The New York Giants surprised absolutely no one when they selected Malik Nabers, WR LSU with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night. The Giants pick in round one was always going to be either a wide receiver or quarterback.
Malik Nabers profiled as an elite first round wide receiver with a special production profile who, at worst, was the second best wide receiver in the class coming into draft day. Joe Schoen made it clear that Nabers was always their plan, their primary target, and was ecstatic that he was actually there at pick six.
"Yeah, Malik was our guy. He's the guy we targeted. Again, we took him. You know the players that were on the board and we took Malik Nabers."
Joe Schoen and the Giants finally have their star wide receiver. What now? They likely aren't going to address quarterback since there aren't any others who likely start in the NFL. The Giants certainly still have needs at cornerback, safety, and tight end too. So, who are the best players available who may actually make it to the Giants in round two and three that would fill key needs for the team?
Best Players Available on Day Two
T.J. Tampa, CB Iowa State
The Giants could use a shutdown corner like Tampa. He allowed just a 54.8 passer rating, a 51% completion rate when targeted, and less than 10 yards per reception. At 6'1", 190 pounds he's the perfect prototype cornerback with solid physicality and technique.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB Missouri
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. brings balance to his game. He's an excellent run defender, and consistent defender. Outside of one play last season he allowed just eight yards per reception. His pursuit in tackling and quick twitch recovery in coverage make him a perfect candidate to have an incredibly strong rookie season.
Javon Bullard, DB Georgia
There aren't many defensive backs like Bullard. He can play close to the line of scrimmage in the slot or in the box, deep center field, and even line up outside if needed. Bullard is a true do-it-all weapon. He's probably a good second round target, but there's a non-zero chance he's available at either day two pick for the Giants.
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE Texas
With Darren Waller still potentially retiring soon the Giants need to look at tight end. Ja'Tavion Sanders has long been the consensus TE2 in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Coming out of high school he was a five star athlete who could have played edge defender, offensive line, wide receiver, or tight end. Texas seriously didn't know what to do with him initially because he was just too gifted in too many ways. Sanders posted back to back 600+ receiving yard seasons for the Longhorns in 2022 and 2023. He would be a slam dunk pick in round two.
Ben Sinnott, TE Kansas State
Ben Sinnott went from walk-on tight end at Kansas State to one of the most productive players in the entire Big 12 conference. He operated as the de facto WR1 for much of his career there showing great receiving and blocking ability. Sinnott tested incredibly well at the NFL Combine, causing him to shoot upwards on many NFL Draft boards since then. He may be available in the second or third round for the Giants.
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And if you want to watch some Malik Nabers highlights to get pumped for his NFL future with the New York Giants just check out the video below!
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