MOBILE, Ala. — If quarterback is where the process leads the Giants, they will take one in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Giants currently own the No. 6 overall pick and scouting and evaluating the top-tier quarterbacks will be a strong emphasis this year, even with the belief in the building that Daniel Jones will be ready to roll this summer coming off reconstructive knee surgery.
“Where we are, we’re in a good spot at six, we’re gonna look at every position we have needs across the board, offensively and defensively,’’ general manager Joe Schoen said Tuesday morning from the site of the Senior Bowl. “Daniel’s in the building every day working hard. The expectation is for him to be the starter when he’s healthy going into camp and we’re gonna be thorough with our process at every position during the draft, regardless whether it’s quarterback, running back, safety, corner, whatever it is. We’ll take a good player at six.’’
Schoen and the Giants’ contingent attending the Senior Bowl will get another first-hand look at Bo Nix (Oregon) and Michael Penix (Washington), two of the higher-rated quarterback prospects after the presumed Big Three of Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina) and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels (LSU).
Those top three could all be off the board when the Giants are on the clock at No. 6 and it will be difficult — but not impossible — for the Giants to move up a few spots to grab one of them, if that is their desire.
Schoen and the Giants at this time last year gave Jones a four-year contract worth $160 million, as Jones was coming off a fully healthy 2023 season and helped his team to a winning record and the first playoff victory for the franchise since 2011.
The Giants can get out of that deal after three years with minimal harm to the salary cap.
If there is a quarterback in this draft the Giants can foresee sitting behind Jones for a year and then taking over that would be an attractive option.
Of course, if Jones returns to full health and plays well, all the better for the organization, with competition at the position never a bad thing.
The Giants must be cognizant that Jones has endured three serious injuries in a short period of time — two neck issues and a torn ACL.
Schoen said he spoke with running back Saquon Barkley, an impending free agent, on the Friday after the season ended.
He characterized it as a “good conversation’’ and it will not be the last conversation.
“He was getting ready to go to Africa for a Super Bowl commercial,’’ Schoen said. “The plan is to circle up with his representatives when we get to the Combine.’’
The NFL scouting combine is Feb. 29 through March 3 in Indianapolis.
The biggest vacancy on Brian Daboll’s coaching staff remains defensive coordinator after the sudden exit of Wink Martindale.
“Dabes is working through that right now,’’ Schoen said. “Hopefully by the end of the week we’ll have some resolution at the defensive coordinator position. A lot of good candidates that Dabes interviewed and we’re excited about some of the finalists.’’
Dennard Wilson, the Ravens defensive backs coach, is a solid candidate and has twice interviewed with Daboll.
Other candidates include Chiefs linebackers coach Brendan Daly, Bills linebackers coach Bobby Babich, Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile and Jerome Henderson, the Giants’ defensive backs coach. Two former NFL defensive coordinators, Shane Bowen (Titans) and Derrick Ansley (Chargers) also met with Daboll.
If Ejiro Evero is released from his contract with the Panthers, he could be another candidate for the Giants to bring in.
Schoen said the Giants on defense were not so scheme-specific with Martindale that they could not adjust if a new coordinator wants to change the system.
“The way we’re built we can be 4-3 or 3-4,’’ Schoen said. “We drafted that way where we’re not pigeon-holed into one certain scheme. Where the personnel is on defense right now, whether it’s 4-3 or 3-4 I think we could go out and play.’’