Three best fits for Giants in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

The New York Giants hold the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is set to begin on April 25.

New York will be one of the most intriguing teams to monitor heading into the draft, given that it can choose from a variety of routes with its first-round pick. Upgrading at quarterback is an option, though the Giants would benefit from adding another weapon after watching a key cog in the offense head to a division rival this offseason.

Either way, New York is well-positioned to nab a long-term starter in the first round. Here are three prospects who would be the best fit for the team at No. 6 overall. 

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Quarterback Daniel Jones' injury history and poor play in 2023 (909 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions in six games) could force New York to draft his successor. Jones inked a four-year, $160M extension last offseason, but the Giants can get out of the deal after the 2024 season.

Considering that the Giants will likely miss out on the top three quarterback prospects, McCarthy, the biggest wild card in the draft, would be their best option to replace Jones. Even though McCarthy won the national championship this past season and has impressive intangibles, his lack of production on the best team in college football makes him a polarizing prospect. Nevertheless, McCarthy was still highly effective when the opportunity arose last season, completing 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Some will likely consider McCarthy "a reach" if the Giants select him sixth overall. However, since the 2025 quarterback class isn't expected to be particularly strong, it makes sense to gamble on the 21-year-old McCarthy. Not to mention that Jones has a $47.1M cap hit for 2024, which would provide the Giants with an opportunity to "redshirt" McCarthy during his rookie season

Wide receiver Malik Nabers, LSU 

If the Giants can't land a top quarterback prospect or ultimately decide to stick with Jones, they should turn their attention to the wide receiver position. The Giants haven't gotten a 1,000-yard season from a wideout since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018. Perhaps bringing in another explosive former LSU wide receiver, such as Nabers, could end that pitiful streak.

Although Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. has long been considered the top wideout in this year's draft, The Athletic's Dane Brugler recently reported that "several teams" view Nabers as the WR1 in the class. Whether that's a smokescreen remains to be seen, but Nabers does have the athleticism and production to back up such a claim.

Nabers was a major factor in LSU QB Jayden Daniels taking home the Heisman Trophy in 2023, as he amassed the second-most receiving yards in the nation (1,569) and scored 14 touchdowns on 89 receptions. He'd be a perfect addition to a Giants offense that needs a new focal point following running back Saquon Barkley's departure. 

Offensive tackle Joe Alt, Notre Dame 

In 2023, the Giants offensive line was essentially made up of five turnstiles. The unit allowed an astonishing 85 sacks, the second-most in a single season since the stat started being recorded. In an attempt to turn things around, the Giants signed several new offensive linemen during free agency, including guard Jon Runyan Jr. and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, two potential starters.

While both Runyan and Eluemunor are upgrades compared to what New York was previously trotting out, its offensive line needs more help to even be considered an above-average unit. Enter Alt, who is the top tackle in this year's draft and would be as massive an addition as his towering 6-foot-9, 321-pound frame. Over the last two seasons, the All-American surrendered just one sack, four QB hits and 13 total pressures. 

Even so, despite being such a promising prospect, the Giants should prioritize the quarterback and wide receiver positions over Alt. Aside from the fact that left tackle Andrew Thomas should rebound in 2024 following an injury-plagued season, Alt never played on the right side in college. Additionally, New York will likely give 2022 first-rounder Evan Neal one last chance to solidify himself as its starting right tackle of the future, which likely rules out selecting Alt.