New York Giants
The G-Men have many more needs than they do Draft Picks (6) this year. IMO, it would behoove new GM Dave Gettleman to listen carefully to phone calls from teams looking to move up into the QB feeding frenzy top of the Draft. It might be said that the Giants hold the key to the Draft with that No.2 Pick. But since I do not allow myself trading options in these mocks let’s get going.
Pick 2 SAQUON BARLEY RB PENN STATE 6’0/236 BARKLEY is the best RB prospect in a decade, combining speed and power, as well as an incredible work ethic and football IQ. I believe Gettleman when he says he is sticking with ELI as his QB for the foreseeable future.
I am also assuming OBJ is staying put to lead a good receiving group. BARKLEY is also a superior “hands” catcher out of the backfield.
Pick 34 WILL HERNANDEZ OG UTEP 6’023/327 Could be an instant starter, which is what the team needs along that front wall. I was very impressed with his mobility at his Combine weight of 327 lbs. His size and strength are impressive. Great in the run game (see who they picked above) and good in pass pro. Too good to pass by given their current Interior OL group. He could offset the loss of PUGH in VFA.
Pick 66 CARLTON DAVIS CB AUBURN 6’01/206 Seems like the Giants have been trying to rebuild their secondary forever. This is another effort to get a full-sized athlete on the Corner. The only caveat right now with DAVIS is a lack of INT during his college career. But most folks feel like he has starting potential as a pro.
Pick 69 DARIUS LEONARD LB South Carolina State With the Giants looking like they will change their base defensive front to a 3-4 scheme, more and more LB talent needs to be added to the depth chart. This small school standout is a tackling machine with good speed and quickness. His 34+” arms are highly coveted. He was a standout performer in Mobile during Sr Bowl week, and posted excellent numbers at the Combine. He surely has starting potential.
Pick 108 OREN BURKS OB VANDERBILT 6’031/233 BURKS has been somewhat underrated toiling for the Commodores during his college career. But he stood out as a late addition at the Senior Bowl, and demonstrated his overall athleticism at the Combine. He has run stuffing size, and has shown he can drop into coverage. Could be a nice surprise come Training Camp.
Pick 139 JOHNNY TOWNSEND P FLORIDA 6’1/210 The team jettisoned BRAD WING, their vet Punter. TOWNSEND is the best all-around Punter in this Draft with a strong leg and good hang time on his punts. He also is able to place the ball well. He’s probably the best of a strong Punter class for this Draft.
For a team trying to retool on the fly and get their Salary Cap under control this Draft is very important, if not critical. But having only 6 Picks leaves them a bit short on ammunition. Adding several extra picks, if they can stay in the Top 12 overall, should be very enticing. They are somewhat of a wild card because of their new GM in GETTLEMAN.
Cheers
Pigskin
