For the first two years of his tenure, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen was tasked with rebuilding a roster pillaged by his predecessor, Dave Gettleman.
However, the Giants surprised in 2022, riding good fortune and head coach Brian Daboll's scheme to the Divisional Round. While a fun ride for the fanbase, it set back New York's draft capital. Late in the first round they took corner Deonte Banks.
Banks joined 2022 first-round pick Evan Neal as the second bust under Schoen's supervision. He struggled to add talent in his first two drafts.
His third time around, though, went much better. The Giants rookie grades reveal Schoen's biggest win-a class that compares favorably to almost every team in the NFL.
NFL.com ranked each team's 2024 class, and New York landed at No. 6., earning an A-.
"With Saquon Barkley turning in one of the greatest campaigns ever by an NFL running back, the season felt like a six-month dunk contest on Joe Schoen," Gennaro Filice wrote. "But here in draftland, the Giants general manager deserves love. Quibble with the decision to not take a quarterback if you like -- Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy were all available at No. 6 overall -- but New York added a bushel of starters, beginning with rookie Pro Bowler Malik Nabers.
"Combining a dog mentality with dynamic playmaking ability, Nabers posted spectacular numbers (109/1,204/7) while catching passes from an unspectacular cast of quarterbacks (Daniel Jones/Drew Lock/Tommy DeVito/Tim Boyle)."
Nabers needs no introduction, but in his first month in the league, it quickly became apparent that he is one of the game's special players. He had the second-most targets in the NFL, behind only Ja'Marr Chase, and did so playing two fewer games than the competition. Nabers may not be asked to take on such a drastic role in the offense, but he's a safe bet to be an elite foundational piece.
"And he wasn't the only first-year player to infuse New York's offense with some much-needed juice," he continued. "Tyrone Tracy Jr., who spent most of his college career as a wide receiver, showcased dual-threat ability out of the backfield, while Theo Johnson started 11 games at tight end before breaking his foot on Thanksgiving."
Johnson didn't have as many flashes as fans would have hoped from a size/speed/strength prospect, but Tracy carried the load for the team's Day 3 picks. Joining Nabers as the third pair of rookies to post 1,000 yards from scrimmage, he shifted his projection from a third-down back to a true starter in a matter of weeks.
Those offensive additions, combined with the flashes of nickel corner Dru Phillips and safety Tyler Nubin, give New York an injection of talent and playmaking that had eluded this roster for some time.
The quarterback position will hang over MetLife Stadium until a star shoos them away, but more classes like 2024 could keep Schoen employed.
