With the fourth overall pick, and after a 5-11 record, the New York Giants could go in several directions, as they have several team needs in order to be a playoff team for the first time since the 2016.
Although there is a slight chance Chase Young can drop to the New York Giants in the upcoming NFL draft, it would be a total pipe dream. The Giants need to be realistic at who will be available to them.
The offensive line has been suspect for at least half of a decade. Their defense has been putrid for quite some time, with the exception of the 2016 season. And if only the Giants had a superstar receiver (it was a great trade).
Since winning the Super Bowl in 2011, the Giants have been under .500 in six of their last eight seasons, and are 12-36 in their last three seasons. There is a ton of room for improvement, and they have plenty of options at the No. 4 spot. Here’s why the Giants should, and shouldn’t, go after certain positions with the fourth pick.
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates his first quarter touchdown reception against the Clemson Tigers the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Why the Giants should go after a wide receiver:
The Giants need a dynamic playmaker outside of Saquon Barkley. Although Golden Tate racked up six touchdowns last year, the second-most of his career, in 11 games, he will be 32 when the season starts. The Giants can buy him out after this upcoming season in a $5 million dead cap hit, but his guaranteed money in the first two years of his contract were voided due to his four-game performance-enhancing drug suspension. So that’s essentially a wash.
Darius Slayton was a nice late-round flyer pick by general manager Dave Gettleman last year, as he led the team in receiving yards (740) and touchdowns (8). Plus, Sterling Shepard, who also could be bought out after this season, has missed at least five games in two of the last three seasons. He also posted the lowest yards per reception number (10.1) in his career last year.
One could argue that Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs would be the best receiver on the Giants, and with a rookie contract, that’s an added boost. Daniel Jones had a very good rookie season, and he can make a nice jump with an elite receiver.
Why the Giants shouldn’t go after a wide receiver:
The fourth pick might be a tad too early to take one of these guys. As good as they are, the receivers the Giants have are plenty okay. With Jones’ ability to extend plays, on top of Barkley’s pass-catching ability, and Even Engram being one of the most dangerous tight ends in the league when healthy, it’s not necessary. While the offense will look that much better, it’s not a necessity.