Three edge rushers go off the board over the first four picks in Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft for The Athletic, which certainly thins things out for the New York Giants.
With offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu also going to the Houston Texans at No. 4 overall, it leaves the Giants with few ideal options. But one of those just so happens to be Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal.
Regardless of what happens with the first four picks, the organization and first-year general manager Joe Schoen have to feel good about what will be left for them at No. 5. Neal offers outstanding flexibility, both as a 340-pound blocker and with his versatility to play right tackle or guard.
As anticipated, the Carolina Panthers then select a quarterback (Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett), leaving the Giants with a choice between Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton.
They choose the sauce.
If the Giants are unable to trade back and add draft assets for next year, a plug-and-play blocker at No. 5 and shut down corner at No. 7 feels like the ideal scenario for Schoen and the Giants. Gardner has the length, speed and confidence that should translate well to the pro game.
In Round 2, Brugler sees the Giants add to their pass rush with the selection of Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie.
From there, the Giants make the following selections:
- No. 67: Dylan Parham, OG/C, Memphis
- No. 81: John Metchie, WR, Alabama
- No. 112: James Cook, RB, Georgia
- No. 147: Dane Belton, S, Iowa
- No. 173: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
- No. 182: Jeremiah Gemmel, LB, North Carolina
Arguably, this is the best seven-round mock draft we’ve seen for the Giants all year. It addresses most of their primary needs and many of their secondary needs, leaving them in much better shape than pre-draft. However, there’s no guarantee Belton will come in and have immediate impact and although intelligent, Gemmel doesn’t really provide the Giants the impact linebacker they are seeking.
But that’s the issue the Giants face — even with nine selections in the draft. Their roster is so thinned out that no matter how well they do in the draft, areas of need will remain.
Still, this draft would satisfy most Giants fans.
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