The 2022 NFL draft is rapidly approaching and as a result, mock draft season has reached peak production. The latest mock comes via The Ringer’s Danny Kelly, who focuses much of his analysis on scheme fits.
So, what did that mean for the New York Giants? As it turns out, more of the same.
Kelly has the Giants staying put for each of their two first-round picks with North Carolina State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu going at No. 5 overall.
The Giants have spent big at the offensive skill position spots in the past few years, using premium draft picks on Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, and Kadarius Toney while giving Kenny Golladay a big-money contract in free agency. If any of those guys are going to live up to their potential, though, new head coach Brian Daboll needs to get more from the offensive line. Choosing Ekwonu here is a great start.
Kelly adds that Ekwonu could shift inside to guard at the NFL level. He also notes that some NFL teams are concerned with his still-developing pass protection techniques.
The pick of Ekwonu came with Evan Neal off the board, but Charles Cross still available.
At No. 7 overall, the Giants again stay put in Kelly’s projection. This time, they address their defense with the addition of Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis.
The Giants need to bolster their edge rush group this offseason, and grabbing Karlaftis here gives them day-one starter and impact player. Paired with second-year rusher Azeez Ojulari (who netted 8.0 sacks as a rookie), Karlaftis gives new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale some much-needed speed and physicality on the edge.
Despite Karlaftis’ obvious upside, Kelly cautions that he’s “too out-of-control” at times and lacks consistent discipline in his pass rush. There also a concern that Karlaftis’ extreme shoulder dip results in him landing on the turf entirely too often — mistakes he won’t be able to recover from at the NFL level.
There’s no doubt about it, though. Ekwonu and Karlaftis are becoming two of the most consistent mocks to the Giants this year.
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