New York Giants Mock Draft: Updated Day 3 Predictions
The New York Giants, not known for being particularly aggressive when it comes to the NFL draft, sent a small king’s ransom to the Tennessee Titans which included their second-, fourth- and the second of their two seventh-round picks to move up seven spots in the second round and nab Alabama safety Landon Collins.
The move, which sent shock waves around the league, more importantly addressed a glaring need for New York, whose safety situation consisted of a pair of inexperienced draft picks, Cooper Taylor and Nat Berhe, and veteran Josh Gordy.
In the third round, the Giants added some firepower to their defensive line, selecting former UCLA defensive end Owa Odighizuwa, a pick that potentially solves a couple of issues on the defensive line.
The pick immediately brought to mind memories of another young defensive end who was also a Giants third-round draft pick, that being Justin Tuck, who after being selected out of Notre Dame went on to have a very productive career as a pass-rusher and versatile defensive lineman for the Giants.
Odighizuwa’s role on the Giants will likely be similar to what Tuck's was, in that he’ll line up outside against the run and move inside as Tuck did on passing downs.
So far so good for the Giants, whose first three picks—they of course added offensive tackle Ereck Flowers on Day 1—have addressed some of the most glaring needs on the team.
What other positions might New York look to address with its remaining picks—Nos. 144, 186 and 226?
Let’s run down the possibilities.
Round 5
1 of 3
144. Tre' Jackson, OG, Florida State
While it might be tempting to add another safety, a defensive tackle or even a receiver, I’m thinking the Giants might look to add another offensive lineman to replenish some of the failed prospects chosen for the position that are still hanging around the roster.
That pick is Florida State’s Tre' Jackson (6’4”, 330 lbs), who surprisingly is still on the board, and a prospect whom NFL.com analyst Charles Davis thinks will be a steal this year.
The 2015 South Team MVP at the Senior Bowl, Jackson’s technique is in need of some polish—per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, the youngster tends to duck his head.
Jackson, who also needs to improve his conditioning—Zierlein noted that the prospect carries some extra girth around his middle—seems to have a lot of upside as a guard prospect for the next level, specifically the athleticism to get to the second level, and good balance in pass protection.
Round 6
2 of 3
186. Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan
All of the top inside linebackers are off the board, but I still think the Giants will look to add to this position if for no other reason than to be ready for 2016 should they move on from veterans Jon Beason and Jameel McClain.
Michigan’s Jake Ryan is a prospect I’ve liked since the beginning. At 6’2”, 240 pounds, he has the size to play in the middle, where he played in 2014 after playing as an outside linebacker in past years.
At best, Ryan would probably be a special teams contributor as a rookie while he continues to gain a better understanding of playing in the middle, and he would also have to improve his strength and hand use to better disengage from blocks.
Even if it turns out that Ryan isn’t cut out to be a starting middle linebacker in this league, Ryan, who per Dane Brugler of NFL Draft Scout has football bloodlines, could still provide depth on the strong side and in the middle, the role McClain currently offers.
Round 7
3 of 3
226. Jesse James, TE, Penn State
I’ve been beating the drum for a tight end in this draft, and I’m going to continue to be locked in on that position.
However, I’m changing my pick from Delaware’s Nick Boyle to Penn State’s Jesse James (6’7”, 261 lbs).
James, whom NFL Draft Scout’s Rob Rang compares in build to New England Patriots tight end Scott Chandler, comes with a good skill set that includes decent speed in the seam, decent blocking, and soft hands.
James doesn’t shy away from contact and projects well as a move tight end or H-back, a role the Giants didn’t really fill last year.
James also lined up in the slot, where his height alone would probably make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain.
However, he’s raw in that he catches the ball against his body and doesn’t have the quick feet to separate from defenders, all of which is probably why he’s still on the board and will go late in this draft.
Patricia Traina covers the Giants for Inside Football, the Journal Inquirer and Sports Xchange. All quotes and information were obtained firsthand unless otherwise sourced.
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