Forcing a pick based strictly on need can work out, but often it does not. A team must be true to its player-evaluation board and cognizant of what it needs — not only today but also into the near future and beyond.
Any year, if a team concerned with the state of its quarterback position can find a new one, without moving heaven and earth and draft picks, it must take that plunge, even if it is a decision based more on tomorrow than today.
That is why this particular draft is so fascinating for the Giants. At No. 6 overall, they can go in several different directions.
Coming to the aid of Daniel Jones and a needy offense by adding a top playmaker is a logical pathway to follow. Or they can look to find Jones’ successor, cognizant that adding a rookie quarterback might do little to enhance the chances for success in 2024 after a regressive 2023 season.
We used the Pro Football Focus simulator for this journey into the unknown.
With no further ado, here is Giants Mock 2.0:
Round 1, No. 6 overall: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Previous pick: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
In this simulation, three quarterbacks — Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye — are off the board, along with one edge rusher (Dallas Turner) and one wide receiver (Marvin Harrison Jr.). So the Giants have their choice of mega-prospect receivers Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze or left tackle Joe Alt. The Giants already have a franchise left tackle (Andrew Thomas), and they pass up adding a legit WR1 because they are concerned about Jones as an increasing medical risk.
McCarthy, at 21, is the youngest of the top quarterbacks in this draft, and there is no need for him to play right away. He was a big winner (27-1) in a run-oriented offense in college, and the Giants believe his skillset and temperament are natural fits at the next level.
Round 2, No. 47 overall: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Previous pick: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Help is needed for the wide receiver corps, and this guy adds size (6-foot-2, 176), speed (4.41) and production (school-record 25 career touchdown receptions). Franklin is similar to 2023 third-round pick Jalin Hyatt in terms of deep-threat ability — perhaps not quite as explosive coming out of college but considered slightly more polished as a route-runner. Franklin caught 81 passes this past season for the Ducks and averaged 17.1 yards per catch. With Wan’Dale Robinson and Hyatt, this gives the Giants three young weapons to grow with a young quarterback.
Round 3, No. 70 overall: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Previous pick: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
Finding a starter cornerback to pair with second-year Deonte Banks is one of the most important fact-finding missions for the Giants this summer, with Adoree’ Jackson, the erstwhile starter, unsigned. Cor’Dale Flott and Darnay Holmes are better-suited to the slot, and Tre Hawkins as a rookie could not hold onto the starting job and was benched. Melton, a New Jersey native, is a skilled ball-hawk, with eight interceptions for the Scarlet Knights, and he has the versatility to play on the perimeter or inside. His brother, Bo, is a wide receiver for the Packers.
Round 4, No. 107 overall: DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke
Previous pick: Cade Stover, tight end, Ohio State
There are some impressive intangibles here. Carter is the first three-year team captain in school history, and he was named the ACC’s top scholar-athlete. This 6-2, 302-pound interior defensive linemen should develop into a capable pass rusher (he had 12 career sacks for the Blue Devils), and that could complement do-everything Dexter Lawrence and provide depth in a rotation that is without A’Shawn Robinson, who started 13 games in 2023 and is now with the Panthers.
Round 5, No. 166 overall: Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington
Previous pick: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
After three years at Mississippi State, Johnson flourished with the Huskies, rushing for 1,195 yards and showing a nose for the end zone with 16 touchdowns. At 6-0 and 217 pounds, he is a thumper and tackle-breaker without anything special as far as speed. With Saquon Barkley gone, rushing attempts are there to be had behind free-agent signing Devin Singletary. Johnson should provide a physical presence that is lacking in Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell and Jashaun Corbin.
Round 6, No. 183 overall: Ryan Watts, CB, Texas
Previous pick: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
Watts has great size (6-3, 208) but probably does not possess the coverage ability to line up at corner in the NFL. OK, then, move him to safety, where his length and aggressiveness as a tackler make him a good fit. There is a need for more bodies on the back end of the defense, with Xavier McKinney departed for the Packers. As he learns a new spot, Watts could be a fixture on special teams as a rookie.
