Giants 2022 NFL Draft names to watch, including Purdue DE George Karlaftis

The Giants have four games left in the regular season, but with a 4-9 record, many fans are already turning their heads to April and the 2022 NFL Draft.

No, Big Blue isn’t officially eliminated from the playoffs just yet. But with the way things have been going — the Giants haven’t even been competitive in their last two games without Daniel Jones at quarterback — it’s safe to say the Fighting Joe Judges are not headed off to fight for the Lombardi trophy.

That means all eyes are on what they do with their two first-round picks in this year’s draft. GM Dave Gettleman traded down with the Chicago Bears to No. 20 overall to secure their first rounder for this year, and that’s currently paying dividends. The Bears are 4-9, too.

New York currently owns the No. 5 and No. 6 overall picks, which is extremely important draft capital. Of course, the next four games could change exactly where the Giants wind up. But, with the Giants and Bears reeling, it could very well remain two Top 10 picks.

So how exactly should the Giants use them? It may be too early to tell their intentions, especially since many expect Gettleman to be relieved of his duties after this season. A new GM would then come in to see a roster that is full of holes on both sides of the ball, making these two picks vital to start off on the right foot.

It’s no secret, though, that the trenches need work. Gettleman promised in his four years that the offensive line would be fixed. Well, that’s failed. Sure, injuries have something to do with it this season, but the Giants placed too many bets on too many question marks who never panned out.

And then there’s the quarterback question: Is Daniel Jones the future? It’s been three years and there hasn’t been a definitive answer. There’s a chance he might not finish this season, either, as he continues to deal with a neck injury.

With all of this in mind, here’s an initial list of names to watch for the Giants, if…