The New York Giants once again find themselves picking in the Top 10 in the NFL Draft for the third year in a row. For Giants fans, the practice of wondering which of the more elite-level talent in this pool of players will suit up for Big Blue.
With a coaching staff starting to take shape, things begin to get a little more clear on the types of players that could be sought after. Here is an early look at what the New York Giants could do with their 7 rounds in April’s 2020 NFL Draft.
Round 1 – Pick 4
Isaiah Simmons, LB/S Clemson
Versatility has been a word Giants fans have seen a lot since the hiring of Joe Judge. Big Blue Nation has been clamoring for a game-changing linebacker for years and may finally get its wish.
Isaiah Simmons is that answer for the New York Giants. We have seen how game-changing sideline to sideline defenders can be. Simmons is built like a linebacker but has the athleticism you’d see in a defensive back. A guy that can play at nearly any level of the defense, Isaiah Simmons is a true 3-down hybrid that will force opposing offenses to take notice.
Round 2 – Pick 36
Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville
Many believe offensive tackle is where the Giants could and should go in April, but the defensive talent is too good for them to pass up. Mekhi Becton may not be one of the top tackles in the class, but he has the length, flexibility, and strength to be an immediate NFL starter.
Round 4 – Pick 100
Bradlee Anae, EDGE Utah
This is where I think the New York Giants will have to have some fortune. Not having their 3rd round pick that they gave up in the Leonard Williams trade could be missed. They are scheduled to, and will likely receive a 3rd round compensatory pick due to the departure of Landon Collins, but for now, let’s keep that off the table.
Bradlee Anae is a name we may begin to see more of as the draft process carries on. The Giants having the chance to take him with the 100th pick in the draft seems unlikely. In the very slim chance he is available, they should have that pick at the moment the clock starts.
New York has got to address the pass rush this offseason. It is absolutely something they could do in free agency, but Anne is a prospect that would be worth taking regardless. He tied a Utah record with 29.5 career sacks, notching 12.5 in his senior season. He has strength and good footwork off the edge. What makes him impressive is his evolving skillset of pass rush moves, making him a young artist at the position.
Round 5 – Pick 132
Michael Pittman Jr., WR USC
Considering the lack of experience and injuries at the receiving position, continuing to build weapons for Daniel Jones is important. One upgrade I think that would be beneficial is a red zone target that could compliment this receiving group.
Michael Pittman Jr. does not have the speed or burst off the line you’d want in a WR, but he makes up for it. At 6’4” and roughly 220 lbs, Pittman has the size and hands to go up and get the football. He can be physical and isn’t afraid of contact, which shows up in his crossing routes. Apart from his red-zone presence one area that Pittman could really benefit the New York Giants is in his run blocking ability. Pittman and Sterling Shepard leading the way for Barkley? Yes, please.
Round 6 – Pick 163
Patrick Queen, LB LSU
Still no official word on whether or not Queen has declared for the NFL Draft, but if he does, someone may get a sleeper. The New York Giants need linebackers that can cover, and Patrick Queen can do just that. This season, he allowed only 165 total yards in 355 coverage snaps, according to PFF. Queen can not only cover the field, but he rarely misses tackles. Something the G-Men could really benefit from.
Round 7 – Pick 195
Antonio Gibson, WR Memphis
Hear me out. Gibson is an explosive player that can also generate yards with power and contact. He’s a weapon that may benefit from a move to running back. This is where that popular New York Giant word comes into play yet again. Versatility. Antonio can line up at WR, RB and can even return kicks. This is the kind of weapon you take a chance on with these late-round picks.
Round 7 – Pick 215
Jaron Bryant, CB Fresno State
If you’re still with me, thank you. Your passion to read into the 7th round of a mock draft in January matches mine. You have a sense of what the New York Giants need to address this offseason, and a lot of that is in the defense. Jaron Bryant may be able to help and again… he’s versatile! He has a great physical frame but could benefit to add a bit of muscle. Bryant is a solid tackler but lacks the speed you’d like to see in a true cover corner. This could all mean a transition to safety in the NFL.
