NFL Draft Insights: Daniel Jeremiah’s 2024 Top 50 Prospects for the Giants – NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has released his latest update, version 4.0, of his top 50 potential prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. This list contains some compelling insights and intriguing notes specifically relevant to the New York Giants, who are looking to enhance their roster through strategic selections.

Let’s delve into a few key highlights from his analysis.

Comprehensive Quarterback Rankings for the NFL Draft

Jeremiah provides a detailed ranking of the top quarterbacks available in this draft class:

1. Caleb Williams, USC (No. 1 overall)
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina (No. 5)
3. Jayden Daniels, LSU (No. 6)
4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (No. 20)
5. Bo Nix, Oregon (No. 29)
6. Michael Penix Jr., Washington (No. 33)

Jeremiah ranks Maye just slightly ahead of Daniels, stating, “Maye has some aspects to refine, yet he possesses every essential quality to become a top-tier starter at the most critical position in football.” This evaluation highlights Maye’s potential as a significant asset for any team in need of a quarterback.

My speculation? If Maye slips past the Washington Commanders at the second overall pick, Giants’ general manager Joe Schoen could be poised to make a move to acquire him, recognizing the value he could bring to the Giants’ offensive strategy.

While Penix has garnered attention lately, Jeremiah places Nix ahead of him as the fifth-best quarterback. Jeremiah draws a comparison between Nix and Jalen Hurts, noting Nix’s unique skill set and potential impact on the field.

Strategic Wide Receiver Rankings for the Upcoming NFL Draft

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (No. 2 overall)
2. Rome Odunze, Washington (No. 3)
3. Malik Nabers, LSU (No. 4)
4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU (No. 17)
5. Adonai Mitchell, Texas (No. 27)
6. Ladd McConkey, Georgia (No. 34)
7. Xavier Worthy, Texas (No. 35)
8. Ricky Pearsall, Florida (No. 40)
9. Troy Franklin, Oregon (No. 42)
10. Keon Coleman, Florida State (No. 43)
11. Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky (No. 45)
12. Roman Wilson, Michigan (No. 47)

Jeremiah has consistently ranked Odunze slightly higher than Nabers. Although I realize I may be in the minority, I share Jeremiah’s perspective. If I were managing the Giants and considering a wide receiver at the sixth pick, I would be thrilled with either option. However, given the choice, I lean towards Odunze due to his impressive size, physicality, strong hands, and reliability on the field.

Jeremiah articulates:

Odunze is a large, athletic wide receiver with exceptional hand skills. He can effectively play both outside and in the slot. His game has improved significantly, showcasing his polished technique in all aspects. He employs a variety of releases at the line of scrimmage and displays precise route running. Odunze uses his strength to engage defenders before breaking away. He thrives in contested situations and has the ability to catch passes while absorbing big hits in the middle of the field. His ability to make incredible adjustments on poorly thrown balls is noteworthy. He tracks the ball naturally over his shoulder, and after the catch, he is incredibly difficult to bring down, exhibiting remarkable make-miss ability. He plays with a great deal of enthusiasm and energy. Overall, Odunze is an outstanding competitor and reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald during his college career.

By the way, it’s important to note that 12 of Jeremiah’s top 50 prospects are wide receivers. If the Giants opt for a quarterback with their first selection, they may miss out on acquiring an immediate WR1. Nevertheless, they will still have the opportunity to draft a solid wide receiver if they choose to pursue one.

I am also closely examining the range of cornerbacks that Jeremiah has ranked between 25 and 50. I believe some of these players could still be available at pick No. 47, assuming the Giants don’t trade that selection to move up for a quarterback—or use it to draft a quarterback themselves.

The cornerbacks rated between 25 and 50 by Jeremiah include Ennis Rakestraw (Missouri, No. 28), Nate Wiggins (Clemson, No. 31), Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama, No. 36), and Max Melton (Rutgers, No. 50).