The 2020 NFL Draft has officially come and gone, and the New York Giants ultimately stayed in place and used all 10 of their picks, including each of their four in Round 7.
The team was very specific and deliberate in their approach, focusing all of their attention on the offensive line, secondary and linebackers.
At the conclusion of the draft, general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Joe Judge held a video conference with reporters via Zoom. Here are 10 things we learned.
Trades almost went down
As noted above, the Giants stood pat with all 10 of their picks, but a few trades almost went down. One of which came in Round 2, where the team had intended to trade down had safety Xavier McKinney not been available.
Judge pays attention to player comments
Shortly after the Giants selected Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas in Round 1, Judge was on the phone warning him against issuing predictions or talking about the Super Bowl.
As it turns out, this is a pretty serious sticking point for Judge.
No dog, angry kids
Judge did not conduct the draft from home as many general managers and coaches did, but rather, he did so from a hotel. As a result of that, he was unable to bring his golden retriever, Abby, who is the ultimate Giants insider.
Additionally, Judge didn’t bring his kids, who were furious over missing out on camera time. They had seen the children of other NFL executives on television and made sure to let Dad know how they felt about it.
Giants comfortable with pass rush
The Giants selected just one edge rusher over the three-day draft and do not have any plans to sign another in free agency, apparently.
Asked about potentially re-signing Markus Golden, both Gettleman and Judge indicated that they will rely on the system to create pressure on the quarterback, which is similar to what Bill Belichick does in New England.
For this reason, the Giants intend to carry a large number of linebackers on their roster.
Gettleman, Judge mesh well
When the Giants hired Joe Judge as their head coach, there was some speculation that he and Dave Gettleman might butt heads.
As it turns out, the two apparently get alone quite well.
Ohh the irony…
The media has spent weeks — if not months — criticizing the Giants and Dave Gettleman for being behind the times technologically.
After getting through the first virtual draft in history without a hitch, it was Gettleman who got the last laugh. Literally.
Sounds like Halapio will return
The Giants haven’t exactly been shy about suggesting that free agent center Jon Halapio, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, could return come June, but Dave Gettleman made it sound like a near certainty on Saturday.
When and if Halapio does return, he will face a four-way battle for the Giants.
Giants will hold a virtual rookie minicamp
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, much of the NFL offseason has been rescheduled or canceled, and there was some concern that rookie minicamp might be a part of that.
In a traditional sense, that will be the case. However, the NFL will instead allow teams to hold a virtual rookie minicamp.
How the lack of field time impacts the undrafted rookie free agents remains to be seen, but the Giants are hard at work adding some names.
Theme of Day 3 was speed
The Giants have been lacking in the speed department in recent years and they sought out to fix that on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
With many of the late-round talents likely to earn their way through special teams, the Giants focused heavily on the fleet of foot.
Engram, Peppers’ fifth-year options
The Giants have yet to make a decision on picking up the fifth-year options of tight end Evan Engram or safety Jabrill Peppers, but expect that to come sooner rather than later.
Giants will do some cross-training
The Giants took several Swiss Army Knife players in the 2020 NFL Draft and will be looking to maximize their versatility.
Offensive lineman Shane Lemieux and defensive back Chris Williamson will be used at multiple positions.
Penn State influence was significant
The Giants took information from Penn State University to heart throughout the pre-draft process and as a result, ended up with Cam Brown.
They could not be happier.
Giants confident in O-line
The Giants went heavy on the offensive line this offseason — both in free agency and the draft — and have young, moldable talent for the first time years.
Although it will have some bumps, Dave Gettleman & Co. feel confident moving forward.
