The New York Giants used their two picks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to build their offensive and defensive fronts.
They used the fifth overall selection for edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and the seventh pick for offensive tackle Evan Neal.
Both are great pickups because Neal will help boost the protection around quarterback Daniel Jones.
Meanwhile, Thibodeaux helps a struggling Giants pass rush that generated only 34 sacks in 2021.
Those picks alone show that Joe Schoen takes a different approach than his predecessor, Dave Gettleman.
But the new general manager revealed more of his amazing thoughts to Big Blue Banter podcast host Dan Schneier.
Wow very interesting admission from #Giants GM Joe Schoen: He said they had six players they coveted. If any weren't avail, they would've traded back and they had THREE teams in place with offers to trade back. Love to hear that this was a prioritized part of his process.
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) April 29, 2022
Schneier tweeted, “Wow very interesting admission from #Giants GM Joe Schoen: He said they had six players they coveted. If any weren’t avail, they would’ve traded back, and they had THREE teams in place with offers to trade back. Love to hear that this was a prioritized part of his process.”
Teams should always create multiple options during the draft.
Identifying those scenarios avoids panic.
Likewise, the draft board should reflect the order of preference in every position based on assigned grades.
With this approach, Schoen is ready for any possibility while still getting players that will fit their system.
They could have added picks to their draft capital by trading back, helping them address other glaring needs either this year or the next.
Giants Had A Nice First-Round Haul
Even if they used their picks, the Giants got two potential starters.
Thibodeaux was a Unanimous All-American last year who had 35 solo tackles and seven sacks.
He also won the 2020 Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s top defensive lineman.
Meanwhile, Neal was a Consensus All-American and First-Team All-SEC in 2021.
He also won a CFP National Championship with Alabama in 2020.
Neal will be an asset in both pass and run blocking.
NEXT: Giants GM Not Focused On A Specific Position In The Draft