A 2-6 start for the New York Giants has many fans already thinking about April. While the roster holes that were obvious heading into the year have, once again, reared their head, here is an early look at where New York could go in April to boost a roster that has pieces present on both sides of the ball.
Round 1 (No. 9 overall): Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Continuing to proceed with Daniel Jones under center could be a fireable offense for all parties involved in New York. Whether this front office actually makes it to next spring remains to be seen, but a change at QB was needed a long time ago. With Cam Ward, the Giants get a fresh start with pieces in place for him to succeed right away. Ward’s poise and processing set a nice floor for production, while his playmaking ability and arm talent showcase one of the 2025 draft’s top talents at the position.
Round 2 (No. 40 overall): Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
I understand Tyrone Tracy Jr. has shown pop in his rookie season, but the position, for me, is still in need of a true bellcow. Considering how talented this RB class is expected to be, drafting a talent like Kaleb Johnson here—a powerful yet elusive talent at 6-foot and 225 pounds—would provide the Giants with a high-end starter on Sundays. He’s the type of player New York can rely on to carry the load of the offense as well as taking pressure off of Ward under center.
Round 3 (No. 71 overall): Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
A WR convert, Darien Porter touts many of the traits teams look for both in Cover 3 corner as a sticky, athletic man defender. He’s been excellent all fall long, and should his elite play continue, the third round may be drastically too low for Porter come April. In this scenario, however, as we approach Halloween, Porter would slot nicely opposite of Deonte Banks.
Iowa State DB Darien Porter has the size (6026), instincts and can run as well as any corner in the class.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) October 30, 2024
Former WR has been excellent this fall & is expected to test extremely well. Big time ballplayer. pic.twitter.com/QybZqo9iUc
Round 4 (No. 107 overall): Jordan Burch, DL, Oregon
At nearly 300 pounds, Jordan Burch can provide the positional versatility and vertical push to assist Dexter Lawrence in the trenches. While the presence of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns is nice to have off the edge, forcing pressure from the interior will boost the unit as a whole and force teams to pick their poison in choosing who to double.
Round 4 (No. 134 overall): Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
A physical presence on the outside at 6-foot-3, Jayden Higgins, Malik Nabers, and Wan’Dale Robinson would be a nice foundation to work with on the outside. Considering the early capital spent on offensive talent already in this mock, Higgins would be another set of fresh legs to rejuvenate a lackluster offense.
Round 5 (No. 154 overall): Jermari Harris, CB, Iowa
A sixth–year senior, Jermari Harris will enter the process as one of the country’s most mature defensive backs. He’s been sensational so far in 2024 allowing just 11 catches on 30 targets, with three picks and five PBUs. He projects immediately as a rotational piece on the outside with over 1,700 collegiate snaps under his belt.
Round 7 (No. 219 overall): Maurice Westmoreland, EDGE, UTEP
Maurice Westmoreland has flashed on tape for a few years now. There are some questions as far as his role at the next level considering his build (6-foot-2, 245 pounds), but he can flat-out push the pocket. Through eight games this fall, Westmoreland has amassed 22 pressures (five sacks), with at least three pressures in each of his last trio of appearances. He’s a fun player to study.
Round 7 (No. 242 overall): Kobey Taylor, CB, Vanderbilt
With it being so early in the process, I like to use these selections to introduce players to the audience that are currently unknown to the public eye. Kobey Taylor is a long and athletic corner that has popped in some conversations over the last few days. Built similarly in the mold of Jets corner Sauce Gardner, Taylor is wiry and high-hipped but has the change of direction ability to make plays at a variety of depths. He needs work when his back is turned to the QB (spatial awareness), but there are flashes in his tape that showcase a future NFL contributor. He also tackles his tail off on the outside and isn’t afraid to stick his face in the mud at the line of scrimmage.
