Big Blue View
New York Giants headlines for Thursday
Good morning, New York Giants fans!
NFC East 4. New York Giants.
The success of Jaxson Dart, who led the FBS in PFF passing grade in 2024, will be the primary determinant in the Giants’ draft success. However, they improved in the trenches by selecting Abdul Carter, Darius Alexander and Marcus Mbow. Fourth-round pick Cameron Skattebo, who led the Power Four in PFF rushing grade last season, could eventually be the workhorse New York has been seeking in the backfield.
65. DL Darius Alexander, New York Giants . Alexander has prototypical size, length, and athleticism. He has a devastating bull rush with heavy hands that uproot blockers on initial contact. He also wins as a finesse rusher with an effective club-swim move and has the ideal combination of bend and lateral quickness to attack the edge of the block.
Alexander is a disruptive run defender, recording at least one run stop in every game of the 2024 season. His legs are disproportionately thin for his size and he needs to play blocks with lower pad level to improve his anchor. But he has the power and twitch in his upper body to rip through single blocks and make plays in the backfield. Alexander was one of the most impressive defensive tackles at the Senior Bowl.
New York Giants. Biggest need: Guard. The Giants made a run at free agent guard Will Fries, but he ended up way out of their price range. They then pivoted to 35-year-old Greg Van Roten, whom they were trying to replace. It’s also possible that they’ll try to convert failed right tackle Evan Neal to a guard. And while they plan to work their fifth-round pick, Marcus Mbow, at tackle at first, many around the league projected him as a future guard. So they’ve got plenty of options at the position. It remains to be seen if any of them are good enough.
