Have Giants made decision on how to approach the draft?

While some continue to think that the New York Giants could trade up from the sixth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft with a quarterback in mind, a plethora of in-the-know individuals now seem convinced Giants general manager Joe Schoen won't take such a route. 

In a mock draft posted on Wednesday, analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic predicted that Schoen will let the Minnesota Vikings move up from No. 11 to No. 4 so that Minnesota can grab Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Brugler then mocked LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers to the Giants at No. 6. 

"I think the Giants will examine their trade-up options for a quarterback, but in this scenario, they stay put and add the true premier weapon they have been missing," Brugler explained. "Nabers would have been my No. 1 overall prospect in each of the last two draft classes." 

Some have suggested the Giants could take a weapon such as Nabers at No. 6 and then trade back into the first round for either Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon signal-caller Bo Nix. Instead, Brugler gave New York quarterback Michael Pratt of Tulane in the fourth round of his mock draft. 

No disrespect to Pratt, but such a project likely wouldn't challenge Daniel Jones for the Giants' starting job anytime soon. It's widely believed Schoen could part ways with Jones next offseason. 

On Tuesday, Giants beat writer Paul Schwartz of the New York Post predicted the club will spend the sixth pick on Washington receiver Rome Odunze. The previous day, Giants reporter Dan Duggan of The Athletic mocked Nabers to Big Blue at No. 6. Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates of ESPN forecasted in their combined mock that the Giants will select Nabers. 

For a different ESPN mock draft published on Wednesday, an AFC North area scout passed on McCarthy and gave Nabers to the Giants.

"Only minor consideration to J.J. here given the importance of the position and the team's need, but it's ultimately just too rich for me considering the top-end potential still on the board," that evaluator told analyst Matt Miller. "Nabers is a special mover that will give New York a bona fide No. 1 and will immediately make life easier for whomever is throwing the ball this season." 

For whatever reasons, Brugler and others are coming around to the idea of a Giants team that finished this past season at 6-11 embracing a needed roster rebuild that doesn't involve spending multiple assets on any one position. Jones may not be his club's long-term answer at quarterback, but he could receive quite a vote of confidence as it pertains to this season if individuals such as Brugler are proven right.