The 2022 NFL Draft is just days away, and the Giants are among the league leaders in draft capital. They own picks No. 5 and No. 7 in the first round and are in a great spot to dramatically improve their roster.
The Giants have a new general manager (Joe Schoen) and a new head coach (Brian Daboll). In NFL betting in the early going for the upcoming season, the Giants are not expected to make much noise in the NFC East again.
BetMGM Sportsbook New York has the Giants as a +10000 longshot to win the Super Bowl, tied with the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers. Only the New York Jets, Detroit Lions (both at +1500) and Houston Texans (+2500) have longer odds.
PointsBet Sportsbook New York has the Giants at +12500, ahead of only the Lions, Jets, Falcons and Texas.
Earlier this offseason, EmpireStakes.com looked at the Giantsā free agent moves.
Now the draft becomes a great opportunity for the Giants to continue their climb to respectability. So, what are the Giants looking to accomplish in this draft and what is the latest buzz on who they could be picking at No. 5 and No. 7? Here is everything you need to know about the NFL Draft and the New York Giants just days before Commissioner Roger Goodell steps up to the podium.
2022 Draft Picks
| ā Round 1 | No. 5 |
| ā Round 1 | 7 (via Chicago) |
| ā Round 2 | No. 36 |
| ā Round 3 | No. 67 |
| ā Round 3 | No. 81 (via Miami) |
| ā Round 4 | No. 112 (via Chicago) |
| ā Round 5 | No. 147 |
| ā Round 5 | No. 173 (via Kansas City) |
| ā Round 6 | No. 182 |
Draft Needs
- Offensive tackle
- EDGE Rusher
- Cornerback
- Quarterback
- Linebacker
Players To Know
With the No. 5 pick, the Giants are expected to address their offensive line. All three of the top offensive tackles are in play, but the one who makes the most sense is Evan Neal from Alabama. Not only is he a dominant player from the SEC, but he has experience at three different positions, including left and right tackle. The Giants still really like Andrew Thomas, who they took at No. 4 during the 2020 NFL Draft. This would allow them to play Neal at right tackle or even left guard right away if needed. It would be a pretty big upset if the Giants went anywhere other than the offensive line with their first pick.
For a look at what oddsmakers think, DraftKings Sportsbook New York has Neal as third-most likely to be picked at No. 5 (+380), with offensive linemen Ikem Ekwonu (North Carolina State) and Charles Cross (Mississippi State) ahead at +175 and +250, respectively. Remember, though, you canāt bet on the NFL draft in New York.
But what will they do at No. 7? Look for them to take the best available defender. Ahmad āSauceā Gardner from Cincinnati is the top cornerback in the draft and would be an ideal fit in Wink Martindale's defense. He's long and athletic, and he has the confidence the Giants lack in their secondary. However, there is a strong chance he already will be off the board by the time they get to pick No. 7.
Keep an eye on Florida State defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson II as he could be an option at No. 7. He started his career at Georgia before transferring to Florida State. He put up massive numbers and sack totals there as he finally broke out in a different scheme. He's long, highly athletic and has all the tools to be an excellent EDGE rusher in the NFL. Don't be surprised if he goes much sooner than anyone anticipates.
Another player to watch is Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame. He has fallen down the board due to a poor 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day, but he's still one of the best defensive players in the class. He can play as a linebacker, in-the-box safety, or deep safety in Martindale's defense. But his best strength is coming up and playing the run or blitzing the quarterback. He could be a major value at pick No. 7, should he be there.
On Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft, look for the Giants to fill their needs at linebacker and cornerback as this yearās class is deep at both spots. Nakobe Dean (Georgia) might fall to their second-round pick, and he would be a fantastic fit in the middle of their defense. Another name to watch is Chad Muma (Wyoming), a do-everything linebacker. Both players would be outstanding values on Day 2 for the Giants.
Previous First-Round Selections
| ā 2021 | Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida |
| ā 2020 | Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia |
| ā 2019 | Daniel Jones, QB, Duke |
| ā 2019 | Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson | ā 2019 | Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia | ā 2018 | Saquan Barkley, RB, Penn State |
