How should you build a contending NFL team?

With the New York Giants sitting at 2-12 and on the road to a possible 2-15, a(nother) rebuild appears to be in the team’s future, with or without Joe Schoen as general manager. It’s disheartening to be sure, and Schoen doesn’t even believe it’s necessary, saying “We’re not that far off” from being a good team a month ago.

In some sense, the Giants are not as bad as their record indicates, despite Bill Parcells’ admonition decades ago. They have been decimated by injuries, with many of their best or most promising players on the shelf: Andrew Thomas, Dexter Lawrence, Bobby Okereke, and rookies Dru Phillips, Tyler Nubin, and Theo Johnson. Of their 12 losses, 8 have been by 10 points or less;…