NFL Draft Grades: Analyzing the Giants’ picks

Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is over and we’ve analyzed the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie class, let’s turn our attention to the other teams in the NFC East. We’ll start with a look at the New York Giants.

Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, Louisiana State

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 200

Most Important Stat: 30 forced missed tackles in 2023 (per Pro Football Focus)

What he can do: Malik Nabers was absolutely dominant at LSU during his final year in Baton Rouge. He has unbelievable movement ability that makes him a dangerous route runner and even more dangerous after the catch. He is well built and knows how to use his body to shield against defensive backs to win contested catches. He played all over the formation for the Tigers and was simply unrecoverable.

Giants Outlook: Malik Nabers should be an early favorite for offensive rookie of the year. He will be fed in an offense that really lacks many other legitimate weapons. The Giants were linked to many of the rookie quarterbacks, but they will probably try to reinvigorate Daniel Jones (or Drew Lock?) by having him target Nabers early and often.

Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 199

Most Important Stat: Minnesota’s career interception leader (13)

What he can do: Tyler Nubin was among the best players in this safety class and the Giants got great value for him in the second round. Nubin is a ballhawking player with great instincts and athleticism. Nubin is also very, very physical and aggressive. To a fault sometimes as he can be taken out of play with bad tackling and pursuit angles.

Giants Outlook: The Giants have a young secondary. Nubin should push for starting time early in his rookie season and stick around given his playmaking ability.

Andru Phillips, Cornerback, Kentucky

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 187 Pounds

Most Important Stat: 0 career interceptions

What he can do: Andru Phillips had to wait a long time before getting a chance to start for the Kentucky Wildcats. When he finally consistently saw the field, Kentucky moved him around to the outside and slot depending on match ups. Phillips is a good athlete with great burst and ability to close on receivers when they’re targeted. His ball skills are unrefined and he tends to attack players instead of the ball itself. Phillips is a fearless run defender and tackler, with good instincts attacking downhill. However, he lacks bulk and can be thrown around by bigger ball carriers.

Giants Outlook: Phillips factors to be a contributor early in his career. He has starter upside and could contribute as a slot defender in the Giants secondary. They will need to be really patient with him, however.

Theo Johnson, Tight End, Penn State

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 259

Most Important Stat: 12 career touchdowns on 72 career receptions

What he can do: Theo Johnson is an overwhelmingly talented player who was arguably underutilized in the Penn State offense. He is a massive guy and extremely athletic. He was a red zone nightmare during his time in State College. He has plenty of room to grow as a blocker and route runner, but his talents are obvious when he is targeted.

Giants Outlook: The Giants are desperate for playmakers on their anemic offense. While Darren Waller is their top tight end, Theo Johnson could make a strong impression in camp to earn a role as a rookie.

Tyrone Tracy, Running Back, Purdue

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 209

Most Important Stat: 46 forced missed tackles on 132 touches in 2023 (per Pro Football Focus)

What he can do: Tyrone Tracy spent five years in college playing all over the offensive formation first at Iowa and then at Purdue. Tracy was originally a wide receiver who got some running back snaps during his time with the Hawkeyes. Then, in 2023, the Boilermakers made Tracy a full time running back where he carried the ball 113 times. He thrived in this role, using his superior athleticism and great vision to make big plays as a true running back.

Giants Outlook: It is clear the Giants are hellbent on injecting some athleticism and playmaking into their offense. Tracy will split touches with Devin Singletary in the Giants running game and return kicks. Tracy will probably be a one contract type player, as he will be 25 years old as a rookie.

Darius Muasau, Linebacker, UCLA

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 225

Most Important Stat: 40 career TFLs

What he can do: Darius Muasau was a playmaking linebacker for the Hawai’i football team for three years before transferring to UCLA in 2022. Darius Muasau’s combinations of great instincts and athleticism made him a dominant downhill player who thrived shooting gaps as a blitzer. He is on the smaller side, which will limit him in the NFL, but his football IQ and physicality will take him a long way.

Giants Outlook: While Muasau could push for defensive snaps, it is most likely the Giants see him as a special teams player. His speed and mentality make him perfect for this role early in his career.