New York Giants: Top first-round 2021 NFL Draft targets
By Evan Orris
The New York Giants and their band of misfits battled and clawed their way to a 6-10 record in 2020. The record, however, may not tell the full story. The Giants, and first-time head coach Joe Judge, started the season with an abysmal 0-5 record but bounced back by going 6-5 in the final stretch of the season.
The Giants’ second half of the season was impressive, but they still lack the necessary roster to compete with playoff teams. They were just 2-6 against opponents who were in the playoffs. The two wins coming from NFC East rivals, the Washington Football Team.
Last year, Dave Gettleman and Joe Judge decided to address the offense in the first round last year. Andrew Thomas was picked out of Georgia to protect Daniel Jones‘ blindside for years to come. Thomas had an inconsistent season but flashed the ability to complete the task.
Even with the addition of Thomas, an a heavy emphasis on the offensive line via the draft, the offense became very stagnant and dull. Without an offensive weapon like Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants could never get steady scoring and was desperately missing that spark to jolt the offense.
The defense, on the other hand, was the strong suit. They often times kept the team in the game when the offense was struggling.
No matter what side of the ball the New York Giants address, they need to draft an impact player who can help the team from day one. Whether it be an elite weapon to improve the offense and help gauge the ability of Daniel Jones as a franchise quarterback or add some playmakers on the defensive side to take the defense to the next level. The front office needs to be smart and base their selection on the best player available method.