NY Giants 2024 starting lineup projection: What spots need to be filled in NFL Draft?
The Beast, Dane Brugler’s expansive guide to the NFL Draft, is here.
The goal of free agency is to fill as many holes as possible so teams aren’t forced to reach for a need in the NFL Draft. But the New York Giants’ roster was so weak entering the offseason that it wasn’t possible to address every position with veterans, so they’ll need some draft picks to step into starting spots immediately. The Giants also will likely sign some cheap veteran free agents after the draft to serve as stopgaps
.Here’s an early projection of what the Giants’ starting lineup will look like after the NFL Draft:
Quarterback: Daniel Jones
Even if the Giants draft a quarterback in the first round, it makes sense to start the season with Jones, assuming he’s fully recovered from a torn ACL. Jones has made just six starts since signing a $160 million extension, so it would be surprising if the Giants don’t give him another shot.
There would also be the benefit of letting a rookie quarterback learn and develop behind the scenes initially. That apprenticeship could last two weeks, like it did for Jones in 2019, or the entire season. But as of now, there’s no reason to doubt the repeated “expectation” from Giants’ brass that Jones will open the season as the starter. And if the Giants don’t draft a quarterback in the first round, the team will have no choice but to stick with Jones as the starter.Singletary
The Giants have shifted from making a premium investment at running back after letting Saquon Barkley walk in free agency. Singletary has been productive throughout his five-year career, but he’s never been featured as a true workhorse. He’s in line for that type of workload this season.
The Giants have been in the market for a cheap veteran complement to Singletary. Some options are still available (Ezekiel Elliott, JK Dobbins, Matt Breida), but it would be ideal to add a back in the middle rounds. However, that might not be feasible with the Giants only having six picks and needs at more important positions.
Wide receiver: First-round pick, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson
The Giants have some complementary pieces at wide receiver, but they’ve lacked a No. 1 option since Odell Beckham Jr. was traded in 2019. They’re in prime position to fill that void with the sixth pick in a draft class featuring three star prospects (Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers, Washington’s Rome Odunze).
Quarterback supersedes all other positions, however, so the wide receiver need may not be filled in the first round. If the Giants take a quarterback in the first round without trading their second-round pick, that could be the spot to target a receiver in a deep class at the position.
Tight end: Daniel Bellinger
The longer the uncertainty about Darren Waller’s future lingers, the harder it is to envision him returning. If the 31-year-old isn’t fully committed to playing, is he training with the intensity necessary to prepare for another year, especially after three straight injury-plagued seasons?
It’s understandable the Giants are giving Waller time to decide because they aren’t finding a tight end with his receiving ability in the draft or free agency. So they’ll welcome him back if he decides to return. But if he retires, the tight end position has almost no receiving juic
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