The Giants are entering a pivotal offseason with a flawed roster that needs to be replenished. Their most obvious need is quarterback- rumors are already trickling through social media about who might be starting for Big Blue in Week 1.
Remove the quarterback from the conversation and the Giants still have a roster that needs an overhaul. The cap number jumped $22.1 million and the Giants will have money to spend. According to Over the Cap, they have $48.4 million which is plenty of capital to fill out a shallow roster. Remember, elite franchises use free-agency to supplement a roster. True contenders in the NFL are built through the draft.
Excluding quarterback, let’s take a look at the three most important areas of need for the Giants this offseason:
The Giants Three Biggest Offseason Needs
Defensive Tackle Opposite Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence was leading the NFL sacks as a defensive tackle before his season ending elbow injury. He constantly commands double and triple teams and when healthy, he leads one of the strongest front fours in the NFL. However, the Giants lost valuable depth when they traded Leonard Williams to the Seahawks in 2023. While the trade eventually turned into another trade for Brian Burn, Joe Schoen has not done enough to replenish the defensive trenches.
After seeing the Eagles manhandle a formidable Chiefs offensive line without blitzing, it is paramount for the Giants to find another quality starter on the defensive line next to Lawrence. Luckily for Schoen, early analysis suggests that defensive tackle is a strength of this year’s draft class.
If assets are allocated well, the Giants could feasibly find a high upside second or third round pick that can play meaningful snaps in 2025. Though the NFL is constantly changing, one thing remains true: dominating the trenches brings wins. It’s time for the Giants to go back to that.
Beyond Milton Williams, the defensive tackle free-agency pool is small. Here are some first, second and third round prospects the Giants can target in the draft:
- Mason Graham (Michigan): A powerful defensive tackle with elite leverage and block-shedding ability, making him a disruptive force in both the run and pass game.
- Walter Nolen (Ole Miss): Explosive off the snap with strong hands and flexibility, allowing him to consistently penetrate offensive lines.
- Kenneth Grant (Michigan): A massive, athletic presence in the interior who excels as a run-stopper with developing pass-rushing skills.
- Derrick Harmon (Oregon): A well-rounded defensive tackle with size and strength who can clog running lanes and generate interior pressure.
- Tyleik Williams (Ohio State): A quick and powerful lineman with an impressive burst who can contribute as both a run defender and pass rusher.
A True Cornerback 1
The Giants desperately hoped that former first-round pick Deonte Banks would develop into a true cornerback-one in 2024. Unfortunately, Banks struggled to keep up with opposing top receivers. His lack of ball skills and questionable effort at times contributed to the regression of an already thin position group.
The hope for Banks now is that he can be a formidable cornerback-two alongside ascending nickel corner Dru Phillips and a new lockdown corner.
Here are some possible free-agent and draft prospects that could the Giants could target:
Free Agents:
- D.J. Reed: Formerly with the New York Jets, Reed is recognized for his versatility and competitiveness in the secondary.
- Carlton Davis III: Previously with the Detroit Lions, Davis is among the top cornerbacks entering free agency.
- Byron Murphy Jr.: A recent Pro Bowl honoree from the Minnesota Vikings, Murphy is poised for further success.
- Asante Samuel Jr.: Despite an injury-shortened season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Samuel has shown significant potential when healthy.
- Paulson Adebo: From the New Orleans Saints, Adebo missed much of the 2024 season due to injury but is ranked highly based on prior performance.
Draft Prospects:
- Travis Hunter: Colorado, Hunter is known for his exceptional athleticism and playmaking abilities.
- Will Johnson: University of Michigan, Johnson possesses a rare combination of length and football intelligence, making him a top prospect.
- Jahdae Barron:e University of Texas, Barron has been disruptive in the slot, effectively challenging timing routes and demonstrating strong instincts in coverage.
- Shavon Revel Jr.:East Carolina University, Revel’s combination of size, speed, and character makes him a fascinating NFL prospect.
- Benjamin Morrison: Notre Dame, Morrison has emerged as a standout cornerback, showcasing a blend of speed, agility, and ball-hawking instincts.
Interior Offensive Line
Back here again? Will 2025 be the season the Giants try Evan Neal at guard? Can Evan Neal even play guard? Will any offensive line draft pick from the last five years develop?
Unfortunately, the Giants are heading into another offseason where they need to address the offensive line. While Schoen did successfully invest in some high-end free-agents last offseason- namely Jermaine Eluemunor and John Runyan, Jr.- there is still work to be done. If there’s one position the Giants spend big money on, guard could be it.
For starters, he didn’t draft any offensive lineman last season. The offensive lineman he has drafted have not developed enough to be quality starters. Center John Michael Schmitz is the best of the bunch, but even he has a below average center entering year three. 2022 picks Evan Neal and Josh Ezedu are unplayable.
Don’t be surprised if the Giants invest in both free-agency and the draft assets to finally solidify their offensive line. In fact, it’s best practice to constantly draft lineman even if it’s a position of strength because of the toll it takes a player’s body.
That being said, the offensive wasn’t a disaster in 2024. In fact, the Giants put some quality offensive line film on tape before Andrew Thomas went down for the season. They surrendered 14 sacks in six games with Thomas and 34 in the 11 games without him.
Thomas should be ready by the start of training camp and should be an essential piece for the Giants offense moving forward. Finding a quality piece on the right side of the interior line can help the team’s success in 2025. Fixing the line is once again, an offseason need for the Giants.
Here are some free-agent guards the Giants could target:
- Trey Smith (Chiefs): A durable and powerful guard with Pro Bowl credentials and two Super Bowl rings, making him one of the top options in free agency.
- Will Fries (Colts): A young, ascending guard who posted an elite PFF grade before suffering a tibia fracture in 2024.
- Teven Jenkins (Bears): A versatile lineman with strong run-blocking skills and experience at both guard and tackle.
- Kevin Zeitler (Lions): A veteran guard coming off one of his best seasons, providing leadership and reliable pass protection.
Conclusion
Excluding quarterback from the conversation, the Giants have a plethora of needs. Expect them to be big spenders this offseason. They have the capital in free-agency and the draft to make significant changes to their roster.
It wouldn’t be unrealistic for them to give large contracts to a cornerback or interior offensive lineman. For Giants fans, hopefully this is an offseason that turns the tides. This is a fanbase starving for wins.
