI think they go Travis Hunter or Carter at 3

I do not believe they go QB at 3

In fact I'm hoping the QB is on roster before the draft

@babywhales Chris: I like Hunter best because he can play on both sides of the ball and probably represents the best value for that reason, but I'm starting to lean more toward the guy from Michigan because he played a lot tougher competition. As for pass-rushers, being a Penn State fan I'd pick Abdul Carter and experts seem to agree he is may be the best, but I'm biased lol. Bob

Granted, I've not seen any of the college prospects but I have severe reservations around the notion that someone can play two positions a) to a high level and b) on a regular basis in the modern NFL.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on January 06, 2025, 04:36:56 PMGranted, I've not seen any of the college prospects but I have severe reservations around the notion that someone can play two positions a) to a high level and b) on a regular basis in the modern NFL.

Quote from: kingm56 on January 06, 2025, 03:18:37 PMI agree, Joe.

Frankly Matt I am more excited at 3 than at 1.  I never cared for Ward and liked Sanders earlier in the season but have enough doubts now about him yet have zero doubts on these 4.

What vet QB would you chase in FA if any? 

I believe the Giants have capable pass rushers, they just need Corners that can cover long enough to allow them to get to the QB. Travis Hunter or the 2 time all American Will Johnson is my pick at this stage.

I think Abdul Carter might end up being a special player but I cannot see them taking him at 3 given all holes.  I think he is going to be better than Thibs and Burns, but given those two guys are there for a couple of more years, if they go defense I would guess CB. 

I am expecting a draft that is heavier on offense than defense, but that doesn't mean they will select an offensive player in any particular round.

The QB is the elephant in the room, but the OL needs significant upgrades for this offense to improve enough to make a difference. 

If it is not a QB R1 (because we take a name FA or we target one day 2) then CB Will Johnson or DT Mason Graham for me. Hunter can talk about 2 way but in the NFL he will be one way (likely WR) and maybe the odd gadget scheme. We need CB1 more than WR1b and Graham maximises Dex/Burns/KT.

Even if we draft Hunter/Johnson I'd want to sign a DJ Reed or Charvious Ward in FA to have corners set with Phillips in the nickel for the next 5 years.

Quote from: Philosophers on January 06, 2025, 05:03:23 PMFrankly Matt I am more excited at 3 than at 1.  I never cared for Ward and liked Sanders earlier in the season but have enough doubts now about him yet have zero doubts on these 4.

What vet QB would you chase in FA if any? 

That's how I feel too, Joe. I've expressed my concerns about Sanders and Ward on multiple occasions, and I've seen Ward play live several times, which has only heightened my reservations.

I'm genuinely excited about the possibilities at #3, though I'll admit I wasn't entirely convinced the Giants were going to select a quarterback at #1. The draft can be unpredictable, and while the need for a QB is clear, the situation this year is a bit more complex.

As for the veteran quarterback, I don't believe there will be one available who can make a meaningful impact. Therefore, I'm comfortable with focusing on strengthening other areas of our team and heading into next season with either a rookie or a below-average starter. This approach will help position us to secure our future franchise quarterback in 2026.  The Giants could sign Justin Fields and hope he flourishes.