Folks, the 2022 NFL Draft has came and went. The Giants made a total of eleven picks in the 2022 NFL Draft over the span of three days and it’s time for us to dig into each and every pick here.
Without further adieu, here are my grades for the Giants 2022 NFL Draft Class.
Round 1, Pick 5: Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux- A+
The Giants got my 5th ranked player and my 2nd ranked edge rusher with the fifth overall pick. Kayvon has the potential to become the face of the franchise and a double-digit sack edge rusher for the Giants.
Round 1, Pick 7: OT Evan Neal- A+
Once again, the Giants hit their second first round pick out of the park by drafting OT Evan Neal with the seventh overall pick. Neal was my second ranked tackle and my third ranked player overall in this draft class. He should come in and be a mainstay at right tackle on day one.
Round 2, Pick 43: WR Wan’Dale Robinson- C
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know who Wan’Dale Robinson was when the Giants chose him but after watching his tape I understand the hype. He is a fast, elusive, and a really good route runner. He had seven drops last season which is a bit concerning and there’s an argument to be made that the Giants could have waited to pick him in round 3 so that knocks them down a few letter grades.
Round 3, Pick 67: OL Joshua Ezeudu- B+
Joshua Ezeudu is a versatile offensive lineman that can play inside at guard or outside at tackle. On some drives for UNC this season he played both on the same drive. Ultimately he is a high floor player who can compete to start inside at guard this season and potentially develop as a tackle as his career goes on.
Round 3, Pick 81: CB Cordale Flott- B
Cordale Flott is an undersized nickel corner who has some potential. He needs to gain some weight at the NFL level but even at 178 pounds he’s not afraid to go make some tackles.
Flott will have some time to develop before he needs to take a role on this team.
Round 4, Pick 112: TE Daniel Bellinger- A
Bellinger is a big tight end who can block well and has some developmental traits to become a pass catcher. He is highly athletic and he tested similarly to Travis Kelce in the combine. He is also a YAC monster.
Round 4, Pick 114: S Dane Belton- B+
Dane Belton is a versatile safety who can play in the box or in coverage. He is good at finding holes in the offensive line and breaking up plays in the run. He had good production in the pass game with five interceptions last season for Iowa.
Round 5, Pick 146: LB Micah McFadden- B
Micah McFadden is a downhill, blitzing linebacker who had good production for Indiana. Ultimately he has some athletic limitations which is why he fell to round five. This is good value for the Giants, though.
Round 5, Pick 147: DT DJ Davidson- C
Davidson is a pure run stuffing nose tackle that will likely be used in a depth role this season for Big Blue. My only issue with the pick is that he’s already 24 years old which could mean that his upside is highly limited.
Round 5, Pick 173: OL Marcus McKethan- B
Marcus Mckethan brings size ( 6’6″ and 340 lbs) to compete for a spot on the interior of the Giants offensive line. He started 25 games at right guard in the past two seasons for UNC. McKethan is a good run blocker but his pass blocking leaves a lot to be desired.
Round 6, Pick 182: LB Darrian Beavers- A
Beavers is a productive linebacker from Cincinnati who had 100 tackles a year ago and was a key contributor on special teams. These are the types of guys you love to take chances on in round 6.