The fourth episode of “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” delves into the team’s pre-draft process and their interest in trading up to select a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. The episode reveals just how serious the Giants were about making this franchise-altering move.
The Giants’ pursuit of a quarterback stems from concerns about Daniel Jones’ health, as he is rehabbing from a torn ACL. In free agency, they signed Drew Lock as an insurance policy. However, they continued to explore trade scenarios and extensively scout the QB draft class.
The episode begins on draft day, with co-owner John Mara visiting general manager Joe Schoen’s office to check on progress. Schoen contemplates calling New England Patriots de facto GM Eliot Wolf to discuss the possibility of trading up to the No. 3 pick. The Giants are considering whether the cost of such a move is worth it.
Mara references the Giants’ famous trade for Eli Manning during the 2004 draft and emphasizes the importance of having conviction on a quarterback. Schoen agrees that they should take a chance if they have a strong belief in a quarterback prospect. However, they also discuss their willingness to stick with Daniel Jones if a blockbuster trade is not feasible.
The episode highlights the Giants’ attendance at various pro days and their top-30 visits with quarterback prospects. During these visits, they meet with LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. While the episode doesn’t show effusive praise for either quarterback, it’s worth noting that USC star Caleb Williams was never really in play for the Giants, as the Chicago Bears were set on picking him at No. 1.
The Giants’ focus then shifts to finding an offensive asset for Jones. We see wide receivers coach Mike Groh conducting a meeting with wide receiver prospects Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Rome Odunze. The coaches discuss potential situations and routes with the prospects. Groh even jokingly asks if they can draft all three of them.
In another meeting with Schoen and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Nabers impresses with his competitive drive and determination to win. This leads to co-owner John Mara asking Groh whom he would select among the three receivers if he had to choose. Groh confidently picks Nabers over Marvin Harrison Jr., surprising Mara.
While the Giants couldn’t strike a deal with the Patriots, Schoen reveals that potential trades were in place with the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers, who held the No. 4 and No. 5 picks, respectively. The Giants were also open to trade offers at No. 6 but intended to select either Nabers or Harrison if they were still available.
During the pro day visits, the Giants encounter former Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who is seen chatting with new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. They discuss new offensive line additions Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor.
The episode concludes with a nostalgic moment when Mara visits Tom Coughlin’s office and sees a picture of Pro Football Hall of Famers Frank Gifford and Y.A. Tittle from a 1964 game. Mara reflects on his memories of being on the sideline for that game.
Overall, this episode provides insights into the Giants’ pre-draft process and their serious consideration of trading up for a quarterback. It showcases the team’s thorough scouting efforts and their focus on finding offensive assets for Daniel Jones. Ultimately, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the draft and the Giants’ decision.