The New York Giants came away from the 2024 NFL Draft with a six-player class that led to some high reviews.
Each year, a number of players are impacted by the incoming draft class. Some players will have more competition for a roster spot because of the presence of the new rookies.
Conversely, others may have a higher chance of securing a roster spot because the team didn't add to their position.
RELATED: Experts impressed with Giants' haul in NFL Draft
With the draft now behind them, here's a look at the winners and losers for the Giants coming out of the 2024 NFL Draft:
Giants' winners and losers from NFL Draft
Winner: QB Daniel Jones
Though the Giants did try to trade up to No. 3 in order to draft Drake Maye, Jones is a winner because it was clear they didn't feel it was absolutely necessary to select a quarterback. Whether Jones, who is still recovering from a torn ACL, will be able to fend off Drew Lock is another question.
However, Jones is a pretty big winner due to the fact that the Giants didn't draft a quarterback at all and because they selected wide receiver Malik Nabers at No. 6. Nabers instantly gives the Giants a true WR1 to lead a room that already has some decent talent in Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt and Isaiah Hodgins.
Loser: WR Darius Slayton
The addition of Nabers at No. 6 means the Giants now have a true alpha WR1 to lead the room. That should open things up for players like Hyatt, Robinson and Hodgins. Nabers will likely split his time between the slot and the outside as the Giants look to get him as many favorable matchups as possible.
This isn't to say that Slayton will be completely obsolete. He should still have a role within the offense as a deep threat, and his connection with Jones is still viable. But a consistent target share probably is less likely with the arrival of Nabers.
Winner: RB Devin Singletary
The Giants didn't address the running back room until the middle of Day 3 of the draft even though they had their chances to add a talent like Trey Benson on Day 2. The Carolina Panthers seemingly wanted to jump the Giants in the second round, trading up to grab Jonathon Brooks at No. 46—one spot ahead of Big Blue.
The addition of Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the fifth round was a solid move that gives the Giants a viable receiving back and one who can work consistently on passing downs both as a pass-catcher and in protection. It may not be the most exciting 1-2 punch, but this backfield has some juice with Singletary leading the way and Tracy adding some change-of-pace duties.
Loser: TE Darren Waller
While the Giants are giving Waller the time to figure out whether he wants to retire, the team made sure to have a contingency in place. Even if Waller were a sure thing to return in 2024, the tight end position was still one of need for the Giants.
RELATED: Why the Giants drafted TE Theo Johnson
Adding Penn State's Theo Johnson is a solid bet on a Day 3 player with impeccable traits. He's already a solid in-line blocker, and he showed promise as a pass-catcher. We know Brian Daboll has a history of working with tight ends so much of the focus at the position now may lead to developing Johnson as a weapon.
Winner: LB Micah McFadden
It seems very likely the Giants are going to roll into the 2024 season with the duo of McFadden and Bobby Okereke at linebacker. While Okereke was one of the few players to see 100% of his team's snaps on defense in 2023, McFadden worked as the other linebacker at 65.3%.
The Giants did add UCLA's Darius Muasau in the sixth round, but it's more likely he starts out as a special teams contributor. Muasau is a nice Day 3 addition thanks to his high-level instincts and play recognition abilities. For now, it seems McFadden's role next to Okereke is safe.
Loser: CB Tre Hawkins III
The Giants seemingly found a running mate for cornerback Deonte Banks, the team's first-round pick in 2023. That happened when they selected Kentucky's Andru Phillips in the third round. Hawkins, a sixth-round pick in 2023, saw just over 30% of the snaps during his rookie season, and it did not go well.
Hawkins allowed an 80% reception rate, 157.2 passer rating and 15.7 yards per reception on 26 targets in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. Phillips is far from the cleanest prospect, but he's likely going to enter training camp with a high chance of winning the No. 2 cornerback role.
For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
