Big Blue View
The mail’s here!
Derick Gross asks: Aside from Daboll’s coach of the year win in 2022 and an exceptional draft class in 2024, this regime has shown little evidence that their scouting, strength and conditioning, drafting, player development, coaching, game planning, or roster building gives them a competitive advantage. But this is the second offseason in a row that rumors are swirling about the Giants acquiring an impact player via trade (Brian Burns last year, and Matthew Stafford this year). In your experience, is exceptional skill in executing trades an area where a GM can give a team a massive advantage? If Joe Schoen is prone to draft misses, is it reasonable to think that he can make up for it by getting great value for some picks by trading them for the right impact players?
Ed says: Derick, the ability to make smart trades is one of the tools a GM has to have in his toolbox. I don’t think it can make up for other weaknesses, because you are always giving up assets in trades. Schoen has made some trades that have worked out, like the Burns trade, and some that have not, like the Darren Waller trade.
A GM also has to be able to manage the cap, be able to properly assess the talent on his own team, and do a good job bringing in free agents.
Above all else, though, a GM has got to be able to draft well. Drafted players remain the lifeblood of a team. If you don’t draft well over the long haul, you can’t have consistent success.
Is Schoen “prone to draft mistakes?” Schoen had a phenomenal 2024 draft, and he had spotty drafts his first two seasons. Those drafts, of course, were marred by the Evan Neal pick. The jury is out on Deonte Banks, too.
Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles is on a great run, but he did pick Jalen Reagor in Round 1 in 2020.
The Kansas City Chiefs have gotten real contributions from only two draft picks over the past two seasons — second-round pick Rashee Rice in 2023 and first-round pick Xavier Worthy in 2024.
Teams at the top like the Eagles and Chiefs can absorb occasional mistakes because of what they already have. Schoen and the Giants aren’t at that place. When they make a mistake with a premium resource, it sets them back.
Bob Donnelly asks: There’s no question that the Giants roster needs improvement. You have identified the biggest holes to fill. However, there’s opportunity to improve at almost every position, some more than others. Center is one that comes to mind. JMS has not proven he can consistently pass protect and there may better options available.
Where do you see opportunities to improve beyond the biggest needs you have already identified?
Ed says: Bob, you are right that there might be an opportunity to improve everywhere across the roster. I understand people pointing out that John Michael Schmitz has...
