WalterFootball.com: 2022 NFL Offseason Page - New York Giants

New York Giants (Last Year: 4-13)

2022 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:

QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Matt Breida, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, TE Jordan Akins, G Mark Glowinski, G Max Garcia, G Matt Gono, G/C Jon Feliciano.

Early Draft Picks:

DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, OT Evan Neal, WR Wan’Dale Robinson, G Josh Ezeudu, CB Cordale Flott, TE Daniel Bellinger, S Dane Belton, LB Micah McFadden, NT D.J. Davidson, G Marcus McKethan. Giants Rookie Forecast

Offseason Losses:

FB Elijhaa Penny, TE Evan Engram, TE Kyle Rudolph, OT Nate Solder, G Will Hernandez, C Billy Price, DT Austin Johnson, DE/OLB Lorenzo Carter, CB James Bradberry, S/CB Logan Ryan, S Jabrill Peppers, P Riley Dixon.

2022 New York Giants Offense:

It was another year and another disappointing outcome for Daniel Jones. The former first-round pick had a great start to his career, but has gotten worse since. Jones just posted the best completion percentage of his career, but still had as many give-aways (10) as touchdowns. Jones, a turnover machine, has struggled with interceptions and fumbles throughout his young career.

To be fair to Jones, he has endured some hardships the past couple of years. For one, he has never received quality protection from his offensive line, though that may finally change in 2021. The Giants retooled the right side of the offensive line with two signings and one early draft choice. The pick was used on Evan Neal, a 340-pound blocker with huge upside. He’ll play next to guard Mark Glowinski and center Jon Feliciano. Glowinski, formerly of the Colts, is the better of the two, but Feliciano is still an upgrade over what the Giants had at the position last year.

There’s some promise with the left side of the offensive line as well, particularly with Andrew Thomas. The former first-round pick was considered a huge bust to start his career, but he improved this past season. He’ll start next to Max Garcia, the weakest link in the whole unit, but third-round rookie Josh Ezeudu could take his job.

Another problem for Jones has been the health of Saquan Barkley. The dynamic back tore his ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season and wasn’t nearly the same player last year. Now two years removed from the torn ACL, Barkley should be back to his former self. If so, that’ll provide Jones with a huge boost in the backfield.

Jones needs all the receiving help he can get because his supporting cast underwhelmed last year. Kenny Golladay signed a huge contract, but showed a severe lack of effort at times. Rookie Kadarius Toney had some great games, but couldn’t stay healthy. There are some locker room issues with him, so it’s unclear if he’ll even play much for the Giants this year. New York spent a second-round pick on Wan’Dale Robinson as insurance for Toney, but Robinson is smaller and slower than Toney, though it’s worth noting that he’s a better route runner.

The Giants also no longer have Evan Engram, opting to replace him with Ricky Seals-Jones and fourth-round rookie Daniel Bellinger. The one truly reliable target Jones would normally have is Sterling Shepard, but he’s coming off a torn Achilles.

2022 New York Giants Defense:

Evan Neal was one of two players the Giants chose in the top 10 of the 2022 NFL Draft. The other was Kayvon Thibodeaux. Once projected to be the No. 1 overall pick of this class, Thibodeaux slipped a bit due to character concerns, but there’s no denying his talent. He’ll offer a huge upgrade to the Giants’ edge rush, which has been quite lackluster in recent years. He’ll be the bookend for Azeez Ojulari, who recorded eight sacks during his rookie campaign.

While the Giants haven’t had great edge play lately, they’ve enjoyed stellar production from the interior defensive linemen. This includes Leonard Williams, who tallied 6.5 sacks while holding up well against the run last year. Dexter Lawrence is also a fantastic player; he’s not as good of a pass rusher as Williams, but he can harass quarterbacks and clog running lanes.

The Giants’ defensive line is going to have to step up this season because the defensive backfield will be far worse than it was in 2021. This is because the Giants lost three starters in this area, including shutdown cornerback James Bradberry. New York wanted to replace Bradberry with either Derek Stingley Jr. or Ahmad Gardner, but both prospects were gone by the team was on the clock at No. 5. The Giants still have one excellent cornerback in Adoree Jackson, but the rest of the position has some major question marks. It’s not clear who will be playing opposite of Jackson or manning the slot. The former job could belong to 2021 third-round pick Aaron Robinson, but he struggled as a rookie. Undrafted third-year pro Jarren Williams might get a shot, but he doesn’t have much experience. As for the slot job, that could belong to third-round rookie Cordale Flott, but he was seen as a reach.

The Giants are missing personnel at safety as well, though Xavier McKinney is still there. McKinney is coming off a great season and should continue to get better. It’s unknown who will start next to McKinney, however. It could be the pedestrian Julian Love, unless fourth-round rookie Dane Belton wins the gig.

Rounding out the defense, the Giants will get better play from their linebacking corps this year. This is because Blake Martinez missed most of 2021 with a torn ACL. Martinez may not be 100 percent in 2022, but he’ll still be an improvement over what the Giants had at the position. There’s not much else to speak of, so rookies Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers could compete for playing time.

2022 New York Giants Schedule and Intangibles:

Graham Gano had an excellent kicking season for the Giants. He was 29-of-33, which includes 7-of-10 from 50-plus.

New punter Jamie Gillan will take over the duties for New York in 2022.

The Giants struggled on returns in 2020, but they didn’t surrender a score in 2021. They didn’t find the end zone either.

Outside of games against the Packers and Ravens, the Giants don’t have any tough non-divisional battles.

2022 New York Giants Rookies:

Go here for the Giants Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2022 New York Giants Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

2022 New York Giants Analysis: The Giants have higher upside than in recent years because their offensive line is vastly improved, and Saquon Barkley should finally be healthy. There are still major concerns in the receiving corps and secondary, but the team will be much more competitive in 2022.

Projection: 5-12 (Tied 3rd in NFC East)

2021 Projection: 7-10. 2021 Actual Result: 4-13.

2020 Projection: 11-5. 2020 Actual Result: 6-10.

2019 Projection: 5-11. 2019 Actual Result: 4-12.

2018 Projection: 6-10. 2018 Actual Result: 5-11.

2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 3-13.
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2016 Projection: 7-9. 2016 Actual Result: 11-5.

NFL Draft Team Grade: C- Grade

Goals Entering the 2022 NFL Draft: The Giants are beginning anew with a fresh front office and coaching staff. Unfortunately for this group, they had to deal with a tough salary cap situation, thanks to the previous regime’s incompetence. The Giants have tons of holes as a result, so they just need to pick the best player available with most picks. The one exception is that an offensive lineman will need to be obtained at Nos. 5 or 7.

2022 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Giants were hoping to obtain Derek Stingley and an offensive line with their two initial picks, but thanks to Houston, New York had to settle for Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is a nice consolation prize. New York’s nice start derailed, however, as many of its Round 2-4 picks were quite dubious.

I didn’t mind Wan’Dale Robinson so much, though the Giants effectively created a need by declaring they would trade Kadarius Toney by making the pick. Robinson is a worse version of Toney, so New York downgraded itself with its third pick. Things only got worse after that, with the Giants committing egregious reaches by selecting Josh Ezeudu and Cordale Flott in the third round. Those players theoretically fill needs, but both were expected to be Day 3 choices.

Things weren’t much better on Saturday. Daniel Bellinger was a decent choice, and Darrian Beavers provided fine value in the sixth frame, but that’s about it. The Giants came away with a disappointing draft under the new regime, and it doesn’t appear as though they’ll escape the NFC East cellar anytime soon.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

5. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon – B+ Grade

Kayvon Thibodeaux, in a 15-minute combine interview, mentioned his brand five times to one team. Some wondered if Thibodeaux loved football fame more than football itself, and it’s a legitimate concern. However, Thibodeaux is arguably the most talented player in this class, and he fills a huge need at edge rusher. The Giants need a tackle more, but they’re fans of two tackles and can get one at No. 7.

7. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama – B- Grade

It’s no surprise that the Giants are addressing offensive line with one of their two selections in the top 10. They must give Daniel Jones better protection in what could be his final chance to prove himself. Evan Neal fills a huge need, but his downside can’t be ignored. Neal is 350 pounds, so he could be a major health risk. Many huge offensive linemen have had issues staying healthy, from Mekhi Becton, to Marcus Cannon, to Trent Brown. This is not always the case, but there’s a dubious history with monstrously sized blockers.

43. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky – B Grade

So, does this mean the Giants are trading Kadarius Toney? Wan’Dale Robinson is a small, but explosive receiver. The position was not really a need unless the Giants were going to jettison Toney, but New York is getting a talented player with upside with this pick, so it’s a solid move.

67. Josh Ezeudu, G, North Carolina – D Grade

Another offensive lineman makes sense for the Giants, but this is a reach, as Ezeudu was an early third-day prospect. Furthermore, the Giants had a golden opportunity to select a quarterback, but they passed on all options.

81. Cordale Flott, CB, LSU – D Grade

The Giants needed a cornerback to replace the soon-to-be-traded James Bradberry, but they could have done much better than this. Cordale Flott is a fifth-round prospect at the very best, so this is definitely a reach. There were many better players available.

112. Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State – B- Grade

I’ve had Daniel Bellinger around this area or a bit later, so I don’t think this is much of a reach. The Giants needed to address tight end with Evan Engram gone. I think there are some better tight ends available, but I don’t dislike this selection.

114. Dane Belton, S, Iowa – C+ Grade

This pick is identical to the one the Redskins just made of Percy Butler. The Giants are reaching a bit for safety because the third-day value sucks at the position. This isn’t a huge reach, like the Butler pick, but I’m not a fan of it.

146. Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana – C Grade

The Giants are taking a late-round/UDFA prospect in the fifth round, which isn’t ideal. However, it is Round 5, so reaches mean much less at this juncture. Linebacker is a need, so perhaps McFadden will beat expectations.

147. D.J. Davidson, NT, Arizona State – C- Grade

Speaking of late-round/UDFA players, D.J. Davidson was never on my radar as someone to put in my mock draft. He declared early, and he’s a big run-stuffer, but I’m not sure he’ll be in the NFL in a couple of years.

173. Marcus McKethan, G, North Carolina – B Grade

I’m a big fan of the Giants adding offensive help because C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young will sorely need it in 2023. Marcus McKethan never made it into any of my mock drafts, but he was always on the cusp.

182. Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati – A Grade

Of the two NFC East teams that picked linebackers in the sixth round, the Giants made the better choice. Not only did they not trade up for Darrian Beavers; they obtained the superior prospect, as I had Beavers in the fourth round.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Season Summary:

It was yet another disappointing year for the Daniel Jones-led Giants, who ultimately fired their head coach. The Giants will begin with an entirely new front office, meaning they may look elsewhere at quarterback.

Offseason Moves:

Giants cut CB James Bradberry

Giants sign TE Jordan Akins

Giants sign G Max Garcia

Giants sign NT Justin Ellis

Giants sign RB Matt Breida

Giants sign TE Ricky Seals-Jones

Giants sign QB Tyrod Taylor

Giants sign G Jon Feliciano

Giants sign G Mark Glowinski

Giants sign G Matt Gono

Team Needs:

Quarterback: Daniel Jones has not developed at all. In fact, he has regressed. The Giants either need to find a new franchise quarterback or a veteran upgrade. Signed Tyrod Taylor
Offensive Tackle: Outside of quarterback, upgrading the offensive line is the greatest priority. There’s a colossal hole at right tackle. Evan Neal would be an obvious choice at No. 5 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Three Interior Offensive Linemen: The Giants can spend some day-two picks on interior offensive linemen. As you can see, the Giants’ blocking is horrendous. Signed Mark Glowinski, Jon Feliciano, Matt Gano and Max Garcia
Edge Rusher: The Giants used to have one of the top pass rushes in the NFL. That has changed in recent years, so the team may want to use one of its first-round picks to upgrade this area.
Linebacker: Blake Martinez was sorely missed following his season-ending injury. He’ll return next year, but some help is needed next to him.
Tight End: Evan Engram has been a colossal disappointment, and he’s headed for free agency anyway. Signed Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins
Fullback: Elijhaa Penny is an impending free agent.
Punter: Riley Dixon was one of the worst punters in the NFL last year.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2022 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Mark Glowinski, G, Colts. Age: 30.

Signed with Giants (3 years, $20 million)

Mark Glowinski has been a rock-solid guard for the Colts over the years. He turns 30 this offseason, but guards can play well into their mid-30s.
Jon Feliciano, G, Bills. Age: 30.

Signed with Giants (1 year)

Jon Feliciano is a skilled blocker when healthy, but the problem is that he has missed 17 games in the past two seasons.
Ricky Seals-Jones, TE, Redskins. Age: 27.

Signed with Giants

Ricky Seals-Jones was a productive receiver when he stepped in for an injured Logan Thomas. He is also a capable blocker.
Max Garcia, G, Cardinals. Age: 30. — Signed with Giants
Matt Gono, G/OT, Falcons. Age: 26. — Signed with Giants
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Texans. Age: 33. — Signed with Giants (2 years, $17 million)
Matt Breida, RB, Bills. Age: 27. — Signed with Giants
Jordan Akins, TE, Texans. Age: 30. — Signed with Giants (1 year)
Justin Ellis, DT, Ravens. Age: 31. — Signed with Giants

New York Giants Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Elijhaa Penny, FB, Giants. Age: 28.

Elijhaa Penny is a well-rounded fullback who excels at blocking and receiving.
Lorenzo Carter, DE/OLB, Giants. Age: 26.

Signed with Falcons

Lorenzo Carter logged five sacks in his return from a torn Achilles. He should be healthier next year, and he’s only 26.
Riley Dixon, P, Giants. Age: 29.

Signed with Rams

Riley Dixon was once a great punter, but has struggled of late. Perhaps he can rebound with a better coaching staff.
Evan Engram, TE, Giants. Age: 27.

Signed with Jaguars (1 year, $9 million)

Evan Engram is a terrific athlete for a tight end, but he has never lived up to his potential. Perhaps he’ll do so with a better coaching staff.
Logan Ryan, S/CB, Giants. Age: 31.

Signed with Buccaneers (1 year)

Logan Ryan is coming off a down year, but could rebound. He’s capable of playing anywhere in the secondary.
Billy Price, C, Giants. Age: 26.

Billy Price was a failure of a first-round pick in Cincinnati. He was a bit better with the Giants. He’s still just 26, so there’s some upside to consider.
Austin Johnson, DT, Giants. Age: 28. — Signed with Chargers
Nate Solder, OT, Giants. Age: 34.
Jabrill Peppers, S, Giants. Age: 26. — Signed with Patriots
Will Hernandez, G, Giants. Age: 26. — Signed with Cardinals
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Giants. Age: 32.
Matt Skura, G, Giants. Age: 29.
Reggie Ragland, LB, Giants. Age: 28.
Danny Shelton, DT, Giants. Age: 29.
Jaylon Smith, LB, Giants. Age: 28.
Benardrick McKinney, LB, Giants. Age: 29.
John Ross, WR, Giants. Age: 27.
Dante Pettis, WR, Giants. Age: 26. — Signed with Bears
Keion Crossen, CB, Giants. Age: 28. — Signed with Dolphins
Mike Glennon, QB, Giants. Age: 32.
Nate Ebner, S, Giants. Age: 32.
Levine Toilolo, TE, Giants. Age: 31.
Jake Fromm, QB, Giants. Age: 24.