New York Giants Mock Draft: Rounds 2-7 Following Selection of David Wilson

The New York Giants made a somewhat surprising move when they selected running back David Wilson with the 32nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

A team well known for taking the best player available, some, such as ESPN’s Ross Tucker, turned away from the norm this season in favor of addressing a need with their first pick of the draft.

The defending Super Bowl champions look ahead now with six picks remaining. A talented draft class presents a plethora of options for general manager Jerry Reese and the Giants front office to consider, guaranteeing an interesting story to unfold.

With the first round of the NFL draft in our rear-view mirror, here’s a look at how things might shake up in my post-round mock.

Round 2, Pick 63: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Giants made a smart move addressing the need for a running back in the first round. In the second, look for this trend to continue as Big Blue tries to bolster their offensive line.

Age and injuries took its toll on the Giants offensive line in 2011 and many questions have come to the surface surrounding the future of their current unit.

Ohio State’s Mike Adams infuses some youth into a struggling line with the potential to evolve into a fixture at either tackle position.

Despite some concerning character flaws, Adams is a big, athletic tackle who excels in the passing game—something the Giants will surely like when trying to protect franchise quarterback Eli Manning.

Round 3, Pick 94: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

With the departure of Mario Manningham and injuries sidelining Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum, the Giants need to add another passing target for Eli Manning.

Say hello to Nick Toon.

Toon is coming out of Wisconsin as a very underrated wide receiver prospect. He displays good quickness, the ability to gain separation from defenders down the field and solid hands.

He is not a dazzler by any means, better-suited as a possession receiver capable of moving the sticks in the mold of former Giants star Steve Smith. He should be able to line up as an outside receiver, enabling the NFL’s best slot receiver, Victor Cruz, to keep torturing opposing defenses the way he does best.

It is also worth noting Toon’s desirable size at 6’3”, making him a valuable target down the field and in the red zone.

Round 4, Pick 127: Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State

The Giants added some key pieces this offseason and addressed a pivotal need at linebacker by adding Keith Rivers from the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the trade did bolster the weak-side linebacker spot, enabling the Giants the opportunity to craft some new schemes potentially placing Michael Boley or Rivers at the middle linebacker spot, the strong-side linebacker position continues to lack the attention it deserves.

Mathias Kiwanuka has been serviceable for the Giants during his career at the position, but he does not excel when asked to drop back in coverage.

Florida State’s Nigel Bradham is a fantastic cover linebacker with the speed and athleticism to boot. He displays a nose for the football and has great reaction time making plays on the ball.

As the NFL continues to trend as a pass-happy league and athletic tight ends take over the game, Bradham could be a vital piece to a championship repeat in New York.

Round 4, Pick 131: Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College

As a former head coach of the Boston College Eagles, Tom Coughlin and the Giants have shown loyalty to the university in the past with four former Eagles on the roster.

The Giants strike again here with another BC player in cornerback prospect Donnie Fletcher.

Fletcher is a good-sized corner with favorable ball skills. He is a quality cover man that should be right at home in a Cover 2 system—making him a perfect fit with the reigning Super Bowl champions.

At 6’1” and 195 pounds with the ability to run a 4.38 40-yard dash, what’s not to love?

Round 6, Pick 201: Jamie Blatnick, DE, Oklahoma State

This would not be a New York Giants draft if it did not include a solid pass-rusher, and Jamie Blatnick could be their guy late.

Overshadowed by the bigger personalities at Oklahoma State, Blatnick enters the league as one of the top pass-rushers in the Big 12—college football’s most offensively productive conference.

Blatnick had eight sacks in 2011 for the Cowboys, which earned him honors a first-team All-Big 12 selection.

He needs a lot of work as he is essentially a one-trick pony, but could add good depth at defensive end while filling the void left by veteran Dave Tollefson.

Round 7, Pick 239: Derek Dennis, OG, Temple

Looking to add some more young depth to their offensive line, the New York Giants should use two picks in the 2012 NFL draft to do so.

Derek Dennis could prove to be another late-round steal along the offensive line for the Giants. The Temple product is a mammoth at 325 pounds and displays surprising athleticism that should warrant a late-round selection for the guard.

Dennis will need some serious grooming if he is to ever become more than a reserve, but the National Football Post’s Wes Bunting believes his fluidity on the move shows he is capable of evolving into a serviceable NFL starter.