After a great season exceeding expectations and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs the New York Giants are closer to becoming contenders than most think. They have to make some moves if that is going to happen.
The obvious is first and foremost re-sign Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. These two were mainly the offense last season and they had their most productive seasons. Jones had a career low in turnovers and he was one of the most effective runners from the quarterback position. Barkley showed when he is healthy he is as good as anyone on the field. Figuring out a deal for both will not be easy but getting both backs will be huge.
This past season Jones had no true No.1 receiver to work with. This was the one thing that held the offense back this season. They didn’t have that one guy that could put fear in the defense as a deep threat or someone that could get open all the time. Trading for a player like Tee Higgins or Brandon Aiyuk would be a great option for them. Both players are looking to become No.1 but their respective teams already have one. For the right price, the Giants could land one of them if they choose to trade for a receiver.
Strengthening the interior line should be a priority. The left tackle position is good with Andrew Thomas one of the best in the game. The right tackle position should be fine as well, Evan Neal had some growing pains but that is expected for a rookie. In their division alone they are overwhelmed by some great defensive linemen. The center and left guard positions are two that will need to be filled and can be through either free agency or the draft. A player to look at coming in the draft is O’Cyrus Torrence from Florida. He 6-foot-5, 346-pound lineman that can block in both the pass and rush.
The defensive line will need an upgrade as well. The Giants’ run defense got exposed by the Eagles in the divisional game with 268 yards on 44 carries. In the draft, they will need to address this problem. Stopping the run will be a priority especially ranking 27th against the rush last season. They better rush defenders and have a good-quality backup for Dexter Lawrence. This season was his best season but he played a lot. He played around 85% of the snaps last season and that is a lot for anybody. Getting a backup for him will be something to keep an eye on.
The Giants will be fine and will be even better when they address these needs going into next season.