Previously we reviewed the new orlean saint draft selections, now it’s time to take a look at how the New York Giants drafted and grade the picks. Which player was the best value and earned the team choice award, and who did the team sign during the undrafted free-agent period? Let’s break it all down.
1 (6): WR Malik Nabers, LSU
The Giants could have gone with a quarterback, but the way the draft started with three quarterbacks going off board right off the bat, drafting one here would have been a reach. They could have also gone offensive line but opted instead to take a top-five player with Nabers. Receiver was a position of need for the Giants and there’s no better way to help Daniel Jones than by giving him one of the most electrifying offensive weapons to come through the draft in recent memory. Nabers was also the best player available at the time, making this a win-win. He finished the 2023 season earning All-America honors and finished first in the SEC in receptions (89), second nationally in receiving yards (1,569-yards) and third nationally in receiving yards touchdowns.
Some argued Nabers was the best safety in this year’s draft. The same could be said for Nubin in regards to the safeties in this class. This was another perfect pick for the Giants that needed safety help after Xavier McKinney departed in free agency. New York took the highest graded player at the position and didn’t reach to snag him. With the defensive alignment, Nubin’s physicality and excellent football smarts, this goes perfectly into Shane Bowen’s plans. Another very solid pick.
Cornerback was a massive need for the Giants, especially in terms of the nickelback position. With Deonte Banks being a first-round pick last year for the Giants and with Phillips taken in the third-round this year the front office is really preparing the position for the future. Phillips is a great coverage cornerback who allowed a passer rating of 58.2 in 2022. The issue with Phillips was his 2023, where he was given a bigger role. The limitations of his ability was on display last year and he allowed three touchdowns, 435 yards allowed (fourth-most in the SEC) and a 111.3 passer rating allowed. The biggest problem for Phillips though is his missed tackles. His 15 missed tackles were the most in the SEC and fifth-most nationally.
