Here is the Giants update for February:

Big Blue heads into the offseason with the #5 and #7 overall picks in the 2022 NFL draft. The team has completely re-tooled the front office and coaching staff. New GM Joe Schoen will be tasked with beginning the rebuild via this draft. The prior regime had accumulated draft capital for 2022 so let’s hope it’s used wisely. The overall thinking is that the Giants will select a tackle with one of their first two picks. The problem is the 2 highest rated tackles might be off the board so they will need a backup plan. Most combinations I’ve seen for the first round is OT Ikem Ekwonu from NC State and an edge rusher. Other possibilities could be S Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame or CB Sauce Gardner from Cincinnati. Any of these picks would be immediate impact starters. The upcoming NFL combine will help sort this group out further.An immediate issue is the salary cap. Space needs to be cleared and I believe it will be done mostly by cuts rather than restructures which delays the inevitable and can put a team in a difficult situation. Take a look at the Saints & see what they face now after doing this with Drew Brees. Another appointment that I love by new HC Brian Daboll is the hiring of DC Wink Martindale who runs a very aggressive style defense. No more bend but don’t break stuff!!!

QB Daniel Jones will be set up for success. The offense will be designed to suit his skill set. At $8MM this year, he will be a necessary bargain for the cap strapped team. I don’t expect them to offer him a 5^th year option so it will be make or break for sure. If the OL is overhauled, I would expect him to be productive.

RB Saquon Barkley was signed for his 5^th year option and is a reasonable cost from a cap perspective. If the offensive line restructure is successful, he should be productive. That being said, if a team comes knocking with an attractive trade offer, do not consider Saquon to be untradeable. Unfortunately, running backs have a short shelf life and you don’t need to spend a first round pick to get one. RB Devontae Booker is a hard running backup and should be retained if he can be kept from a cap perspective.

The receiving corps was wildly unproductive for a variety of reasons last year. WR Sterling Shepard could not stay healthy and I expect him to be a salary cap casualty..WR Kenny Golladay will be a focal part of the passing game going forward. He needs to stay healthy. WR Kadarius Toney flashed as a rookie last year but needs to work on his maturity and needs to stay healthy. WR Darius Slayton has regressed greatly and I’m not sure if he will part of the teams plans in 2022. With their draft capital, do not be surprised if they select another receiver in rounds 3 or 4.

TE Evan Engram might be an exciting weapon for the new look offense. Is he affordable? Given his physical skill set, I would not be surprised if another team swoops in and offers him a long term contract. The current tight end roster options are bleak but the draft is another place to consider.

DL Leonard Williams leads a young group and should get help via the draft. Young DE Azeez Ojulari proved his mettle with 8 sacks his rookie year.

CB James Bradberry did not follow up his 2020 Pro Bowl season with a stellar performance. There is a rumor he may be traded or cut. This is where picking CB Sauce Gardner would make sense.

That’s it for now. More to come in March….

End.