2024 offseason primer: Brian Daboll enters crucial Year 3 with Giants

Outlook: There’s no question New York's roster underperformed, but in looking at their free-agent class, there are not many players I would consider bringing back. Barkley is the most important piece, and if the Giants want to compete in 2024, the team should pay the man whatever he wants. He’s proven he’s a top-tier RB, and the Giants offense goes as he goes. The only other offensive player worth a look is Taylor. Jones wasn’t healthy for much of this season, and even when he is, I’m not convinced he’s starting NFL QB material. DeVito had his moments this year, but I don’t think he can be trusted to start for an entire season if Jones either gets hurt again or is simply ineffective. I’d keep Taylor around as an insurance plan.

Defensively, there are a couple of players the Giants should want to hold onto. McKinney is at the top of the list. He was the team’s second-leading tackler in 2023 (116) and he had a team-high 11 passes defensed and three interceptions. Simmons and Jackson should also be retained as the duo combined for 113 tackles, 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns and a sack. Everyone else I’d let walk.

2024 DRAFT PICKS: Round 1 (No. 6 overall) | Round 2 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6

TOP DRAFT NEEDS (in order): WR, OL, QB, Edge-rusher, CB — While Wan’Dale Robinson is a solid No. 2 option and 2023 third-rounder Jalin Hyatt had a solid rookie season, the Giants need a No. 1 pass catcher because he’s not on their current roster. It would make sense to take either LSU’s Malik Nabers, who ranked second in the NCAA in receiving yards (1,569) and third in touchdowns (14), or Washington’s Rome Odunze, who led the country in receiving yards (1,640) and was sixth in touchdowns (13), with the sixth overall pick. 

However, the Giants allowed an NFL-high 85 sacks this past season, so don’t rule out a premier offensive lineman like Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olu Fashanu either. I’d even throw Washington’s Troy Fautanu in there as well as a potential pick or a trade-down option. He’s considered the best guard in this class, and guard is the worst position on New York's offensive line. If the Giants aren't sold on Jones, perhaps QB is the way to go at No. 6 overall. Don't be surprised if New York takes a shot at either Jayden Daniels or perhaps J.J. McCarthy if it goes QB.

DRAFT PROSPECTS TO WATCH: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU; Rome Odunze, WR, Washington; Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State; Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State; Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame, Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State; Troy Fautanu, OG, Washington; Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA; Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama; Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State; Nate Wiggins, CB; Clemson; Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama; Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU; J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

THREE 2024 STORYLINES TO WATCH:

• Does Barkley walk during free agency or do the Giants lock him up long-term?
• How long do the Giants ride with Daniel Jones as QB1?
• How hot does Daboll’s seat get if New York gets off to another bad start?