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Final 1st-round forecast with major trades up top

Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil (0) runs the ball around TCU wide receiver Derius Davis (11) after interception during the third quarter in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 31 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

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With two picks in the second round, the Texans must target defense. Defensive tackle remains a priority position of need, but with Newton gone, adding a player like Sainristil is too hard to pass up. When you think of DeMeco Ryans-type guys, the 5-foot-9 national champion is the team captain of that list. 

Sainristil would be a consensus first-round pick if he wasn’t limited inside to the slot. That’s not a concern since the nickel position has become one of the more essential needs of a successful defense. The Texans also love players who were locker room leaders at prominent programs. Ask anyone in Ann Arbor about the two-time captain and they’ll say he was just as dire to Michigan’s national title run as Jim Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy. 

Watching Sainristil play is like seeing a Wolverine take the form of a human. How fitting for Hugh Jackman to retire as the character following Deadpool 3 for Sainristil to take over the mantle on Sunday for a championship-caliber defense. – Cole Thompson Texans Wire

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Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns preview new sack dance

New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has welcomed his new teammate, Brian Burns, with open arms.

Even before linking up at the team’s offseason workout program, Thibodeaux and Burns were on a boat, deep sea fishing off the Florida shore. During that time — and between casts — they were also practicing their new sack dance.

Thibodeaux shared a preview of the celebration on his Instagram account.

Burns and Thibodeaux are no strangers. They briefly met back in 2018 before Thibodeaux committed to Oregon.

“Thibodeaux, I was his host, and he took a visit to Florida State before he chose to go to Oregon. Like I said, from time to time we talk on Instagram. Other than that, nothing too deep,” Burns told reporters during his introductory press conference.

The Giants will heavily rely on the duo to help boost their pass-rush production in 2024.



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Logan Ryan urges New York Giants to get Daniel Jones a top receiver

Add former New York Giants safety Logan Ryan to the growing list of names urging the team to avoid trading up for quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL draft.

During a recent ESPN appearance, Ryan not only warned the Giants against drafting McCarthy but also suggested they find quarterback Daniel Jones a capable and productive No. 1 wide receiver.

“New Yorkers, if you’re listening, do not trade up to No. 4 and get J.J. McCarthy. Don’t do it,” Ryan said. “I just don’t think that the fourth best quarterback in this draft, whoever you have (or believe) that is, I don’t think they’re better than what Daniel Jones was coming out of college.”

Ryan also praised Jones for having all the traits necessary to be successful in the NFL but acknowledged that injury issues are a concern.

In Ryan’s mind, if the Giants do eventually replace Jones down the line, it’s best to land a top wide receiver now so it makes for an easier transition later.

“Daniel is tall, Daniel has an arm, Daniel is athletic. We know that,” Ryan said. “The problem with Daniel Jones has been his ability to stay healthy. If you don’t like that, take one of the best pass catchers available — (Malik) Nabers out of LSU or (Rome) Odunze out of Washington. Give that future quarterback, when you do get him, a top receiver. They need that.

“They have holes all over their roster. They need a great receiver. It’s a great receiver draft — get him at six.”

That seems to be the growing sentiment as Thursday’s draft approaches with even general manager Joe Schoen suggesting he’d be comfortable passing over quarterbacks altogether.



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Mock draft ‘King of the Hill’ expects Giants to select a wide receiver

The New York Giants hold the sixth overall selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit and the odds are that they will not make a trade up or back and will use the pick to take a top player.

With that pick, Brendan Donahue — the most accurate mock drafter over the past five NFL seasons according to The Huddle Report — is predicting the Giants will select LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Donahue, in a mock draft for Sharp Football Analysis, predicts the Chicago Bears will take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick followed by the Washington Commanders taking LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall.

The New England Patriots end all speculation of a possible trade by standing pat and selecting a quarterback of their own in North Carolina’s Drake Maye. At No. 4, the wide receiver-starved Arizona Cardinals select Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. before the Los Angeles Chargers trade the fifth overall selection to the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings have made it no secret that they covet Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and take him right before the Giants are on the clock. The pick takes away Giants general manager Joe Schoen’s trade leverage while saving him the anguish of whether to take McCarthy himself.

It’s actually a stroke of luck for Scheon as Nabers — considered by some experts to be the best player in this draft — falls into his lap.

The Giants have already met with the top three consensus receivers in the draft including Nabers, who may be WR1 on some draft boards.

After some recent comments Nabers made regarding the current situation at quarterback for the Giants, his odds have moved to +160 from +130 to be the sixth overall pick, but his talent is too good to pass up.

The comments Donahue is referring to were regarding the Giants’ unsettled quarterback situation. Several weeks back, Nabers had this to say in an interview with CBS Sports HQ:

“That’s a decision that’s going to have to be placed when I hear my name called…I don’t know where I’m going. Going to New York, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. The quarterback situation, I know they’re going to figure it out, especially if they have a caliber receiver coming like me. They’re going to want to get me the ball, so I’m sure they’re going to want to have a quarterback that can do that.”

Nabers crushed his pro day down in Baton Rouge and may end up being off the board before the Giants make their pick. But Donahue believes he’ll be there to rescue Schoen, who has had two lukewarm drafts thus far as the team’s general manager.

Note: Eddie Brown of the San Diego Union-Tribune, who is tied with Donahue in points over the past five years, also mocks Nabers to the Giants.



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Where the New York Giants stand entering the 2024 NFL draft

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen has a long list of needs heading into the 2024 NFL draft and only six selections to address them with.

Looking at the Giants’ depth chart, their most glaring needs are, in order, defensive back, outside wide receiver, and offensive line.

They might also be looking for tight end help if Darren Waller decides to retire.

The defensive backfield is in flux after losing star safety Xavier McKinney to the Green Bay Packers in free agency last month and choosing to wait out veteran free agent cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who remains unsigned.

The Giants currently have last year’s top pick, Deonte Banks, and Nick McCloud as their starting corners with Cor’Dale Flott in the slot. Jason Pinnock and recently signed Jalen Mills are penciled in at safety.

That’s not a very steady group from the outside looking in even if they do have a bit of depth with players such as Dane Belton, Darnay Holmes, and Tre Hawkins III.

Unfortunately, none of the secondary prospects in this year’s class are worthy of the No. 6 pick, which the Giants happen to hold. They might have to find some help on Days 2 and 3.

The Giants have a crowded wide receiver room, but as we know, quantity is no substitute for quality. Sure, they have Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, and Isaiah McKenzie but none of those can be considered a “No. 1.”

Here’s where they’re lucky. Unless Schoen makes a move up to grab a quarterback, or back to acquire more draft capital, he should be able to land one of this year’s top three prospects.

One or more of the three — Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State, LSU’s Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze of Washington — should be available at No. 6 for Schoen to snap up.

Schoen spent some of his available salary cap space on the offensive line, signing several interior linemen: Jon Runyan Jr., Jermaine Eluemunor, Aaron Stinnie, and Austin Schlottmann.

Eluemunor can also play right tackle and will be seen as insurance should Evan Neal falter again.

Again, keep an eye on the tight end situation but Schoen has addressed the depth there by signing veterans Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll in free agency.

The defensive line could use some competition as well, but keep in mind, that Schoen recently inked veteran Jordan Phillips in free agency to bolster the rotation.

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New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys Player of the Game: Saquon Barkley

The New York Giants were blown out for the second time this season by the Dallas Cowboys, 49-17, on Sunday afternoon.

The Giants managed to put up points on the board this time against Dallas but the outcome was far from favorable. The Giants were clearly outmatched from the start in this one. Dallas seemed to be scoring on every drive and the Giants were unable to move the ball at all.

The only player who helped New York move the ball even a little on offense was Saquon Barkley who did his best job in competing in a rivalry game that has not felt like a rivalry for quite some time. Barkley totaled 66 yards rushing on the day as he weaved his way trying to find any room against this stout Cowboys defense. The sixth-year running back did finish with an efficient day however as he averaged 5.1 yards per carry.

Unfortunately for New York, Barkley was the team’s sole offensive weapon and Dallas was able to stack the box and stop him when it mattered (on the goal line and on third downs). Nevertheless, the Penn State product is doing all he can to prove to teams why they should take a chance on him this offseason.

Despite running behind one of the worst offensive lines in football, Barkley has recorded 564 rushing yards averaging 4.06 yards per carry in only seven games. Barkley is on pace for his fourth 1,000 scrimmage-yard season and still clearly has big play ability as he showcased it on a 21-yard scamper against Dallas.

While New York may not be his home next season another team may luck out on taking a chance by paying Barkley a handsome wage this offseason.

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Giants’ Evan Neal feeling confident with improved balance, technique

The New York Giants are hoping that second-year right tackle Evan Neal takes that monumental jump this season from promising rookie to established pro.

Neal’s quest to do so got off to a slow start earlier this month when he suffered a concussion in practice and missed the Giants’ first preseason game.

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“It feels good to be back out there, get my feet back up under me,” Neal told reporters on Monday. “Thankfully, I was only out for about a week and a half or so, so it wasn’t that much time, but it was just good to be back out there with the guys.”

Neal did play in the Giants’ second preseason game last Friday against Carolina and had a key block on rookie Eric Gray’s 9-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“Sure, it was a good block. I got to the second level, squared him up and I drove him to the end zone. Thankfully, we scored, for sure. But everybody on the play did their job (and) that’s why it was successful. So yeah, it was a good play,” Neal said.

As a rookie, Neal appeared to have issues with the speed rush. He’s been cleaning that up this offseason and is getting out of his stance quicker.

“That’s the nature of the game at offensive tackle,” Neal explained. “Your get off, gettng to your spot. I feel like I did a pretty good job of that. I feel like it’s been back to me finding a comfortable stance that I can get into and get out of.

“Friday night I did that well but that’s a preseason game, so I am not really going to harp on that as much, I have a lot more work to do. I have to continue to get out my stance for the duration of the season, so I am going to focus on that.”

“I feel like I got overall better at balance,” Neal added. “I’ve worked on a few technique things. I’ve leaned out, got in better shape, better condition for sure.”



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MetLife Stadium, home of the Giants, ranked among NFL’s worst stadiums

The New York Giants and New York Jets call MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey home.

The venue is a far cry from the fading Giants Stadium that used to adorn the Meadowlands Sports Complex, one time known as The Swamp. But it also lacks the personality of its predecessor and provides almost no charm.

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In the eyes of Giants and Jets fans, MetLife Stadium is an overpriced lunchbox that’s as boring inside as it is outside.

To no surprise, NFL reporters for The Athletic recently ranked MetLife Stadium one of the worst venues in the NFL with 13 reporters listing it in the bottom-5 of the league.

25. MetLife Stadium

Teams: New York Giants, New York Jets

Seating capacity: 82,500

Google review: 4.5 stars

Despite it not being old, 13 ballots had it ranked as one of the five worst stadiums in the league.

“When MetLife was completed in 2010 it cost $1.6 billion,” Jets reporter Zack Rosenblatt wrote. “The money was not particularly well spent. It’s a boring stadium — which is something universally agreed on by both Giants and Jets fans, a rarity — both in look and feel. The food is poor. And it’s always a disaster exiting the stadium, especially for fans — and that gets even worse after concerts. There’s a mall nearby but otherwise it’s not exactly an exciting area, especially as the home base for two teams that are supposed to represent New York City.”

The parking lot traffic entering the game, and particularly the traffic exiting the game (including public transport), is an absolute nightmare.

As The Athletic mentions, MetLife Stadium has also had its issues with food and that’s not including the free medium Pepsi offer that applied only to season ticket holders a few years ago.

Some would also argue that the fans themselves are an issue.

Due to PSLs, the rising cost of a gameday experience, and the aforementioned traffic/public transportation issues, a large portion of those in the stands are wealthy businessmen and businesswomen who got tickets through different corporations. Casual fans call them the “down in front” crew.

Luckily, some of those issues have been alleviated under the combination of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, who have the fans standing, cheering, and actively engaged again.

Still, there’s no denying that MetLife Stadium is a boring old lunchbox. Or microwave. Take your pick.

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New York Giants’ Daniel Jones added 10 pounds of muscle this offseason

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is a tireless worker. That’s a known fact and something both his coaches and teammates repeatedly rave about.

This past offseason, Jones apparently kept at it every single day. There were no photos of him enjoying lavish vacations or taking a week off to relax on the beach. Instead, there were photos and videos of him working out and training — all of them seemingly on a loop.

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That dedication paid huge dividends as Jones added 10 pounds of muscle, reports Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

I’ll spare everyone the first-one-in, last-one-to-leave cliché about Jones’ offseason — even if it is true. Beyond that, he’s gained about 10 pounds of muscle and is moving better than he has at any point in his pro career. More important, he’s playing faster.

As Breer points out, Jones is able to play faster this season because he’s entering the second year of a competent system for the first time in his professional career.

And that, the Giants believe, is the result of the stability he hasn’t really had as a pro. As a rookie, Jones had Pat Shurmur as head coach and Mike Shula as his offensive coordinator. In 2020, it was Joe Judge and Jason Garrett. In ’21, Garrett was fired in-season and replaced by Freddie Kitchens. Which, presuming Daboll and current OC Mike Kafka make it to the end of the season (a fair bet), would make this the first time he’ll get to see two years through with the same coach and coordinator.

Because of that, Daboll’s offense is now becoming Jones’ offense, all of which was on display in his first game action this preseason on Friday night against the Panthers.

It wasn’t just on display last Friday night, it’s been on display all summer. Jones has been electric in training camp and looks like an entirely different player — both physically and athletically.

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New York Giants to work out CB William Jackson III

The New York Giants seemingly added two stud cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL draft with Detone Banks and Tre Hawkins but still aren’t quite satisfied at the position.

Behind Banks, Hawkins, and veteran Adoree’ Jackson, the Giants face a lot of question marks.

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Cor’Dale Flott and Darnay Holmes have played solidly this summer but the depth is lacking. Aaron Robinson remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and the remaining group — Amari Oruwariye, Darren Evans, Gemon Green and Zyon Gilbert — inspires little confidence.

With the regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys just under three weeks away, general manager Joe Schoen may look to upgrade the unit.

Aaron Wilson reports that cornerback William Jackson III is en route to East Rutherford, New Jersey to work out for the Giants.

The 30-year-old Jackson was a first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2016 NFL draft. He joined the Washington Commanders in 2021 before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in November of last season.

In 75 career games (64 starts), the speedy Jackson has recorded 205 tackles (170 solo, six for a loss), one QB hit, 1.0 sacks, 51 passes defensed, five interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.

Jackson, who runs a 4.37 40-yard dash, earned a 49.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2022. His best grade came in 2017 (90.2) as a member of the Bengals.



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