Giants Mock Draft: Finding a replacement for QB Daniel Jones… in a unique way
By Hunter Haas
New York Opts For A Franchise Offensive Tackle To Begin The Mock Draft
Round 1, No. 5 — Olu Fashanu, OL, Penn State
Olu Fashanu is a natural left tackle, and while flipping positions isn’t as easy as advertised, I’d trust the Penn State alum on the right side opposite Andrew Thomas.
The Evan Neal experiment didn’t work out, and the Giants shouldn’t try to keep forcing it. Blame injuries, blame New York reaching in the draft, blame whoever, but please, rip the band-aid off.
Fashanu would give Daboll and Co. two pillars at offensive tackle, along with the promising John Michael Schmitz holding down center. Perhaps Neal can slide into a guard spot, but that will be a primary focus in the final two days of this mock draft.
With three quarterbacks and Marvin Harrison Jr. off the board, the Giants will have several options at their feet. None of the defensive prospects warrant such a high selection, and even though Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers are enticing, Fashanu is the choice at a more premium position.
The Giants Trade Up For An Exciting QB Prospect
49ers Send:
•No. 31 Overall (2024)
Giants Send:
•No. 39 Overall (2024)
•Future Second-Round Pick (2025)
Round 1, No. 31 (via SF) — Cam Ward, QB, Washington State
The Giants climb back into Round 1 without giving up both of their 2024 second-round picks. This move also allows for a fifth-year option that comes with first-round rookie contracts. And given the selection is a quarterback, that is an invaluable thing to have in the franchise’s back pocket.
Cam Ward, a late entry into the 2024 NFL Draft, flexes as much physical upside as any quarterback in the class — yes, really. Caleb Williams is tabbed as the QB1 on most boards, but Ward is not far behind him in multiple areas.
The Washington State alum has ample arm strength, both in terms of velocity and depth downfield. Ward slings it around like he’s playing backyard football; any play can result in a massive gain for the offense. He’s also a threat with his feet, creating plays out of structure as the pocket collapses.
Ward’s ball placement is consistently great, and his footwork has improved considerably since his early college days. With Daboll calling the shots and a year to sit and learn behind Jones, Ward would be set up for success as the Giants’ long-term QB1. Come April, No. 31 might be too far down the board to secure him.