When the request was handed over by his head coach, John Mara knew what was at stake. The co-owner of Giants is not called in unless it is a high priority, and it can certainly qualify.
The giants were hot on the trail of wide receiver Kenny Golladay, and coach Joe Judge, after extensive discussions and meetings with the player, suggested that Mara, who along with Steve Tisch cut the checks and eventually signed all offers, a personal connection with Golladay.
Mara knew that the price would be high and that the interests would be huge, just for the fact that it would mark the free priority subject. He knew just as importantly what the addition of Golladay to the team’s approach would mean on April 29 during the first round of the NFL draft, as well as the next day in Round 2.
“I felt a sense of urgency,” Mara said. “We did not want to lose him. We thought he would be an important piece for what we want to achieve going forward. Having a receiver with the skill along with the guys we already have, we thought it would be a great piece for us.
‘It also takes pressure that we go to the concept. We do not have to take a receiver in the first or second round, we can sit there and take the best player available when it comes to us. I think that’s another reason why it was so important to us. ‘
Mara has sat in so many lounges over the years – and rushed around that he knows how different it is when the Giants are on the clock and can make a choice from a strong position, without a well-advertised and conspicuous hole to fill word. The priority, after 6-10 of last season for a franchise that was breached with the NFL No. 31 score: add playmakers – guys who are dangerous and productive with the ball in their hands. That would give Daniel Jones a chance to fight to prove his worth as a quarterback.
Given the free-spirited landscape at recipient, the seemingly limited resources of the Giants salary, and the plethora of prospects succeeding in coming from university, he thought there would be big money available to improve the pass. and an angle line or the upgrade of the offensive line. The number 11 choice in the draft was apparently aimed at a receiver. Now that Golladay is on board, the shackles are off and the Giants can go in different directions early in the draft.
Of course, they can still choose a wide receiver, but that is now a much less desperate requirement. If they believe one of Alabama’s two studs, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, is going to make a difference, it makes sense to double the position. Besides Golladay, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are capable players, but do any of them have the long-range potential of Waddle of Smith? One of the two Crimson Tide talents should be there for the Giants.
The signing of cornerback Adoree ‘Jackson gives the Giants an appetizer on the outside to pair with James Bradberry, but there is no such thing as’ we have enough’. One of the top two corners in this draft, Caleb Farley or Patrick Surtain II, should be at number 11 on the board. Both will immediately inflate the talent level of an already intriguing, young defensive backfield.
Despite their faith in their young players, it feels like the Giants are at least one talented attacking linebacker who does not deserve the right to be confident in this group. Penei Sewell is likely to be away at 11, but Rashawn Slater may be available – and he will immediately challenge Matt Peart for the starting right-handed job or to go inside as a lethal guard.
If the giants are determined to upgrade their pass-rush – in a year where edge-rushers are not plentiful, there are options at number 11. Kwity Paye, Micah Parsons, Jaelan Phillips, Jayson Oweh and Gregory Rousseau all have clear strengths and some have weaknesses, but all will inject defensive play and give coordinator Patrick Graham another weapon to work with.
Even after the free agency, Mara stressed: ‘We are definitely not a final product,’ and he points to the concept as the next ground of proof. By signing Golladay and Jackson, the Giants can enter with a clear head, which usually leads to healthier choices.