On Sunday, the New York Giants played their most complete game of the season 31-19 rout the Washington Commanders (4-7) and move to 3-8. Here are three key takeaways from New York’s victory that have major implications for the 2024 NFL Draft:
The defense shows its potential
After scoring 79 points in the previous two games, the Giants defense played its most dominant game of the season on Sunday. The team forced five of Washington’s six turnovers, recovered two turnovers and intercepted three passes from QB Sam Howell, one of which resulted in a decisive 54-yard pick six by LB Isaiah Simmons.
Additionally, the Giants recorded four sacks, including two from second-year OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux. The former No. 5 overall draft pick appears to be taking another step toward becoming the guy New York was hoping to gain an advantage after a mixed rookie year. Thibodeaux he now has 10.5 sacks, which is fifth in the NFL.
The Giants are still allowing the fifth-most points per game this season (25.9), but perhaps soon they will have one of the best defenses in the league. With players like Thibodeaux, All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence, LB Bobby Okereke and rookie CB Deonte Banks, the Giants have a solid foundation to build on. Nevertheless, GM Joe Schoen will need to review 32nd place offense this offseason, considering his incompetence may be largely responsible for the defense being in such difficult positions throughout the season.
QB Tommy DeVito has the makings of a serviceable backup
DeVito may not have to move out of his parents’ house any time soon if he continues to perform at this level. The undrafted rookie out of New Jersey was outstanding in his third career start, completing 18 of 26 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Since being named New York’s starting quarterback, DeVito He threw for 507 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Even though it’s a backup Tyrod Taylor expected to return from a rib injury as soon as Week 14, HC Brian Daboll shouldn’t be putting a veteran into the lineup so quickly. Taylor he signed a contract only for this season, and since he is 34 years old, he will not be a good backup quarterback in the long run. DeVito may not have many, if any, three-touchdown performances anymore, but he’s showing enough signs of improvement that he should be in contention to be New York’s backup in the future.
QB Daniel Jones’ future is becoming a little brighter
Although the Giants should be happy with the victory after a hard-fought battle, it comes at the expense of their draft position, and in an already lost season, a victory may cause mixed feelings. According to TankatonThe Giants are projected to select fifth overall, which is good news for Jones, who is out with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
New York entered Sunday’s action with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and had a chance to acquire USC’s Caleb Williams or UNC’s Drake Maye – two key quarterbacks it has sought multiple times this season. With Jones set to expire on his four-year, $160 million contract after the 2024 season, many have speculated that the Giants will select a quarterback if possible, although it is unlikely that Williams or Maye will be available at the fifth spot.
While there’s still some time until the official draft order, there’s reason to believe the Giants will remain out of reach for a top quarterback. The Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) is the only team with a winning record remaining on the New York schedule. The jury is still out on whether Jones is a franchise quarterback, but the Giants paid him as such and if they can’t secure a suitable replacement, they will have to draft someone in the first round who can help him develop.
