Mel Kiper's new 2-round mock draft
Two weeks from tonight, the 2024 NFL Draft will officially kick off.
Things are beginning to heat up as we inch closer to the start of the draft with new expert predictions almost every day.
The latest analyst to release updated projections is ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., one of the biggest names in the business.
In his previous mock draft, Kiper had the Giants selecting Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze at No. 6. While he stayed at the wide receiver position this time around, the draft analyst now projects LSU wideout Malik Nabers to the Giants.
"He can run any route, creating separation on even the best cornerbacks," wrote Kiper. "This is how the Giants could instantly turn around their offense."
Nabers, who doesn't turn 21 until July 28, is one of the youngest players projected to be taken in the first round of this year's draft.
The 6-foot, 200-pound receiver finished the 2023 campaign with 1,569 receiving yards, his second consecutive year with more than 1,000 yards. He also recorded 89 receptions and lead the FBS in receiving yards while ranking No. 2 in receiving touchdowns at the conclusion of the regular season.
The 20-year-old registered the most 10+ yard plays, 20+ yard plays and 30+ yard plays this past season. He finished his collegiate career as LSU's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, and was named Unanimous All-American and first-team All-SEC for his standout 2023 campaign.
Nabers also brought in 72 passes for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore in 2022.
The young wideout shined at the LSU pro day last month, as he ran an unofficial 4.35 40-yard dash and registered a 42-inch vertical and a 10'9" broad jump.
View photos of EVERY player projected to the Giants in every round by draft analysts in mock drafts.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Renardo Green, CB, Florida State
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson
Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan
Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
Cole Bishop, S, Utah
Brenden Rice, WR, USC
Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Christian Mahogany, OL, Boston College
Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Cooper Beebe, IOL, Kansas State
MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC
Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
Josh Newton, CB, TCU
Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
Justin Eboigbe, DL, Alabama
Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland
Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami
Tanner McLachlan,TE, Arizona
Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington
M.J. Devonshire, DB, Pittsburgh
Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
Nelson Ceaser, Edge, Houston
CJ Hanson, OL, Holy Cross
Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
Dwight McGlothern, DB, Arkansas
Blake Watson, RB, Memphis
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech
Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Miss
Andru Phillips, DB, Kentucky
Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
Things got interesting when it came to the Giants' second-round pick.
Kiper projected a trade for the Giants and has them moving up from No. 47 to No. 33 in exchange for their 2025 second-round pick.
"How about a trade to kick off Day 2?" Kiper wrote. "These teams just did a deal together when Carolina sent edge rusher Brian Burns to New York for pick No. 39 and a 2025 fifth-rounder, so how about one more? In this projection, the Giants would send No. 47 -- which they got from Seattle in the Leonard Williams trade -- and their second-round pick in next year's draft to move up 14 spots.
"If that sounds a little steep, remember that there will be competition for this pick -- there's a lot of time for the Panthers to work the phones once Round 1 ends. New York has just six picks in this draft, so it can't afford to give up its third-rounder, which is why it would need to look to 2025. For Carolina, a team that isn't likely to contend this season and traded away what ended up being the No. 1 pick, getting an extra second-rounder next year would be huge."
Now with the first selection in the second round, Kiper has the Giants selecting a quarterback in the form of Oregon's Bo Nix.
The 6-foot-2, 214-pound quarterback had a standout 2023 campaign with 4,508 passing yards, 45 touchdowns and just three interceptions across 14 games. He also set a new NCAA record for the highest single season completion percentage at 77.45 percent, while adding 234 yards and six additional scores on the ground.
"Nix started a whopping 61 college games in stints at Auburn and Oregon, throwing for 15,352 total yards," wrote Kiper. "He leveled up in 2023, with 45 touchdown passes and three picks while completing 77.4% of his throws. The question for NFL teams: Do you trust he has enough arm strength to succeed? He was asked to get the ball out quickly and around the line of scrimmage for the Ducks, putting his receivers in a position to make plays after the catch. That's why I have a Round 2 grade on him. There likely will be a team that falls in love with Nix in this range; why can't it be the Giants?"
Nix was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pac-12 for his 2023 performance, in addition to finishing third in Heisman voting. He was also the recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy, awarded to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field production.
In his first season at Oregon in 2022, Nix completed over 70 percent of his passes (71.9 percent) and finished with 3,593 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran the ball 89 times for 510 yards (5.7 avg.) and an impressive 14 touchdowns while adding a receiving touchdown.
Prior to transferring to Oregon, Nix spent his first three seasons at Auburn. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2019 after throwing for 2,542 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.
The 24-year-old's 61 career starts are more than any other quarterback in NCAA history. He finished his collegiate career with 15,352 passing yards, 113 passing touchdowns and 26 interceptions along with 1,613 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns.
View photos of every NFL player selected with the sixth overall pick since the first draft in 1936.
OT Paris Johnson - Arizona Cardinals (2023)
OT Ikem Ekwonu - Carolina Panthers (2022)
WR Jaylen Waddle - Miami Dolphins (2021)
QB Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers (2020)
QB Daniel Jones - New York Giants (2019)
G Quenton Nelson - Indianapolis Colts (2018)
S Jamal Adams - New York Jets (2017)
OT Ronnie Stanley - Baltimore Ravens (2016)
DE Leonard Williams - New York Jets (2015)
OT Jake Matthews - Atlanta Falcons (2014)
DE Barkevious Mingo - Cleveland Browns (2013)
CB Morris Claiborne - Dallas Cowboys (2012)
WR Julio Jones - Atlanta Falcons (2011)
OT Russell Okung - Seattle Seahawks (2010)
OT Andre Smith - Cincinnati Bengals (2009)
LB Vernon Gholston - New York Jets (2008)
S LaRon Landry - Washington Redskins (2007)
TE Vernon Davis - San Francisco 49ers (2006)
CB Adam "Pacman" Jones - Tennessee Titans (2005)
TE Kellen Winslow - Cleveland Browns (2004)
DT Johnathan Sullivan - New Orleans Saints (2003)
DT Ryan Sims - Kansas City Chiefs (2002)
DE Richard Seymour - New England Patriots (2001)
DT Corey Simon - Philadelphia Eagles (2000)
WR Torry Holt - St. Louis Rams (1999)
DE Grant Wistrom – St. Louis Rams (1998)
OT Walter Jones – Seattle Seahawks (1997)
RB Lawrence Phillips – St. Louis Rams (1996)
DE Kevin Carter – St. Louis Rams (1995)
QB Trent Dilfer – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1994)
DE Eric Curry – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993)
QB David Klingler – Cincinnati Bengals (1992)
DT Eric Swann – Phoenix Cardinals (1991)
S Mark Carrier – Chicago Bears (1990)
LB Broderick Thomas – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1989)
WR Tim Brown – Los Angeles Raiders (1988)
QB Kelly Stouffer – St. Louis Cardinals (1987)
G Jim Dombrowski – New Orleans Saints (1986)
OT Lomas Brown – Detroit Lions (1985)
DB Mossy Cade – San Diego Chargers (1984)
OT Jim Covert – Chicago Bears (1983)
DE Jeff Bryant – Seattle Seahawks (1982)
QB Rich Campbell – Green Bay Packers (1981)
DE Curtis Greer – St. Louis Cardinals (1980)
LB Barry Krauss – Baltimore Colts (1979)
WR James Lofton – Green Bay Packers (1978)
OT Warren Bryant – Atlanta Falcons (1977)
QB Richard Todd – New York Jets (1976)
LB Robert Brazile – Houston Oilers (1975)
DT Carl Barzilauskas – New York Jets (1974)
TE Charle Young – Philadelphia Eagles (1973)
OT Greg Sampson – Houston Oilers (1972)
RB John Riggins – New York Jets (1971)
LB Steve Zabel – Philadelphia Eagles (1970)
WR Ron Sellers – Boston Patriots (1969)
DE Dennis Byrd – Boston Patriots (1968)
RB Floyd Little – Denver Broncos (1967)
K Charlie Gogolak – Washington Redskins (1966)
DT Steve DeLong – Chicago Bears/San Diego Chargers (1965)
DE Carl Eller – Minnesota Vikings (1964)
LB Lee Roy Jordan – Dallas Cowboys (1963)
T Fate Echols – St. Louis Cardinals (1962)
DB Jimmy Johnson – San Francisco 49ers (1961)
RB Jack Spikes – Pittsburgh Steelers (1960)
RB Nick Pietrosante – Detroit Lions (1959)
RB Walt Kowalczyk – Philadelphia Eagles (1958)
RB Jim Brown – Cleveland Browns (1957)
RB Joe Marconi – Los Angeles Rams (1956)
T Frank Varrichione – Pittsburgh Steelers (1955)
DB Stan Wallace – Chicago Bears (1954)
RB Billy Anderson – Chicago Bears (1953)
FB Ed Modzelewski – Pittsburgh Steelers (1952)
C Jerry Groom – Chicago Cardinals (1951)
HB/DB George Thomas – Washington Redskins (1950)
RB Bob Gage – Pittsburgh Steelers (1949)
QB Y.A. Tittle – Detroit Lions (1948)
QB Ernie Case – Green Bay Packers (1947)
RB Johnny Strzykalski – Green Bay Packers (1946)
C Frank Szymanski – Detroit Lions (1945)
HB Billy Hillenbrand – New York Giants (1944)
B Steve Filipowicz – New York Giants (1943)
B Spec Sanders – Washington Redskins (1942)
B George Franck – New York Giants (1941)
QB Doyle Nave – Detroit Lions (1940)
B Bill Osmanski – Chicago Bears (1939)
C Alex Wojciechowicz – Detroit Lions (1938)
QB Sammy Baugh – Washington Redskins (1937)
T Joe Stydahar – Chicago Bears (1936)
Currently on Giants.com
View photos of every move made by the Giants during the 2024 cycle.
DB Nick McCloud - Restricted Free Agent Signing (April 15)
LB Matthew Adams - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 12)
DL Jordan Phillips - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 11)
WR Miles Boykin - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 9)
S/LB Isaiah Simmons - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 5)
RB Dante Miller - Free Agent Signing (April 5)
WR Isaiah Hodgins - Free Agent Signing (March 24)
CB Darnay Holmes - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 22)
OT Matt Nelson - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 22)
OL Austin Schlottmann - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 18)
OL Aaron Stinnie - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 18)
TE Chris Manhertz - Free Agent Signing (March 16)
TE Jack Stoll - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 15)
OL Jon Runyan - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
RB Devin Singletary - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
QB Drew Lock - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
DB Jalen Mills - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
WR Isaiah McKenzie - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
WR/PR Gunner Olszewski - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
LB Carter Coughlin - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 14)
OLB Brian Burns - Acquired via trade with Carolina Panthers (March 13)
LB Benton Whitley - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 12)
LS Casey Kreiter - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 12)
G Mark Glowinski - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (March 4)
C Jimmy Morrissey - Reserve/Future Signing (January 23)
WR Chase Cota - Reserve/Future Signing (January 23)
LB Tomon Fox - Reserve/Future Signing (January 10)
DL Ryder Anderson - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
OT Yodny Cajuste - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
DB Kaleb Hayes - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
WR Dennis Houston - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
RB Deon Jackson - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
ILB Dyontae Johnson - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
OLB Jeremiah Martin - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
G Jalen Mayfield - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
OT Joshua Miles - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
DB Stantley Thomas-Oliver - Reserve/Future Signing (January 8)
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