Giants’ Joe Schoen addresses 2022 NFL draft class
The New York Giants wrapped up the 2022 season on Monday with year-end press conferences from general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.
Multiple topics were discussed throughout the dual presser, including Schoen’s take on the 2022 NFL draft class — an 11-player group that contributed heavily throughout the year.
As a reminder, here’s a look at each of those picks:
Round 1: No. 5 – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Round 1: No. 7 (from CHI) – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Round 2: No. 43 (from ATL) – Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Round 3: No. 67 – Joshua Ezeudu, G, North Carolina
Round 3: No. 81 (from MIA) – Cor’Dale Flott, CB, LSU
Round 4: No. 112 (from CHI) – Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
Round 4: No. 114 – Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Round 5: No. 146 (from NYJ) – Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana
Round 5: No. 147 – D.J. Davidson, DT, Arizona State
Round 5: No. 173 (from KC via BAL) – Marcus McKethan, G, North Carolina
Round 6: No. 182 – Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Although many of these rookies played significant roles, injuries were the theme. All missed time over the course of the 17-game season with the exception of linebacker Micah McFadden.
Some missed the entire season.
Here’s what Schoen had to say about each member of his first-ever draft class.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
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“Kayvon, he got injured in that Cincinnati game in the preseason and then kind of got healthy throughout the season and hit his stride,” Schoen said.
Evan Neal
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“Evan, same deal — had some ups and downs and battled through injury,” Schoen said.
Wan'Dale Robinson
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“Wan’Dale was really coming along. He had over 100 yards through three quarters in the Detroit game, so, he would’ve been a big-time contributor, especially down the stretch, if he would’ve stayed healthy,” Schoen said.
Cor'Dale Flott
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“Flott made some big plays, made a big play in the Minnesota game. Has a high ceiling; we’re excited about him,” Schoen said.
Joshua Ezeudu
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“Ezeudu started some games and then got injured,” Schoen said. “When these guys get healthy next year, I think that’s going to provide depth. And some of those guys are going to compete for starting spots.”
Daniel Bellinger
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“Bellinger, we thought, had a really good season. Again, he got injured,” Schoen said.
Micah McFadden
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“I think they all got injured except for McFadden at some point, unfortunately,” Schoen said.
Dane Belton
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“Dane Belton, same deal. When he was out there, he played well. Had two interceptions for us,” Schoen said.
D.J. Davidson
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“D.J. Davidson, unfortunately, had an ACL in London but was a contributor in a rotational role,” Schoen said.
Darrian Beavers
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“Beavers, in the preseason, he was competing to start at MIKE. Excited to see him when he comes back,” Schoen said.
Marcus McKethan
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“Marcus McKethan was having a really good camp for us before tearing his ACL,” Schoen said. “So, when healthy, I think there’s going to be some really good contributors out of the class and then some other guys that will be really good depth players for us.”