As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants are poised to make significant strides toward building a more competitive team. After a rocky 2023 season and with several areas of the roster still in need of improvement, the Giants are focused on strengthening key positions, particularly the defensive line, offensive line, and quarterback depth. While the team is no longer in the running for the No. 1 overall pick, they find themselves with multiple high-value selections that could help shape the future of the franchise.
The 2024 NFL Draft offers a deep pool of talent, and the Giants will have a chance to make some impactful moves. With critical decisions to make at various positions, New York must focus on a balanced approach to improve both their immediate competitiveness and their long-term sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of the Giants’ potential strategy with a three-round mock draft, based on their current roster needs and draft positioning.
Round 1 (Pick 7): EDGE Jared Verse (Florida State)
One of the Giants’ most glaring weaknesses in recent seasons has been their inability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While they boast an elite interior presence in defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the edge rush has been inconsistent. This is where Jared Verse from Florida State could come in to make an immediate impact.
Verse, who stands 6’4″ and weighs in at 250 pounds, has quickly emerged as one of the top edge rusher prospects in the 2024 class. His combination of athleticism, strength, and relentless motor makes him a potential game-changer for the Giants’ pass rush. Over the past two seasons at Florida State, Verse has consistently flashed the ability to disrupt offenses, tallying double-digit sacks and numerous tackles for loss.
For the Giants, Verse represents an immediate upgrade to their edge rusher rotation. His explosiveness off the line, combined with his ability to bend around tackles, would help provide the kind of pressure on quarterbacks that the Giants have lacked for years. Paired with Lawrence and other defensive line standouts, Verse could help form a formidable front that keeps NFC East quarterbacks on edge.
Additionally, Verse is versatile enough to contribute in both a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme, making him a flexible fit for the Giants’ evolving defense under head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
While the Giants could look at other positions with this high pick, such as offensive line or cornerback, the value of a top-tier pass rusher like Verse may be too enticing to pass up.
Round 2 (Pick 36): C John Michael Schmitz (Minnesota)
After addressing the defensive front with their first pick, the Giants will likely turn their attention to the offensive line in the second round. While the team has made progress along the line in recent years, the center position remains a weak point, and it’s a spot that could be upgraded with a solid draft pick.
Enter John Michael Schmitz from the University of Minnesota. Schmitz is considered one of the top center prospects in the 2024 draft class. At 6’4″ and 320 pounds, he possesses an ideal build for the position, and his strong technique in both pass protection and the running game make him a perfect fit for the Giants’ needs.
Schmitz is a seasoned veteran who has excelled in a variety of blocking schemes, giving him the flexibility to slot into any offensive system. His ability to communicate at the line of scrimmage and make pre-snap adjustments is crucial, particularly for a Giants offense that is still learning to gel under quarterback Daniel Jones. Schmitz’s high football IQ and strong leadership qualities would make him an immediate asset to the team.
With Schmitz snapping the ball to Jones, the Giants could stabilize the interior of their offensive line, which has been an area of inconsistency over the past few seasons. Improving the offensive line is essential not only for protecting Jones but also for improving the running game and getting more consistent production out of running back Saquon Barkley.
Though the Giants may consider other offensive line prospects or even a wide receiver to help Jones’ supporting cast, Schmitz’s blend of talent and leadership would be hard to pass up in the second round.
Round 3 (Pick 68): QB Tyler Van Dyke (Miami)
Although Daniel Jones has shown flashes of potential since taking over as the Giants’ starting quarterback, his long-term viability remains uncertain. With an injury history and inconsistent play at times, the Giants may consider adding depth at the quarterback position in the 2024 draft.
Tyler Van Dyke from the University of Miami presents an intriguing option as a developmental quarterback with considerable upside. Standing at 6’4″ and possessing a strong arm, Van Dyke has the physical tools necessary to succeed in the NFL. While he hasn’t always played behind an ideal offensive line at Miami, he’s shown an ability to make all the throws and read defenses effectively.
Van Dyke’s accuracy, especially on deep passes, and his strong pocket presence make him a promising project for a team like the Giants. Given that he could be drafted in the third round, Van Dyke would be a low-risk, high-reward pick. He could develop behind Jones for a year or two and potentially become a future starter, providing insurance for the franchise in case Jones’ play doesn’t improve or if injuries continue to be an issue.
Moreover, taking a quarterback in the third round wouldn’t necessarily signal the end for Jones, but it would give the Giants options moving forward and provide them with a contingency plan if their current starter doesn’t evolve into the elite signal-caller they hoped for.
If the Giants pass on a quarterback here, they could look at other positions like defensive tackle, running back, or wide receiver, but Van Dyke’s upside and value in the third round make him a logical pick.
Conclusion: Building for the Future
In this three-round mock draft, the New York Giants make strategic selections that address some of the team’s most pressing needs: pass rush, offensive line, and quarterback depth. By selecting EDGE rusher Jared Verse, center John Michael Schmitz, and quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, the Giants would be taking important steps toward building a well-rounded team that can compete in the NFC East for years to come.
The Giants’ defense, which has been among the more dominant units in the league, would only benefit from a talent like Verse, who can help alleviate pressure on the secondary and create game-changing moments. On the offensive side of the ball, Schmitz would be a much-needed upgrade at center, stabilizing a line that has been inconsistent at times. Meanwhile, Van Dyke provides future insurance at quarterback, ensuring that the Giants won’t be left scrambling for a QB if Jones’ development plateaus.
With a draft strategy that emphasizes both immediate impact and long-term growth, the Giants could very well emerge from the 2024 NFL Draft as a much stronger and more balanced team, ready to contend in a competitive NFC East.
