The following is my perspective, insights, and commentary about the upcoming NFL football draft and its prospects. It is written from the perspective of what I would do as the New York Giant General Manager. It is not a prediction of what the Giant front office will do, but rather what I would do. The player assessments of course are applicable for any football team.
1st Round:
2 Malik Nabers, WR, 6’0” 200 4.4.0 LSU
1/17/24 The conversation about Darius Slayton is he a WR1 or is he not persists. There are those who believe that if the OL was better, and if the QB was better, Slayton’s numbers would be better as well. Slayton improved this year to a career best in receiving yards, as well as reducing the number of balls dropped (3) for the season. And there are those who believe that Slayton is essentially a good WR2. Nabers is a WR1. This past year he had 89 receptions for 1,569 yards. That is 17.6 yards a catch. LSU put Nabers out wide and essentially said, “go beat your man.” And that is what Nabers did. Good hands and good ability to go up and get the ball. Too often he had to wait for the ball, but still was able to beat the cornerback or safety. It wouldn’t be that simple on the next level. But a big-time prospect.
3 Amarius Mims. RT, 6’7” 340 Georgia
1/19/24 After watching some tape, I was shocked to see that Mims is 6’7” and 340 pounds. Because the first thing I see is footwork. The current NYG RT has poor footwork, bends at the waist and is too often out of position. Mims is totally different. One sees footwork, and one see balance. And able to do these things at that size? Impressive. Mims only played in seven games this year, due to injuries. The only other negative is when Mims puts both of his hands on his thigh, one immediate knows that the play is going to be a pass. But that can be corrected. Able to switch off with teammates and respond to stunts, Mims is such a pleasant surprise. Is he a 1st round talent? Yes. Is he a Top 10 prospect, probably not.
4 Keon Coleman, WR, 6’4” 215 4.45 Florida State
1/19/24 There is a lot to like about Coleman. Initially watching him one doesn’t realize how tall he is. His body is proportional and in sync. One also realizes that while he has good speed, it is not great speed. But fast enough. Huge production this year; 115 catches 1,506 yards and 19 TD. I like seeing production. From a value perspective. I have to look at the top receivers again (as I will be looking at them multiple time) and try to see what separates them. Coleman is better than a 2nd round pick. Real good hands, and an ability to go and track the ball in the air. Where he goes in the 1st round is hard to tell, as always there many variables in determining where a player falls to and eventually gets drafted.
3rd Round:
1 Cooper Beebe, OG, 6’4” 335 Kansas State
1/17/24 I am starting Beebe off as a 3rd rounder, reality is that he is probably a second half 2nd rounder; being that the Giants draft close to the top of the round, he probably is not a 2nd round idea. One is looking at Beebe in case he falls for some reason into the top of the 3rd round. Beebe can play either guard position, he played primarily LG this past season. Watching video: Wide base, good hands. Has the ability to pull, although not great speed. The best lineman on the field. The Giants are so lacking in talent on the OL, Beebe would be a solid addition.
Waste Basket
1 Joe Alt, LT, 6’8” 315 Notre Dame
1/19/24 Moving Alt to the Waste Basket, as the Giants have an elite left tackle, and I am not interested in trading him.
1/17/24 Alt is a left tackle. The NY Giants have an elite left tackle in Andrew Thomas. This is about doing due diligence. Alt is tall, and unfortunately too often plays high. Great length, but a lack of athleticism jumps out as well as a little stutter step footwork as he sets up to make a block on a pull or the next level.
Taliese Fuagu, RT, 6.6” 334 Oregon State
1/19/24 I just watched video on Amarius Mims, and I’m spoiled. Fugua is a step down. He plays too high, and his footwork is not the same as Mims. Not even close. Fuaga’s game is more about “I’m bigger than you, let me overwhelm you.” Fuagu,, meet Evan Neal. Someone will take Fuagu in the top 3 rounds. Not interested. I’ve seen enough and don’t want to see more.
Jayden Daniels, QB, 6’4” 210 LSU 1/19/24 Daniels is a top tier quarterback, and I just don’t love him. He seems to want to put the ball down and run with it, as if in doubt. Prefers to take off before looking down the field for a progression read. Not the biggest quarterback, Daniels will get hit and injured when he too often relies on his feet. Also, not in love with the arm. Too many throws on plays less than 20 yards down the field just aren’t crisp and targeted. These are the throws that a team lives on, and it just isn’t there. Too many throws the wide receiver had to stop and wait on the ball. That window of opportunity doesn’t exist in the NFL.
