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How the Giants' 2022 NFL Draft class has performed
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

How the 2022 NFL Draft class for the Giants has performed

The 2022 NFL Draft was the first GM Joe Schoen-led draft for the New York Giants. Injuries have decimated the class, but a few picks have flashed potential. Here’s a breakdown. 

Kayvon Thibodeaux, OLB (1st round, 5th overall)

Thibodeaux missed the first two regular-season games with an MCL sprain, but he’s back in full swing, terrorizing quarterbacks. In Week 15, he fully broke out on “Sunday Night Football” with 12 tackles, three TFLs, a forced fumble, and a TD. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie defender (89.7) and named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

In addition to his elite first step, Thibodeaux's diverse repertoire of pass-rush moves will only get more creative with time. He’ll aim to add to his season sack total (three) as New York tries to clinch a playoff spot. 

Evan Neal, OT (1st round, 7th overall)

A distinguished college career at Alabama has not translated into success in the NFL for the 6-foot-7, 351-pound tackle. His underwhelming rookie season can be attributed to an MCL sprain and a revolving door of tough defensive matchups. The Giants hope he will follow the same path as LT Andrew Thomas, who struggled mightily in his first two seasons. 

Neal has allowed seven sacks, but there’s plenty of time to improve before the Giants need to worry about him. At his size, he has the potential to become one of the NFL's top tackles.

Wan’Dale Robinson, WR (2nd round, 43rd overall)

Robinson had 100 yards receiving in a Week 11 loss to Detroit before suffering a torn ACL. In six games, he caught 23 passes for 227 yards with one TD. The 5-foot-8 Robinson has experience as a RB, giving head coach Brian Daboll options to get creative. 

Robinson was a solid selection if the Giants only desired a slot receiver in the second round. If they weren't, it’s unlikely they would still draft him over Pittsburgh WR George Pickens, who went nine picks later. 

Joshua Ezeudu, G (3rd round, 67th overall)

Ezeudu, a guard out of North Carolina, became more comfortable as he gained experience. The Giants shut him down for the season due to a “long-term” neck issue that is not considered career-threatening. He’ll provide the Giants with solid guard depth and has the potential to become a starter. 

Ezeudu appeared in 11 games, making two starts. 

Cordale Flott, CB (3rd round, 81st overall)

Flott, like many of New York’s other CBs, has struggled. Although he isn't ready for NFL wideouts, New York has to play him because of injuries in its secondary. He has played in nine games, starting four. 

When targeted, Flott has allowed an 80% completion percentage (12 catches on 15 targets). QBs have an above-average 131.7 passer rating when throwing his way.

Daniel Bellinger, TE (4th round, 112th overall)

Bellinger has become a trusted weapon for QB Daniel Jones and is the Giants’ best value pick of their 2022 class. The San Diego State product is third among rookie TEs in receptions (27) and fifth in receiving yards (226) despite missing four games with a gruesome eye injury. He'll be relied on down the stretch in a passing attack with few household names.

Dane Belton, S (4th round, 114th overall)

After suffering a broken collarbone in training camp, it was unclear what kind of role Belton would find himself in this season. In Week 10, he started in place of injured S Xavier McKinney. After making a huge interception, Belton injured his clavicle and has seen limited action since. 

The former Iowa Hawkeye has played in 14 games, making four starts. He’ll provide the Giants with solid depth in the secondary once he is back to full speed.

Micah McFadden, LB (5th round, 146th overall)

New York ended the Tae Crowder experience, leaving McFadden with a chance to contribute. However, it doesn’t appear that he’s a long-term solution at LB. Despite being New York's sixth-leading tackler (47), McFadden is a nonfactor in coverage. He has an 84.2% completion percentage when targeted (16 catches on 19 targets).

He's better suited for a reserve and special teams role, but with the Giants extremely thin at LB, they have no choice but to play him. 

D.J.  Davidson, DT (5th round, 147th overall)

Before suffering a torn ACL in Week 5, the 6-foot-3, 327-pound defensive lineman logged 43 special teams snaps and 43 defensive tackle snaps, making four tackles. As long as Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams are in New York, it's unlikely Davidson will receive an expanded role. 

Marcus McKethan, G (5th round, 173rd overall)

McKethan, North Carolina's other starting guard in 2021, suffered a torn ACL during New York’s Blue-White Scrimmage in August and has not played this season. With his ability to play guard and tackle, McKethan will make a valuable addition to the offensive line once healthy. 

Darrian Beavers, LB (6th round, 182nd overall)

Beavers flashed potential in training camp, but suffered a torn ACL in the Giants’ preseason game against the Bengals and did not play this season. In 2021, he helped lead Cincinnati to its first College Football Playoff appearance, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors.

If Beavers cracks the roster next season, he’ll likely see time on special teams. He may also get reps at LB.

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