4/29/22
The first round of the NFL draft was, in one word, chaotic as shit. What was supposed to be a dull draft with no surprises turned into utter chaos, starting with the very first pick. Travon Walker going number one was something that few expected at the start of everyone’s mock draft, but it was no surprise that it happened. The Baltimore Ravens trade of Hollywood Brown to the Cardinals for more picks was something that nobody really saw coming.
The big takeaway from the draft was the damn Eagles snagging Jordan Davis, who for those of you who don’t know who he is, is probably one of the biggest human beings to ever play in the NFL. The guy is 6’6, 341, oh and he also runs a 4.78 40. Imagine having someone like that coming after you to rip your head off. It’s fucking terrifying. Along with Davis, Philly traded the 18th and 101st draft picks for A.J. Brown. It was easily the most unexpected move of the draft so far, and Philly is so much better for it. They now have a ton of weapons for Jalen Hurts if he can be consistent in being a capable QB.
Moving on from the Eagles, because nobody cares about them, Joe Schoen did what Dave Gettleman could not, and that was make smart decisions with 2 top 10 picks. I’m not gonna lie, I was terrified that Evan Neal was going to be off the board at 7 because I was worried the Panthers would pick him, but it didn’t happen.
I think Kayvon Thibodeaux slipped in the draft a bit, from being the no brainer 1st overall pick, because he got hurt during the middle of his season at Oregon. He gives me huge Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora vibes, and I think he can easily be the next great Giants pass rusher. Lastly, it was hilarious that he dapped up Roger Goodell and Goodell had no clue what was going on.
With the seventh pick, Schoen picked who I thought was the best offensive lineman in the draft, Evan Neal. What you need to know about Evan Neal is that he was an absolute STUD at ‘Bama. He was easily their best player in the draft, and it’s always good to draft someone that Saban coached. Mel Kiper said that Neal is traditionally a right tackle, which is huge to help support Andrew Thomas on the left side. I like having both ends of the line jacked up to protect Daniel Jones against the elite edge rushers in the league, especially with Micah Parsons and Chase Young in the division.
Overall, I loved what Joe Schoen did in the first round. I think if he traded down to try and get more pieces it would of been disastrous. Taking two amazing talents on both sides of the ball is exactly what the Giants needed. With 2 top 10 picks in the building along with a new front office and coaching staff, it brings even more excitement for the start of the season. If Schoen can snag a couple of more promising draft picks in these next couple of rounds I will be so pumped. I think the Giants have the potential to have a shocking year (in a good way) and I am excited for the future. Giants fans, you should be too.
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