Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs off the field after winning a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings
(East Rutherford, NJ) – In terms of the NFL Draft debate, and what the Giants should do here in 2024, a former member of Big Blue’s passing attack has an opinion.
Go and get a stud wide receiver, says retired tight end Kyle Rudolph.
Nyg Vs Was
The 12-year NFL veteran joined host Kay Adams on her show and shared his thoughts, with New York holding the sixth overall pick in next month’s draft. “Let’s stop messing around,” Rudolph deadpanned. “I give the Giants credit, they’ve tried to bolster the offensive line with first-round picks and in free agency, but it hasn’t worked as well as they hoped. Can we get the guy a No. 1 wide receiver, please?”
The guy he was referring to is incumbent QB Daniel Jones. While rehabbing from knee surgery – and coming off yet another neck injury – Jones has received an endorsement from both head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen.
But that doesn’t mean the team isn’t planning to select a QB on April 25, and in reality it could come down to how the draft board unfolds.
Rudolph and Kay addressed Jones’ struggles in 2023, after the team gave him a four-year contract extension.
“How can you judge someone who has played in the NFL for five years now and he’s never had a No. 1 wide receiver? What quarterback goes five years without being given a No. 1 wide receiver?” Rudolph argued. And he referenced past comments from the Giants’ owner: “John Mara said it before last season, we’ve done everything to screw this kid up. It’s like okay let’s stop doing everything to screw him up and maybe go get a game-changing wide receiver for him.”
It’s possible the Giants could select a player of that type: LSU WR Malik Nabers, Washington WR Rome Odunze, and (if he lasts that long) OSU WR Marvin Harrison Jr. could be available at number 6.
Rudolph says he’s not giving up on Jones without seeing him on the field with a true #1 wideout:
“I like DJ, I think he is super talented. I think he has the ability to be a Josh Allen type quarterback. He has the athletic ability to run the football and he has an adequately strong arm to make every throw.”
