Giants 2024 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Experts split between two playmakers for Big Blue

We’re just over a month away from the 2024 NFL Draft which is set to take place in Detroit.

This draft is a big one for General Manager Joe Schoen as he looks to add another young talent to Big Blue’s rebuild with the sixth overall pick.

There’s been plenty of rumors around their selection, including a potential trade-up for a top quarterback, but as of now most experts have their eyes set on adding a big-time playmaker for Daniel Jones.

Here’s the Giants’ selection in the latest mock drafts…

Mel Kiper, ESPN

WR Rome Odunze, Washington

This would make back-to-back-to-back quarterbacks at the top of the board then back-to-back-to-back wideouts right after that, that’s how loaded these groups are. The Giants have improved their receiving corps over the past two years — Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and Wan’Dale Robinson are their top three guys right now — but they don’t have a true No. 1 guy who can dominate on the outside. They could add that in Odunze, a TD machine in a 6-foot-3 frame.

There have been rumblings about New York being a team to watch for the quarterbacks, but I just don’t see it. The team is committed to Daniel Jones for at least one more season because of the extension he signed last year, and I think this is too high to take J.J. McCarthy. Are the Giants willing to mortgage their future to try to move into the Patriots’ spot at No. 3? The most likely option might be adding a playmaker for Jones and seeing if he can return to his 2022 form. Then again, if Jones struggles, coach Brian Daboll and Co. might again be drafting around this spot in 2025.

The Athletic Staff

WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Ah, quarterback or wide receiver? Wide receiver or quarterback? That is the dilemma. After a run on QBs, the Giants debated a few different situations. We could’ve gone with McCarthy or Odunze. And there was also a trade proposal from Joe Schoen’s old friend, Brandon Beane, which would have sent the No. 6 pick to Buffalo for Nos. 28, 128, 160 and a 2025 first-rounder.

As tempting as it was to pick up more assets, the Giants felt it was important to take advantage of drafting high enough to get value at a top position. While the jury is still out on their quarterback plan, the Giants went with the guy they hope can be their No. 1 wideout of the future.

The Ringer Staff

WR Rome Odunze, Washington

With Saquon Barkley out and Darren Waller mulling over retirement, the Giants desperately need star power on offense, and Odunze fits the bill. There isn’t an area on the field where Odunze doesn’t win, and he can beat corners with every tool in the toolbox—speed, size, quickness, technique, and physicality. He’s the total package who would be the first wide receiver off the board in any other draft.

Field Yates, ESPN

WR Malik Nabers, LSU

The most explosive player in the class fits perfectly with a team that was already short of playmakers before losing running back Saquon Barkley to the division-foe Eagles. Nabers averaged 17.6 yards per catch (10th among FBS receivers with at least 50 catches) and forced 27 missed tackles (sixth overall) last season; he can beat defenders with his vertical speed down the field or take a short throw and turn it into a massive gain in a hurry. The Giants have worked hard this offseason to fortify the offensive line, but a game-altering wideout is still very much needed.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

WR Malik Nabers, LSU

I wouldn’t rule out the Giants trading up for a quarterback this year. If they stick and pick at No. 6, adding Nabers’ playmaking ability would be a good move.

Yahoo Sports Staff

WR Malik Nabers, LSU

*Trade down to No. 9 with Bears*

The board played out perfectly for the Giants here, where they can get the big-play wide receiver they need while dropping down a few slots and picking up picks in the process. The Giants have several needs on offense, but if they’re going to stick with Daniel Jones, they might as well grab someone who opens up the offense.