As the 2022 NFL draft approached, the New York Giants were in prime position to add two cornerstone players to build around for years to come.
It would have been hard to believe that the Giants were going to end up with both Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal — one or both were widely expected to go within the top four. But that’s not what happened.
Instead, the Giants seemingly lucked out and landed both players.
Talent along the offensive and defensive lines is something that New York has won with in the past and now hope to do in the near future with the selections of their two first rounders.
Still, the Giants are certainly far from ready to compete, although the selections at No. 5 and No. 7 should turn into long-term players for Big Blue.
Of course, as many know, the draft is a bit of a crapshoot. Sometimes you hit and sometimes you miss. However, on paper, the Giants’ two first rounders look like premier talent.
Only time will tell while Thibodeaux and Neal adjust to the competition level in the NFL, but it appears as if the Giants have some historical data on their side:
Circling back on this: NFL players who were top 10 draft picks (2012-present) & a 5-star HS recruit had a 81.25% hit rate (player is a long-term starter or better).
5-star guys in the top 10:
Travon Walker
Derek Stingley
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Evan Neal
Charles Cross
Garrett Wilson— Erika (@emesola) April 29, 2022
Thibodeaux seems to have a good work ethic and has already made clear in his short time with Big Blue that he’s focused on learning the playbook. Not only that, Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan is also serving as his mentor.
Meanwhile, Neal hopes to team up with Andrew Thomas and change the Giants’ fortunes along the offensive line. It’s been a weakness for nearly a decade, costing the jobs of players and personnel alike.
While there is certainly no such thing as a sure thing, it’s nice to know that the Giants have some historical data on their side. Both Neal and Thibodeaux play key positions and in order for Big Blue to turn this around, both picks will have to produce at a high level.
