Giants NFL Draft grades: How Tyler Nubin pick was viewed by experts | Sporting News

The New York Giants entered Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft with a handful of needs, which is why the selection of Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin was viewed with optimism.

Arguably the biggest need on the roster entering the draft, the Giants desperately needed to infuse some talent at the safety position at some point early this weekend.

They did so by taking the first safety off the board in Nubin, who brings a versatile asset to the Giants defense.

MORE: Giants’ remaining NFL Draft picks entering Day 3

Considering the value of the pick in the middle of the second round, the desperate need the Giants had at the position and Nubin’s overall talent and fit within the scheme, we gave this grade an A.

For the most part, the experts around the league agree with that notion.

Giants NFL Draft grades

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A

The Giants didn’t waste time replacing free-agent departure Xavier McKInney. Nubin is easily the best impact safety in this class with his versatility and explosiveness.

Pro Football Focus: Elite

PFF’s top-ranked safety prospect, Nubin is versatile and impactful. He can be moved all over the secondary and handle the role, as he possesses a high-level football IQ and can stop the run with instincts to cover on the back end. Nubin sported a career-best 90.1 coverage grade in 2023 (first among Power Five safeties) and allowed a 33.0 passer rating in coverage from 2021 to 2023.

Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: B

This is probably about the right range for Nubin. He’s the first safety drafted and he’s a quality replacement for Xavier McKinney right away. This is the exact type of player that the Giants needed to add to their back seven.

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A

In a fascinating run of top prospects at devalued positions, the first safety is now off the board to the New York Giants. Nubin can immediately slot into the spot left by Xavier McKinney, who signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency.

The Athletic: A

Maybe the most underrated player in the draft, Nubin was both a solid coverage safety and a tremendous tackler at Minnesota. He will step in immediately for Xavier McKinney and thrive. Nubin finished his career with a school-record 13 interceptions and 24 passes defended, as well as 207 tackles. He’s a Day 1 starter.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: B

Xavier McKinney’s replacement has arrived. The first safety off the board, he can comfortably rally to the ball in both pass coverage and against the run.