Written By Ali Jawad
Twitter: ajawad_024
The NFL Draft is just a few days away. Teams are now putting their finishing touches on their draft boards and wrapping up their last-minute opinions and decisions before all 32 teams enter an event that can make or break a franchise. One team, in particular, needing this draft to pan out is the New York Football Giants. In a year where the Giants are looking to show improvement, finally, they will need this draft to allow them to accomplish that feat. Let’s dig into my final NY Giants mock draft as we wait for the draft this Thursday.
Round 1 Pick 10 (TRADE VIA CLE) OT Mekhi Becton
Giants send pick four to the Browns for 10, 41, and 97
General Manager Dave Gettleman mentioned in a conference call that he is open to trading down from four. The Giants open up their draft by trading back with the Cleveland Browns and selecting Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton. At 6-7 and 364 pounds. Becton has the highest ceiling of any of the top four tackles. He has an incredible combination of size, strength, big man athleticism and, if developed to his full potential, will give the Giants a franchise tackle for the next ten years.
Round 2 Pick 36 Zack Baun OLB Wisconsin
Zack Baun could potentially be off the board at the end of day one. If not and he is available at 36, then Gettleman shouldn’t waste any time submitting the pick. Baun is capable of playing all three downs and can be used in a variety of roles such as pass rush, run defense, and pass defense. The one knock is his size at 6’2” 238 lbs. Still, if Baun develops into what many believe he can become, then the Giants will have found a young Clay Matthews II.
Round 2 Pick 41 (TRADE VIA CLE) Ashtyn Davis S UC Berkeley
My favorite safety in this class. Ashtyn Davis, who could be the last piece of the puzzle to a Giants secondary that is full of young promising talent. Davis could step into the free safety spot and will give the Giants a young athletic playmaker who plays well in range over the top in a single-high look, which is an area the Giants have struggled. With this selection, the Giants can move Julian Love back to the nickel corner spot.
Round 3 Pick 97 ( TRADE VIA CLE) Tyler Biadasz C Wisconsin
The Giants complete the OL with Wisconsin’s Tyler Biadsz at center. Once considered a first-round pick in this draft has fallen back in large part due to injuries in 2019. However, now that he is healthy and if he can replicate his 2018 play, the Giants will have landed a steal with this pick.
Round 3 Pick 99 Van Jefferson WR Florida
The Giants landed one of the biggest steals in last year's draft with Darius Slayton, who showed WR1 potential and built up a great connection with Daniel Jones. The Giants could still look to add another weapon for Jones, and this draft class features a historically good WR class. Florida’s Van Jefferson is one of the best route runners in this draft and could step in and make an immediate impact in the Giants passing attack.
Round 4 Pick 110 Amik Robertson CB Louisiana Tech
One of the sleeper picks of this draft. Amik Robertson would add more depth at corner behind starters James Bradberry and Deandre Baker. He is very physical against big WRs, plays the ball well, and shows excellent hustle to the ball. He likely provides the Giants with another option in sub-packages.
Round 5 Pick 150 Quintez Cephus WR Wisconsin
The Giants should consider adding a second WR in this draft during day three, especially with the injury bug hitting the Giant's offensive skill last year. Wisconsin’s Quentez Cephus is a well-built possession WR who could thrive as a WR3 at the next level and give Daniel Jones an entire core of weapons around him.
Round 6 Pick 171 Anfernee Jennings DE Alabama
I love what the Giants have upfront on defense, but it ultimately comes down to how well-coached they are by new DC Patrick Graham. Giving Graham a player like Anfernee Jennings will add some depth and potential rotation for the Giants pass rush. He has an average rush, but good strength and technique at the point of attack. Jennings will use his length and physicality to set the edges.
Round 7 Pick 218 Jordan Fuller S Ohio State
Though Fuller comes in at Safety, I could see head coach Joe Judge using him on special teams. He shows excellent hustle when running down the field, takes right angles, and was a great leader on and off the field.
Round 7 Pick 238 Michael Warren II RB Cincinnati
The Giants brought in Dion Lewis on a year deal, and Wayne Gallman is on a make or break year. With that being said, the team should look into adding another RB. Michael Warren II enjoyed a productive career at Cincinnati. 14 games of 100-plus yards and 36 touchdowns since 2018. He gives the Giants a capable downhill runner who will fight his way through contact.
Round 7 Pick 247 Calvin Taylor DT Kentucky
It’s not a Dave Gettleman draft without taking a DT. Only this time towards the end. Patrick Graham could operate back and forth in a 3-4 and 4-3 if so Taylor can play both. He has an impressive reach and has shown the ability to get his hands on the football. At 6-8 310 pounds, it could take an extra OL to move him out of the way.
Round 7 Pick 255 Cole McDonald QB Hawaii
With the final pick of the draft, the Giants make Cole McDonald Mr. Irrelevant. The Giants signed Colt McCoy to compete for the backup QB. Still, we know Joe Judge learned several traits under Bill Belichick, and one of those traits has to be the late-round QB picks. We have seen over the years from time to time late-round QBs bring value to teams. It’s a method every organization should follow at least every other year.