New York Giants 2022 Mock Draft: Is An Upgrade At QB Necessary?
The New York Giants have struggled mightily to start the 2021 season. It really is as simple as that. The Giants have had two close losses, but not finishing the deal on defense against Taylor Heinicke and a struggling Falcons offense certainly brings about questions. Head coach Joe Judge doesn’t seem to have this group where they need to be, and in the Big Apple, it’s possible that his leash is short. A bottom-dwelling season could see Judge, and/or general manager Dave Gettleman, on the way out.
A house cleaning for the New York Giants would bring about an interesting question. Is an upgrade at quarterback necessary? Yes, the Daniel Jones selection had plenty of critics (including this writer), but his play hasn’t been horrible to this point. But, with a new front office comes the desire to select their own quarterback, and in this Giants mock draft, that’s the direction they go. Let’s look at this seven round mock.
New York Giants 2022 mock draft:
Round 1, 5th Overall: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
As discussed above, Jones really isn’t the issue right now with this New York Giants team. His deep ball has been impressive, he stays poised in the pocket, and can make plays on the move, even in the zone read game. Still, a new GM/HC duo is going to want their guy.
Here, North Carolina QB Sam Howell is the selection. Howell had an extremely rough start to his 2021 campaign against Virginia Tech, but he has rebounded very well after that. He’s jelling better with his new group of playmakers and still has a very good deep ball. His decision making is getting better as well, and his upside is worth a flier in the 2022 NFL Draft for a team that could use a spark at the position.
Round 1, 12th Overall (via CHI): Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Trading back with the Bears netted the Giants another first round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they’re in prime position to take advantage of what could be a strong edge defender class. With Lorenzo Carter’s contract set to expire, there’s still a need with an edge group that consists of Oshane Ximines, a fine player, and rookie Azeez Ojulari.
Aidan Hutchinson has seen his 2022 NFL Draft stock rise significantly over the past month or so. His performance against Washington in prime time got plenty of attention, as he made life difficult for the Huskies offense and tackle Jaxson Kirkland. His combination of hand usage, athleticism, and his ability to affect the game on all three downs would be welcomed.