It’s impossible to judge a draft at its conclusion. Far more players will bust than succeed. It often takes two or three years before you even see the latter transpire.
But where’s the fun in that?
Here’s the at-the-gun grade of the Giants’ draft.
No. 3 pick: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn St.
The Giants got a player that many around the league believe was the best prospect in this year’s class. Carter is an elite-level edge defender, thanks to his bend and speed. He has the versatility to stand up and move around. His 12 sacks a season ago with the Nittany Lions was a glimpse of what he can become.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen made it clear that he didn’t want to force a quarterback selection with the No. 3 pick. He made a rather aggressive push to get Cam Ward, but pivoted when the Titans elected not to move the No. 1 pick. So, he took Carter, who steps in and instantly gives the Giants one of the most ferocious rushes in the entire league (Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux).
Grade: A
No. 25 pick: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
There are things you really like about Jaxson Dart as a prospect. He has high character and is a tremendous leader. Gritty. He physically can do everything you want. He doesn’t have elite physical traits, but it’s enough to win. There are also quite a few questions. How will he develop mentally? Can he check his recklessness? Will he stay healthy?
Most sources SNY touched base with characterized him as a backup with the potential to develop into a starter.
How others feel about Dart doesn’t matter — the Giants are the only evaluation that does. They see a player who has the traits to be their franchise quarterback. Most believe he needs time to develop, and the Giants can afford him that after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency.
Grade: B
Round 2, Pick No. 65: DT Darius Alexander, Toledo
Three different defensive coaches, representing three different teams, raved about Alexander when SNY reached out to them. He’s likely a rotational player to begin his career, but his physical traits give him the potential to develop into an every-down player.
One defensive coordinator said that he believes he has Pro Bowl potential. “He hasn’t even scratched the surface of what he can accomplish,” he said.
Alexander joins a Giants defense that Schoen spent the offseason beefing up. There are still concerns with the New York offense (ranked 31st last season), but their defense can be one of the NFL’s best.
Grade: A
Round 4, Pick No. 105: RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona St.
It took until Day 3, but the Giants finally gave their offense a little love. Skattebo had a wildly productive career with the Sun Devils, rushing for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’s also a decent receiver (45 catches, 605 yards).
The Giants already have two backs in Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy, but Skattebo brings a trait neither of them has: physicality. He is a true downhill runner. He’ll have a role in Week 1.
Grade: A
Round 5, Pick No. 154: OG Marcus Mbow, Purdue
Mbow isn’t the biggest (6-foot-4, 303 pounds), which is why most project him to play guard in the NFL. His athleticism will help him there. The versatility to kick outside if need be will remind the Giants of David Diehl.
Among the biggest holes on New York’s roster was right guard. Greg Van Roten and Evan Neal are expected to compete there. Mbow, if the Giants do eventually list him as a guard, can be thrust into the mix.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick No. 219: TE Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska
Fidone has nice size (6-foot-5, 243 pounds) and athleticism for a tight end. He was actually the top in his class exiting high school, but two ACL injuries held him back in college. He caught 36 passes for 373 yards last season. He had four touchdowns the year before.
There are medical concerns here, but the talent is worth taking a chance on in the seventh round. NFL.com had him as a fifth-round talent.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick No. 246: CB Korie Black, Oklahoma
Black, listed at 6-foot and 192 pounds, started three years at Oklahoma State and finished last season with three interceptions and nine pass breakups. He’s more of a zone corner than press, which fits in with what defensive coordinator Shane Bowen likes.
He needs to improve his ball skills. His experience is worth a shot late here in the seventh, considering that he projects to have immense special teams value.
Grade: B
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