2011 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants All Round Projections (Pro Day Update)

The New York Giants have been to several pro days, invited several players to come work out for them and had private meetings with a large number of players.

It's April, and the heat of the 2011 NFL Draft is sweltering.

The Giants have had many chances to see people in action, but what they need to do more than anything over the next couple weeks, is develop a strategy in what they want to do.

They have interest in Nate Solder, Anthony Castonzo, Mark Ingram, Akeem Ayers, Tyron Smith, Mike Pouncey, Muhammad Wilkerson and likely many more for the No. 19 pick. But what if they're all gone?

That's not likely, but you can never rule out every possible scenario.

Jerry Reese has been a straight up genius in the draft so far, especially getting value in the first three rounds of the draft.

They will need to do the same to fill several holes they have, and this mock draft will do just that. I will also mention the picks of some popular draft analysts in the first couple rounds.

Round 1, Pick 19: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida

It's no secret the Giants want to get younger on the offensive line, but when they plan on doing that is up in the air. They recently sent offensive line coach Pat Flaherty and director of college scouting Marc Ross to Villanova's pro day to visit with popular second-round guard Ben Ijalana. Maybe they are preparing themselves in case Mike Pouncey is taken before they can get him at No. 19.

Pouncey is very versatile and gives the Giants a backup plan if Shaun O'Hara or Rich Seubert do not come back healthy after their major off season surgeries. He can play either guard or center, and even if both come back healthy, Pouncey is someone who can replace any of the interior line positions for the future.

Mel Kiper: Mike Pouncey via ESPN

"I don't think Pouncey is quite as versatile as his brother, who was taken at No. 18 overall last year and became a Pro Bowl player in his first year with the Steelers. But Mike offers a very similar skill set. He can play guard or center, gets to the second level very well and should help the Giants in the running game. I'd slot him in at guard to start and only look for help at center in a backup role, but he's easily the top interior lineman in the draft."

Todd McShay: Anthony Castonzo via ESPN

"The ideal scenario for the Giants is Pouncey falling to them, and trading back is also a possibility if the right player is not available. Their biggest need is for a difference maker at linebacker and Mark Ingram could also be in play, but with no impact linebacker available the best offensive lineman on the board would be the best option. Castonzo could play inside at guard as a rookie and then kick out to tackle, or the Giants could plug him in at tackle immediately and shuffle their existing personnel. Either way, Castonzo has the ability to be a quality starter for the next decade and the Giants would do well to start addressing the future of their offensive line"

Round 2, Pick 20: Marvin Austin DT, North Carolina

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 7: Marvin Austin #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

This won't be a popular selection, but I feel like the Giants will get an insurance plan in case Barry Cofield decides to hold out or demand a trade. He has come out and said he is prepared to do both and does not want to play yet another season under a tender offer.

Marvin Austin has minor character issues and would be a first-round pick otherwise. He was dominant when he played and the Giants could really shore up their defensive line with this pick.

They won't go for a running back here anymore, now that they signed DJ Ware to an extension. They will wait until later to grab a running back that will help them in the return game (SPOILER ALERT).

Mel Kiper: Quan Sturdivant, LB, North Carolina

I completely disagree with Kiper's assessment that the Giants need an inside linebacker. Jonathan Goff played really well last season, and just because he wasn't a high round draft pick doesn't make that a need position. This would be a waste, Sturdivant is an ILB only.

Todd McShay: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

I don't like this selection because the Giants will do their best to keep both Jacobs and Bradshaw happy.

Round 3, Pick 19: K.J. Wright OLB, Mississppi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: # of the Alabama Crimson Tide # of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Giants definitely need an upgrade at outside linebacker and there are some solid options in the third round. I like K.J. Wright because of his instincts and the fact that he played in the tough SEC. He was a three-year starter, racking up 254 tackles and eight sacks over those years.

He had a questionable 40-time at the combine, but he plays faster than his straight-line speed indicates. He can get sideline to sideline and is great at stopping the run.

With Keith Bulluck out the door, the Giants will need to find a replacement.

Mel Kiper and Todd McShay: Terrell McClain DT, South Florida

Round 4, Pick 20: Noel Devine RB, West Virginia

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LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 20: Noel Devine #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs with the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo b

Although the Giants are looking to keep both Jacobs and Bradshaw, Noel Devine brings something to the table the Giants running backs do not have; a home run threat in the passing game.

Devine has great hands and brilliant moves in open space. He thrived catching passes out of the backfield at West Virginia, but he also showed toughness running inside the tackles. He finished his four-year career with over 4000 yards on the ground.

He can also help in the return game, which is what his role with the team would be for the 2011 season.

Round 6, Pick 20: Buster Skrine CB, UT—Chattanooga

Buster Skrine is a developmental project at corner at best, but his 4.29 40-time at the combine looked pretty sweet. His coverage skills are average at best, but I imagine Perry Fewell could teach the kid a thing or two.

If anything else, he provides another return man with blazing speed.

Round 6, Pick 33: Zane Taylor C, Utah

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 20: Running back Matt Asiata #4 and center Zane Taylor #77 of the Utah Utes celebrate Asiata's one yard touchdown run against the San Diego State Aztecs in the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on November 20, 2010 in San Diego, Ca

Zane Taylor is someone who can be groomed to take over the center position in the distant future. Shaun O'Hara has a couple good years left in him and Pouncey is better suited at the guard spot anyways.

The Giants do have Adam Koets as a backup center and he played very well in 2010, but he is coming off a torn ACL and may not be ready for the 2011 season.

Round 6, Pick 37: Charlie Gantt TE, Michigan State

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EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 08: Charlie Gantt #83 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball against Torri Williams #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Spartan Stadium on November 8, 2008 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Giants were forced to use a backup offensive lineman in blocking situations at tight end last year, so they need to find someone who can come in and be a backup. 

Charlie Gantt is a great blocker and has good size for a tight end at 6'4'', 252 lbs. He knows his role well, is a great team player and a blue-collar, hard working guy. 

The Giants need depth at the tight end position and will look to get it in the later rounds, especially with Kevin Boss as a restricted free agent. 

Round 7, Pick 19: Anthony Sherman FB, Connecticut

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Anthony Sherman #49 of the Connecticut Huskies runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Ph

I've been on Anthony Sherman's bandwagon since the combine, when he led all running backs with 32 reps on the bench press.

Sherman is not a great ball carrier, but showed off a mean streak while at UConn and punishes people in the hole. He is a great blocking prospect, which is all the Giants would ask of him.

Madison Hedgecock is not the same player he once was. Injuries have changed him and the Giants need to replace him so they can move Bear Pascoe back to the blocking tight end.