Big Blue View
The mail’s here!
Edwin Gommers asks: Have you heard anything about the injury recovery of last year’s UDFA darling Bryce Ford-Wheaton and how do you see him fit in the 2024 roster following the draft? If healthy, Wheaton, Nabers, Slayton and Hyatt could provide some serious speed for the offense.
Ed says: Edwin, I have not heard anything about Ford-Wheaton. I think people need to pump the brakes if they are expecting Ford-Wheaton to be a major part of the 2024 offense. Like he was last year, he will be in competition for a roster spot as a depth receiver/special teams player and, honestly, he’s more likely to land on the practice squad.
The Giants have Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt and Isaiah Hodgins. Gunner Olszewski and Isaiah McKenize might be competing for one spot. If everyone is healthy, that leaves guys like Ford-Wheaton, Miles Boykin and everyone else competing for a seventh wide receiver spot — with no guarantee the Giants will keep seven receivers.
Remember 2022 sixth-round pick Darrian Beavers? He was impressive in his first training camp, tore an ACL, missed the entire year and spent last year on the practice squad. Marcus McKethan, 2022 fifth-round pick, wasn’t ready for prime time last year after missing all of 2022 with an ACL. Don’t expect Ford-Wheaton to suddenly become a primary receiver. If he does, that is a huge bonus.
Tom Targonski asks: I’ve been a Giants fan since growing up in Brooklyn in the 1970s, so I’ve been there for all the ups and downs. I know the offensive line was addressed in free agency, BUT with all the experts saying that this draft was loaded with Olinemen, I can’t believe the Giants didn’t pick one at all. The line has been the worst performing unit for many seasons now. We all know depth is a huge issue in the NFL. Your thoughts?
Ed says: Tom, I have to admit it was a surprise to me, as well. Then again, I always say that free agency is a tell as to what a team intends to do in the draft. The Giants signed FIVE veteran offensive lineman who have started double-digit games in the NFL. Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor will be starters. Aaron Stinnie might be a starter at guard if Eluemunor ends up at right tackle. Center Austin Schlottman and right tackle Matt Nelson are experienced players.
The Giants still have young players Joe Schoen drafted in Josh Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan. Perhaps new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo can get the value from them that the Giants hoped for.
Where was the right spot for the Giants to take an offensive lineman? I am not buying the smoke that the Giants would have traded up to No. 3 for Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt, or even taken him at No. 6.
In Round 2, the Giants took a badly-needed probable starting safety in Tyler Nubin. Four offensive tackles and...
