NEW YORK GIANTS
Round 1 (No. 5 overall) – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon: Big Blue had 34 sacks and 53 TFLs in 2021, so a differencemaker of Thibodeaux’s stature should certainly be welcome.
Round 1 (7, from Bears) – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama: Neal has extensive experience at left tackle, right tackle and guard and is effective both in the run game and pass protection. He’ll likely plug into the right side given 2020 first-rounder Andrew Thomas seems settled as the Giants’ left tackle. This new-look like line should give embattled QB Daniel Jones – his fifth-year option was declined – RB Saquon Barkley and a fleet of receivers a much better chance to succeed in 2022.
Round 2 (43, from Falcons) – Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky: His 104 catches for 1,334 yards in 2021 were single-season Wildcats records. Just 5-8 and 178 pounds, he does have 4.4 speed.
Round 3 (67) – Joshua Ezeudu, OG, North Carolina: New York continues stacking the line.
Round 3 (81, from Dolphins) – Cordale Flott, CB, LSU: He only allowed 23 completions in 2021.
Round 4 (112, from Bears) – Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
Round 4 (114, from Falcons) – Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Round 5 (146, from Jets) – Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana
Round 5 (147) – D.J. Davidson, DT, Arizona State
Round 5 (173, from Chiefs through Ravens) – Marcus McKethan, OG, North Carolina
Round 6 (182) – Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Grade: A
No guarantee Jones returns in 2023, but rookie GM Joe Schoen set him up to succeed in 2022 with the selection of Neal, Robinson and Ezeudu. Defensive holes were also addressed with slot corner Flott , Belton and McFadden. But No. 5 overall pick Thibodeaux, Oregon’s massively talented pass rusher, is on top of the marquee – which is exactly where he wants to be. If he turns out to be a Broadway success story, Big Blue could be back soon.