Three biggest concerns for New York Giants before draft
Can the New York Giants build on their first playoff appearance in six years? They’re certainly trying. But even with 12 players signed or re-signed this offseason, questions about the roster still remain.
1. Who’s the center?
Right now, Ben Bredeson is listed as the team’s center. Last year’s starter, Jon Feliciano, left for San Francisco and his backup, Nick Gates, went to Washington. Bredeson mostly filled in at left guard last season, but with young guards like Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan returning from injury, he may have no choice but to play center.
If the Giants look to free agency, Ben Jones and Ryan Kelly are available, but both have issues. Once an iron man for Tennessee, Jones missed five games with concussions in 2022 and was released after a failed physical. Kelly made the Pro Bowl from 2019-21, but the Colts made him available for trade after a subpar 2022.
If New York wants to draft a center, Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz could be the answer. He’s considered the best pure center in the draft and a late first-round pick. Several mock drafts link Schmitz to the Giants with the 25th pick in the first round.
2. Who’s No. 1?
When it comes to wide receivers, general manager Joe Schoen clearly prefers quantity over quality. After re-signing Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Sterling Shepard, the team signed three more receivers, including the Colts’ Parris Campbell and the Bills' Jamison Crowder.
All are fine players, but none should be considered No. 1 receivers. Odell Beckham Jr. has expressed interest in a Giants reunion, with Saquon Barkley’s help, but he may want more than the Giants can offer with less than $4 million left in cap space.
The draft has no shortage of talented wide receivers. NFL Network’s Charles Davis believes New York will select TCU’s Quentin Johnston with the 25th pick in next month’s draft, while other mock drafts have the Giants taking Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt or USC’s Jordan Addison.
3. Who’s Darren Waller?
Is Waller the talented tight end with 3,572 yards and 19 touchdowns in a seven-year career or the guy that had trouble getting on the field lately, missing 14 games over the last two years? Waller peaked in 2020 with nine touchdowns and 1,196 yards, but has only 83 catches and five scores since then.
The Giants used a third-round pick to get Waller, and right now, his $1.1 million salary looks like a bargain. But he’s signed through 2026 and his salary jumps to $10 million in 2024. If he regains his 2020 form it’s money well spent, otherwise he’ll just be seen as a bust.
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