Top Five Prospects For The Giants to Target in the 2022 NFL Draft

Written By Ethan Machado

The New York Giants are without a doubt one of the worst teams in the NFL. However, with some new faces in town, and a ton of draft capital, the Giants are in position to make some big improvements next season if they can get this draft right. As we all know, that starts in round one, the Giants have two first round picks (picks five and seven) at their disposal this year. These are the five players that I think will be in play for new general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants at those picks and who they just may select in April.

1. Ikem Ekwonu (OT) - NC State

Kicking this list off we have potentially the best Offensive Tackle in the class. Ekwonu has the ability to be the best Offensive Tackle in the league, having all the “unmeasurable” traits. While tackle Evan Neal will most likely be off the board before the Giants get to select, and is likely the most polished and safe pick for Tackle, I think it makes all the sense in the world for the Giants to select Ekwonu. The NC State standout can easily slide into almost any spot on the offensive line (likely right tackle) and be a solid starter from day one. The Giants are in desperate need of help on the offensive line, with only one legitimate starter in former top five pick Andrew Thomas. In a draft where I expect the Giants to go offensive line early and often, I think it's very likely we see Ekwonu picked with one of the Giants two top ten selections.

2. Charles Cross (OT) - Mississippi

Charles Cross and Ikem Ekwonu were going head to head in a battle for who will be the first Offensive Tackle selected this year and Cross had all the ability to win it. While I prefer Ekwonu, Cross is still an excellent talent and more proven than his counterpart in Ekwonu. Cross played in the most competitive conference in college football and consistently faced the best talent, which will definitely prepare him better for the NFL. Cross can be plugged into any offensive line and start day one for anyone lucky enough to select him. I wouldn’t rule out the Giants selecting both Cross and Ekwonu and moving Ekwonu to the inside with his versatility, and Cross’ ability to be a more typical tackle in the NFL.

3. George Karlaftis (EDGE) - Purdue

George Karlaftis may be my favorite prospect in the entire NFL draft. The edge rusher out of Purdue presents everything the Giants need at the edge position. Karlaftis has a high motor and presents a ton of discipline when it comes to the run game and option plays. Karlaftis rarely gets beat on these plays and is always moving until the whistle is blown. The Giants desperately need a player like this to complement their young star edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. In the past, the Giants have been known for their ability to get to the quarterback, and in recent years, one of the worst. A young duo of Karlaftis and Ojulari could be outstanding for the Giants and bring the defense back to their former identity.

4. David Ojabo (EDGE) ~ Michigan

David Ojabo is simply electric. In my personal opinion, he is much more similar to current Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, which is why I prefer Karlaftis. However, I would be ecstatic with both of these prospects. Ojabo has a quick get off and constantly hunts the ball, creating multiple strip sacks for the Michigan Wolverines this past season. Michigan has been able to push out many defensive stars in the NFL and have a chance to add a couple more this year, with Ojabo’s teammate Aidan Hutchinson locked to go in the top three this year. I believe that adding Ojabo would give the Giants a fantastic edge rushing duo and create a lot of excitement for Giants fans who’ve been begging for another great New York Giant pass rusher.

5. Malik Willis (QB) ~ Liberty

I have been one of the more optimistic Giants fans in terms of current signal caller Daniel Jones, and it seems like the Giants are committed to trying to make him work this year. However, Malik Willis has the most upside of any Quarterback in this draft, and if given enough time, could turn into one of the best in the league. The Liberty Quarterback has flashed his potential, showing off his insane arm talent and scrambling ability. In a league where the Quarterbacks are becoming more mobile and athletic, I wouldn’t rule out the Giants trying to go in that direction. I think it is far-fetched to try and draft him in the first round, but Willis has great upside and if he falls to the Giants in round two, I fully expect him to be the pick. Daboll could get his guy and start a new era of football in New York.

Ethan Machado
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