Here is the April update for Giants as the NFL draft draws near:

GM Joe Schoen and his staff have done yeoman work in getting the Giants out of salary cap hell. They signed veteran depth for the offensive line and shed a few veteran contracts along the way. In addition, expect a trade of CB James Bradberry very soon which will free up more money to sign their 2022 rookies. The Giants are holding the #5 &7 picks in tomorrow’s draft. Unless they get a trade offer which includes a first round pick for 2023, I don’t see them trading out of either spot. It also is a weak quarterback class so that will cut back on teams trading up this year.

QBDaniel Jones is the starting quarterback and is a bargain at $8MM.The team did not pick up his 5^th year option however so he needs to produce and stay healthy. Veteran QB Tyrod Taylor is more than an adequate backup.

RB Saquon Barkley is looking to prove the doubters wrong and cement his lofty draft status 5 yrs ago. Improvement to the offensive line will surely help. If he stays healthy, he will have a solid year. RB Matt Breida was signed as his backup but given his injury history, do not be surprised if the Giants draft a running back in rounds 3-4.

WR Kenny Golladay leads the receiving corps and needs to be a focal point of the offense. Oft injured WR Sterling Shepard restructured his contract and will provide veteran depth although I believe his best days are behind him. Young WR Kadarius Toney flashed immense potential but is injury prone & immature. There is talk of trading him for a draft pick.WR Darius Slayton has disappointed and might be cut for salary cap savings. This is a deep receiver draft class so a pick is not out of the question.

The tight end position will be addressed in the draft. The incumbent is TE Ricky Seals Jones.

The offensive line will likely get a shot in the arm with one of the top 3 offensive tackles in the draft.

The defensive line looks solid although I would expect a top 5 edge rusher to be drafted to provide some teeth to new DC Wink Martindale’s pass rush.

LB Blake Martinez is back from an ACL injury and will provide much needed leadership.

CB James Bradberry is on the way out, but don’t be surprised if top CB Sauce Gardner is drafted as his replacement.

That’s it for now. Enjoy the draft and more to come in May….

End.