When his coach sent the ball to John John, he knew what it was like to play the game. The co-owner of the Giants isn’t called unless it’s a high-priority courtesy, and that’s certainly qualified.
The Giants were hot on the court of great 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 finalize all the deals, make a connection with Golladay.
Mara knew the price would be high and the stakes were huge, so check the free agency’s top priority box. He knew, just as importantly, what Golladay’s addition to the team’s approach meant on April 29 during the first round of the NFL draft, as well as the next day in the second round.
“I felt a certain sense of urgency,” Mara said. “It simply came to our notice then. We thought it would be a vital piece for what we want to achieve in the future. Having a receiver with that ability next to the guys we already have we think would be a huge piece for us.
“We also need pressure to get into the project. We don’t have to catch any receivers in the first round or the second round, we can be there and catch the best player available when it comes to our place. I think that’s another reason which was so important to us. “
Over the years, Mara has sat so many current rooms that she has known how different she is when the giants are on the clock and can make a selection from a position of strength, without a well-announced and clear hole that is must fill. The priority, after last season’s 6-10 season for a franchise facing the NFL’s No. 31 offense: add players: Dangerous, productive guys with the ball in their hands. This would give Daniel Jones a fighting opportunity to prove his worth as a quarterback.
Given the landscape of free agents at the receiver, the seemingly limited resources of the Giants ’salary cap, and the sheer number of prospects of taking steps out of college, it was imagined that the large money available would be spent on improvement. of the pass hurry, signing a corner or improving the offensive line. Choice number 11 in the draft was apparently aimed at a receiver. Now that Golladay is on board, the handcuffs are out and the Giants are free to go in several different directions at the start of the draft.
Of course, they can still choose a wide receiver, although it is now a much less desperate requirement. If they believe any of Alabama’s two tacos, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, will be a deciding factor, doubling the position makes sense. Next to Golladay, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are capable players, but do they have any long-term potential for Waddle or Smith? One of those two Crimson Tide talents should be there for the Giants.
Corner signing Adoree ‘Jackson gives the Giants a headline on the outside to pair up with James Bradberry, but there’s nothing “enough of us” in that position. One of the top two corners of this draft, Caleb Farley or Patrick Surtain II, should be on the No. 11 board. Any of them would instantly inflate the talent level of a young and intriguing defensive defensive field.
Despite his belief in his young players, he feels as if the Giants are at least a talented offensive lineman far from earning the right to trust that group. Penei Sewell will likely leave at 11, but Rashawn Slater could be available, and will immediately challenge Matt Peart for the initial exit on the right or move inside as a lethal guard.
If the Giants are firm in updating their passing race, in a year when runners aren’t plentiful, there will be options at No. 11. Kwity Paye, Micah Parsons, Jaelan Phillips, Jayson Oweh and Gregory Rousseau has obvious strengths and some weaknesses, but everything would inject a defensive game creation and give coordinator Patrick Graham another weapon to work with.
Even after the free agency’s effort, Mara stressed, “We are certainly not a finished product by any imagination,” and pointed to the draft as the next testing ground. Golladay and Jackson’s signing allows the Giants to come in with a clear head, which usually leads to healthier options.