Predictions for the 2023-2024 Season
The Giants still expect to make several interesting decisions during the offseason to improve their offensive core. The franchise tag story affected the Giants to a certain extent due to the star running back, Saquon Barkley, not being tagged by the organization. Therefore, if the Giants’ quarterback, Daniel Jones, displays an upside to his playing ability, it could become the primary factor affecting the future of Big Blue. With Barkley around, however, the Giants will improve their chances of scoring points and reaching the playoffs in the upcoming season. With several skillful wide receivers, Jones will become even more of a dual threat.
Coach Brian Daboll will be able to run more passing plays to avoid unnecessary injuries. The future of the New York team also seems to depend on the performance of Darius Slayton, who has had a questionable 2022-2023 season despite a solid output, with 46 receptions, two touchdowns, and 724 yards overall (Citak, 2023). There is a need for a #1 wide receiver for Big Blue to become a true contender in the division and elevate the impact generated by Daniel Jones.
On the other side of the spectrum, a massive demand for defense players will reshape Big Blue’s approach to their biggest rivals, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. While the defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and the defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux are putting up serious numbers, more edge rushers are required to create even more pressure and improve the number of sacks per season. Also, a speedy linebacker could improve the team’s chances of making the playoffs and moving past the wild card or the divisional round.
Being just a few days away from the draft, the Giants should expect several significant changes. The free agent market and the trading room are becoming narrower during the offseason. The Giants’ general manager, Joe Schoen, is willing to take a step forward and continue building around Daniel Jones. The 25th overall pick in the 2023 official NFL Draft can become the decisive factor in Big Blue’s playoff history in the upcoming season. Some of the expert predictions are as follows:
Quentin Johnston, WR
Despite the possible issues with catches, this wide receiver represents one of the best available options in the market right now. Johnston tends to put up large yards-after-catch numbers, and he is also a rather quick offensive player, which makes him almost unstoppable. Daniel Jones could benefit from Johnston’s swiftness, especially with more first-read plays.
Steve Avila, C
This player can be expected to boost Big Blue’s offensive tackling strength. Avila is going to become one of the core defensive weapons for the Giants.
John Michael-Schmitz, C
It is vital for the Giants to protect their quarterback at any cost. This is why Michael-Schmitz is one of the best options in the market for the newly rebuilt team from New York. As a dominant interior blocker, Michael-Schmitz will be instrumental in establishing routes for the team’s running game while also giving Daniel Jones enough time in the pocket.
Zay Flowers, WR
As a potentially late pick, this wide receiver still represents a vital asset for the Giants, especially with Darius Slayton having resigned and Darren Waller being added to the roster as a tight end. Even if taken late into the first round, this pick can become surprisingly effective later during the season.
Trenton Simpson, LB
This draft pick could become an x-factor during the season because the Giants could benefit from a playmaking linebacker who lines up in different sports and effectively covers both run and pass plays. There is no doubt Simpson could work nicely with Bobby Okereke (LB) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (LB).
These draft insights make it safe to say that New York could still capitalize on new wide receivers and step up the team’s offense. Joe Schoen seems to have focused on the defensive side of the spectrum, which can be expected to give the Giants the benefit of strengthening their pass rush game. Overall, the draft prospects
Are the Giants Winning the Superbowl in 2024?
The team’s power moves did not contribute to exclusively positive expectations regarding the Giants’ Super Bowl future in 2024. With the seventh-best odds in the conference, it will be hard for the Big Blue to compete against the Eagles and the Cowboys. There is a clear advantage against the Commanders, especially with the post-draft improvements, but there are too many questions regarding the Jones-Barkley tandem and its long-term effectiveness.
Objectively, the odds are against Big Blue, but GM Schoen’s moves could significantly increase the team’s chances of seeing the playoffs first-hand and make fans proud of the renewed franchise. Paired with Daboll’s coaching and the team’s aggressive play style, it can be vital to keep building on the 2023 season’s success to recognize the best ways to capitalize on the draft. Either way, the Giants are in good hands, and Eli Manning’s legacy could be resurrected.
Reference
Citak, M. (2023). Giants bring back wide receiver Darius Slayton. Web.