Perfect Picks: New York Giants

With the NFL Draft approaching we are looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we are running a seven round mock using the Draft Network Mock machine, and finding the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.

We are highlighting five players that could help each team. This will include a ‘flex’ pick where we give you two ways a potential pick could go depending on how the board falls. All in all you will get picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.

On to the New York Football Giants, who, in the midst of a substantial rebuild, can not underestimate the importance of this year’s draft to their future successes or failures. The Giants need help in a lot of places but there will be substantial fan and media pressure to build around second year QB Daniel Jones. New York hold the 4th pick in the draft and a consensus is yet to form around who they will likely select. Here’s my take on what could be a successful class.

Round 1 - Pick 4 - Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson

NFL Draft Giants
Image Credit: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Simmons has emerged as this year’s blue chip, Swiss army knife defensive prospect, with the versatility to excel at multiple positions including strong safety, edge rusher and any number of linebacker positions, all of which he excelled at for Clemson. He displays remarkable range, exceptional football instincts, and is one of the most unique defensive weapons in the history of college football. If the Giants feel confident in their ability to utilise Simmons’ jack of all trades skill-set, he would instantly become the central chess piece in their weekly defensive game plan.

Flex Pick - Pick 4 - Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

NFL Draft Giants
Image Credit: 247Sports.com

It’s no secret that the Giants need offensive line help, especially given the necessity of developing second year quarterback Daniel Jones. With veteran Nate Solder willing to shift to RT to accommodate a rookie starter at LT, Jedrick Wills would have a legitimate chance to be their franchise blindside tackle for many years. Wills, at 6’5, 320lbs, has shot up draft boards this season as a junior with superb pass blocking in 28 career starts for the crimson tide. It would be a gamble, as with any college-to-NFL left tackle transition, but it could well be worth it.

Round 2 - Pick 36 - Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

NFL Draft Giants
Image Credit - Ray Carlin (Ellman Photography)

New York need help in the secondary and could take the opportunity to draft a corner early on in the draft. Jeff Gladney, senior out of TCU, is as good a choice as any at the 36 spot. Gladney has high football IQ and is a good open field tackler, showing the willingness and execution to bring down bigger, stronger backs and tight ends, which should translate well to the pro level. He’s likely best suited as a man corner to begin with and he’ll absolutely be a great special teams addition (as a gunner) given his speed.

Mid Round Gem - Pick 100 - Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

NFL Draft Giants
Image Credit: Adler Garfield (FloridaGators.com)

Back to offense in the middle rounds, where Gettleman and co. could well look to supplement a young, promising WR corps with Van Jefferson out of Florida. Jefferson’s route running is more accomplished than one might expect of a college prospect, and he is unafraid to sustain blocks downfield, which suits the Giants to a tee given the regularity with which Saquon Barkley gets to the second level. Jefferson might not be as athletically gifted as other receivers in the draft but his fundamentals and football smarts shouldn’t be underestimated.

Late Round Sleeper - Pick 163 - Reggie Floyd, S, Virginia Tech

NFL Draft Giants
Image Credit: HokieSports.com

Though Isaiah Simmons can fill some of the Giants needs at safety given his versatility, DC James Bettcher would certainly welcome a big safety with the range, speed and athleticism that Reggie Floyd can offer. The aggressive Hokie hits like a linebacker and loves going downhill, somewhat reminiscent of the ex-Giant Landon Collins. If the Giants can coach him up on raw angles and zone coverages, there’s a chance he can contribute right away, and not just on special teams.

Draft in full

4. Isaiah Simmons (LB/S)

36. Jeff Gladney (CB)

100. Van Jefferson (WR)

132. Nick Coe (EDGE)

163. Reggie Floyd (S)

195. Tyler Johnson (EDGE)

215. Deejay Dallas (RB)

Feature Image Credit: news.Yahoo.com

Joshua Edwards

CFB & NFC EAST SPECIALIST

JOSH IS A CFB SPECIALIST, LONG SUFFERING RESKINS FAN AND BUDDING HISTORIAN OF THE GAME BASED IN LONDON. CHECK OUT HIS ARTICLES HERE AND FOLLOW HIM @JOSHWA_1990 ON TWITTER.

5/5