The New York Giants underwent a number of changes this offseason which have brought back some lost optimism after a 6-11 campaign in 2023.
Not everyone is buying into general manager Joe Schoen’s plan, however. Nate Davis of USA TODAY doesn’t see the Giants competing this season. In fact, he believes they will be two games worse than they were last year.
New York Giants (4-13): If you’ve been watching “Hard Knocks,” you’ve gleaned insight into GM Joe Schoen’s offseason thinking – namely to diversify his cap allotment beyond now-departed Barkley while trying to build a roster that will allow the team to provide one more fair assessment of convalescing QB Daniel Jones (ACL) … and, yes, the Barkley divorce certainly doesn’t seem like a decision that will serve Jones well. Maybe the arrival of hyped first-round WR Malik Nabers and a fortified O-line will provide the desired offset. But unless first-year coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense dials in quickly and spectacularly, it’s difficult to find many wins here – particularly before December – in what’s actually the NFC East’s most difficult schedule (based on opponents’ 2023 winning percentages).
Davis is right to point out the multiple uncertainties within the building as training camp starts (Jones’ rehab, the rebuilt offensive line, the loss of Barkley, and a new defensive coordinator) as a reason to have little confidence.
The Giants must prove they are not a doormat early on and stack up some wins if they are to change the narrative.
A four-win season would put them right at the top of the NFL Draft order for 2025. This year, three four-win teams selected in the second, third, and fourth overall spots in the draft (the Giants picked fifth).
If they do only win just four games, it will be the ninth top-10 pick they’ll have made since 2015.
