Big Blue View
Giants’ GM is taking fire from the fan base
In the wake of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Big Blue View Mailbag received a number of questions about New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen. To answer those, it’s a bonus edition of the mailbag.
Glen B: Ed, as much as I want to believe in Joe Schoen, I just cannot understand his seemingly inability to recognize glaring holes in his rosters. Last year, he failed to see the need to sign a viable kick returner or O-line depth, including retaining Tyre Phillips. This year, as much as I liked the draft picks and moves to shore up the O-line, we still have a glaring need for a cornerback that is not a slot CB. Why would you instead draft another Flott when you already have one? I know they hope the kid they did draft can play outside corner, but that isn’t his strength. Reminds me of all the slot receivers they’ve had with no No. 1 threat. And along that same line, Schoen passed on Odunze despite the glaring need for a big tall and strong receiver capable of making contested catches. Nabers may turn out to be a great pick, but again he reminds me of someone they already have, Wan’Dale Robinson. I understand you can’t fill every need all the time, but why choose players with skills that you already have on your roster when you have other choices that can help fill glaring needs. At the very least, if Schoen wants to succeed he can’t leave glaring holes like those he left last year that other teams can so easily exploit.
Ed says: Glen, there is a lot of frustration expressed in that question. Or, really, series of questions. Let me say this — there were a lot of decisions made last season that I did not understand. The season didn’t go well, partially because of some of those decisions. That doesn’t mean Schoen is incapable. It means he made some mistakes. I think he knows that. Now to the specific parts of your question.
Inability to recognize glaring holes in the roster — I don’t think that is true at all. After letting Richie James go in free agency, Schoen knew he needed to address the return situation. He admitted Gray was a risk in that role. It didn’t work, Schoen owned it, they moved on.
I didn’t like the way the Giants structured their offensive line depth last year. Schoen admitted the miscalculation by bringing Phillips back during the season. He also added Justin Pugh.
He didn’t “fail to see” anything. The Giants made a couple of poor decisions.
Picking Phillips — I have been among those who have pointed out the duplication with Cor’Dale Flott. That said, I am not going to condemn the pick before the kid has a chance to show if he can play. Plus, the offseason isn’t over yet. Also, maybe the Giants think Nick McCloud is a...
