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.
1. DeVonta Smith/Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama
In last year’s draft, Joe Judge relied closely on his college football connections. Judge, who coached with Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, chose his former left tackle after a glowing endorsement. This year should be no different.
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Judge is very familiar with Nick Saban’s program down in Tuscaloosa. He coached there for two seasons as a special teams assistant. He feasted into the buffet of Alabama-bred players by selecting Xavier McKinney in the second round last year, and he may go back for seconds this year.
DeVonta Smith is fresh off of a Heisman winning campaign. He was the focal point of the Alabama offense this season catching 117 passes for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. His skillset his through the roof. He’s already an elite route runner with long arms and glue always on his hands. He would be the best weapon on the Giants from day one.
Smith is likely to be taken before the Giants pick at No. 11. Luckily for the New York Giants, Alabama breeds receivers. Earlier in the college football season, Jaylen Waddle was the hot commodity before an ankle surgery. Yet even in just five games, Waddle managed 28 catches, 591 yards and four touchdowns. If it wasn’t for the ankle injury, it is very possible that Waddle could’ve been the one hoisting up the Heisman trophy.
Either of these ‘Bama players would be the weapon out wide that the Giants have been missing. Both of these two have the talent to fill the void that was left by the Odell Beckham Jr. trade.
2. Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
The Giants’ defensive line was led by Leonard Williams this season. Leonard led the team with 11.5 sacks this season. His franchise tag is up this offseason, and even if the Giants are able to sign him to a long term deal, Kwity Paye could be a nice compliment to him.
While Williams relies on his power moves to get into the backfield, Paye is more known for his quick burst and speed. Paye ran in the 4×100 meter relay for his high school. That relay team won the state championship.
Paye is as explosive as they come. But, with a 6-foot-4, 272-pound frame, he has the technique and hand placement to shed the block and chase down opponents. With only 11.5 sacks in 28 career games, Paye is not going to impress in the box score. However, Giants fans shouldn’t fear, Paye disrupts the backfield at an alarming pace. In his Michigan career, Paye racked up 97 tackles and 23.5 tackles for loss.
With defenses shifting their focus to Williams, this could free up Paye to get to the quarterback with ease. The New York Giants and Kwity Paye could be an ideal pairing in this year’s draft.
3. Kyle Pitts, Florida, Tight End
This pick would depend on many moving parts. Evan Engram is technically a pro-bowler, and has flashes of talent. But, those flashes are far too often shadowed by his mistakes. He is also in the final year of his rookie contract. The Giants could chose to trade him or let him play out his contract. They could look to kill two birds with one stone here by selecting the best player and a future replacement at the position.
Kyle Pitts is a very similar player to Engram. He’s not a blocker by any means, but showcases a superior receiving ability to Engram. Pitts has been a non-stop highlight reel at Florida. There’s been a numerous amount of times that he has been targeted in double, sometimes even triple, coverage and secure the ball.
Pitts is also the size of a typical tight end. At 6-foot-6, 246 pounds, Pitts has elite strength and speed for the position. With the right coaching, there could be no reason why Pitts can not become an at least tolerable blocker.
The Florida product is also a mismatch for any linebacker, safety or even cornerback, who attempts to guard him. This past season, he tortured defensive backs by catching 43 passes for 770 yards and proved to be an elite red zone target by snagging 12 touchdowns in just eight games.
Even if the New York Giants chose to hold onto Engram, him and Pitts could be a formidable duo. Having an elite tight end duo is something Joe Judge should be familiar with. As a former coach of the Patriots, Judge spent a season with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. A tight end duo of Engram and Pitts would have a chance to be special.