The 2024 NFL draft saw the NFC East teams
making strategic moves, with Philadelphia emerging as a standout winner. The Eagles bolstered their secondary with top corners and added future draft picks. The Commanders revitalized their roster with Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and solid defensive additions. The Giants opted for a star receiver in Malik Nabers over a quarterback. Dallas traded down to gain extra picks, focusing on fortifying their offensive line and defense. All four teams landed impactful first-round
picks, but the Eagles and Commanders had the most impressive overall hauls.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
As a true freshman in 2021, Wright played nine games, rushing for 409 yards and four touchdowns. In 2022, he led Tennessee with 875 yards on 146 carries and 10 touchdowns. Returning for his junior year in 2023, he had 1,013 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 137 carries in 12 games. Wright’s consistent performance and explosive speed make him a notable fantasy prospect.
The New York Giants selected WR Malik Nabers with the 6th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers, an elite playmaker from LSU, fills a crucial need for a dynamic wide receiver to aid Daniel Jones. His ability to attack all three levels and excel in yards-after-catch fits well into the Giants’ offensive scheme. Nabers could quickly become the team’s No. 1 receiver, enhancing their passing attack.
LSU’s Malik Nabers joins the New York Giants as the No. 6 overall pick, expected to boost their receiving corps immediately. Despite uncertainties at quarterback, Nabers is poised to become the Giants’ WR1, having showcased elite skills in college. With high target potential, he’s likely to be a valuable fantasy asset, possibly settling as a WR3 for the 2024 season. In dynasty leagues, Nabers holds strong WR2 potential, with optimism for future team improvements.
With exceptional speed, agility, and route-running, he’s poised to become a dynamic playmaker. Nabers needs to establish chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones, utilize his yards-after-catch ability, and demonstrate leadership on and off the field. His work ethic and natural talent set the stage for a promising career as a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL.
In Nate Davis’s assessment, first-round pick Malik Nabers from LSU is predicted to be a game-changing asset for Jones or his successor. According to Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis, the Giants scored big with Nabers and added four other players with the potential to start. Charles McDonald from Yahoo Sports believes Nabers fills a long-standing need at receiver, while Tyler Nubin offers a solid replacement for Xavier McKinney.
Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
Theo Johnson had a successful college career at Penn State, where he played tight end. Over three seasons, he recorded a total of 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns. Johnson was drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The New York Giants selected tight end Theo Johnson from Penn State with the 107th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson brings versatility, having recorded 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns over three seasons. With his size and athleticism, Johnson fills a need for the Giants at tight end, adding depth and playmaking ability to their offense.
Johnson’s exceptional athleticism, demonstrated by impressive combine results, complements his on-field production, including 7 touchdowns and 341 receiving yards in 2023. With Darren Waller’s status uncertain, Johnson has an opportunity to emerge as a key target in the Giants’ offense, offering potential fantasy value as TE38 in early best ball ADP.
Theo Johnson’s path to NFL success hinges on his development into a versatile and reliable tight end. He must excel in receiving and blocking duties while building chemistry with the quarterback to secure a prominent role in the Giants’ offense, consistent execution and reliability in crucial situations.
Coach Brian Daboll praises Johnson’s intelligence, professionalism, and athleticism, foreseeing a promising partnership with the Giants. Former players and analysts anticipate Johnson’s impact, noting his size, speed, and skill set from Penn State’s program. Penn State tight ends coach Ty Howle praised Johnson’s ability to stretch the field vertically and in the red zone.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
Tyrone Tracy Jr. played college football at Iowa and Purdue. At Iowa, he recorded 65 receptions for 849 yards and five touchdowns. Transferring to Purdue, he transitioned to running back, rushing for 716 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Tracy’s versatility as a running back and wide receiver fits well into the Giants’ scheme, addressing their need for dynamic playmakers. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game, along with his special teams prowess, makes him a valuable addition. Tracy’s strong college performance and adaptability will help fill gaps in the Giants’ offense.
Tracy’s transition from wide receiver to running back last season showcased glimpses of his potential. With Saquon Barkley’s departure, there’s an opportunity for Tracy to carve out a role in the Giants’ backfield, potentially behind Devin Singletary, and capitalize on the increased touches available.
Tracy excelled as a kick returner and displayed impressive athleticism with a 4.48 40-yard dash and a 40″ vertical. His strengths include burst on downhill runs, balance, and hip flexibility, but he needs to improve his vision and decision-making. To succeed in the NFL, Tracy should focus on honing his skills in a gap-heavy system, leveraging his versatility, and capitalizing on special teams opportunities.
NFL Analyst Greg Cosell highlighted Tracy’s versatility, noting his quickness, elusiveness, and ability as a pass receiver. Tracy’s adaptability and strong vision make him a promising talent for the Giants. Cosell believes Tracy’s multi-dimensional skills will be a valuable asset in the NFL.
Comparative Analysis
The Giants addressed their need for a #1 WR by drafting Malik Nabers (LSU) at #6 overall. They also focused on offense by drafting Theo Johnson (TE) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB) in later rounds. Johnson fills the void if Darren Waller retires, while Tracy adds depth to the backfield. This draft class seems stronger than previous years in terms of offensive firepower, but lacks a potential franchise QB. It prioritizes skill positions over QB, unlike the QB-heavy 2023 class. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. adds depth, but the class seems weaker at RB than in previous years.
Conclusion
The Giants landed explosive WR Malik Nabers in the first round, providing a much-needed weapon for their offense. TE Theo Johnson in the fourth round could fill a potential gap left by Darren Waller. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the fifth round adds depth to the backfield and offers versatility despite his transition from wide receiver. Overall, Nabers stands out as an immediate star, while Johnson and Tracy offer promising contributions and long-term potential.