Giants GM Talks Draft Plans: ‘People Assume We’re Going QB, But We Have Other Needs’

Doric SamApril 9, 2024

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The New York Giants have shown indications that they could be interested in selecting a quarterback with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NFL draft later this month, but general manager Joe Schoen revealed that’s not necessarily the case.

Schoen told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer that despite the Giants doing their due diligence in evaluating this year’s quarterback prospects, the team is ready to address other areas of need with the first-round pick.

“We don’t wanna be up here again—we don’t want to be picking in the top 10,” Schoen said. “We have multiple needs. We are going into Year 3. People assume we’re going quarterback, but we have other needs. If the quarterbacks go 1–4, then we’re getting the second-best position player, not quarterback, at six, which is O.K., too. That player will really help us.”

Breer pointed out that top prospects Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy visited the Giants facility shortly after the combine. New York has also sent strong contingents to each of the top quarterbacks’ pro days. Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were among eight Giants officials who met with Michael Penix Jr. on March 29.

However, Schoen said the team’s evaluation process is nothing new, as New York took a similar approach in recent drafts as well.

“Even last year, our quarterback coach was at the C.J. Stroud workout. We spent a lot of time with Will Levis, Anthony Richardson,” he said. “We still spend time with those guys … [and] it’s not just for right now, but when they become free agents. Brian Burns, we spent a lot of time with him in the draft process, so you feel comfortable making a trade for a guy. Drew Lock, too. Sam Darnold, we spent a ton of time with because that was the Josh draft.”

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is working his way back from a torn ACL, so perhaps the team could be ready to replace him depending on how the draft board shakes out on April 25.