Giants Rumors: NY to Maximize Upside in 2020 NFL Draft, Linked to Isaiah Simmons

Projecting the New York Giants to address their offensive line with the No. 4 overall pick makes sense. The team needs to upgrade at the tackle position. 

But according to Ben Standig of The Athletic, the team may instead focus on pure upside and target Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons:

"As for Gettleman's draft approach, one source emphasized the GM’s desire to maximize upside over playing it safe. The upside call at four is likely Clemson's Isaiah Simmons. The hybrid defender is a unique talent with fun match-up potential. Grab Simmons and New York still has a strong chance to select tackle at 36 without a massive drop-off, though there’s a gap between the top 4-5 OT prospects and the next 2-3."

More than a few projections have the Giants going with Simmons.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. projected New York to select him at No. 4, noting he has "has rare athleticism and versatility. Stick him at outside linebacker and let him chase down ball carriers, rush the passer and cover tight ends. Simmons never has to leave the field. New coach Joe Judge will love him."

B/R's Matt Miller also had Simmons going No. 4, noting that he "isn't like anything we've seen before. At 6'4", 238 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash faster than most wide receivers at 4.39 seconds. Clemson utilized Simmons at virtually every position on defense, often lining him up at safety, linebacker, nickel linebacker, edge-rusher and even in man coverage at cornerback against LSU."

But offensive line is a major need. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah projected New York to take offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, writing "The Giants have needs all over their defense, but I still believe protecting Daniel Jones is the top priority."

And Miller hinted in a recent tweet that the Giants could be prioritizing the offensive line:

Of course, there's also the possibility that they could deal the pick:

So the Giants will have some options (though the fact that it is being openly reported that their pick is for sale could indicate that there hasn't been much interest in acquiring it).

As always, it will come down to whether the team prioritizes need, positional value or upside. If the Giants go for need, either selecting an offensive tackle or defensive player would make sense. If they prioritize positional value (unlikely, considering they took running back Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall two years ago), they'll go with a tackle. And if it's upside, well, it's hard to argue against Simmons.