2011 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants 7-Round Mock Projections
After a roller coaster of a 2010 season, the Giants will use the draft to address some glaring needs. The offensive line was riddled with injuries all season and Manning’s offense faltered at times as a result. The linebacking corps is inexperienced and Jerry Reese has been one of the better draft day GMs over the past few years.
He tends to draft players that can make an immediate impact and fans shouldn't expect anything different in 2011. With eight draft picks, April 28th will be a huge day for the Giants organization and fans alike.
Round 1, Pick 19: Anthony Castonzo, OL Boston College
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Castonzo seems to make the most sense for the Giants at 19th overall. He would join fellow BC alum Chris Snee as part of an otherwise aging Giants Offensive line. He would likely replace current OT Kareem McKenzie, who hasn’t managed to stay healthy for a full season since joining the Giants in 2005.
26-year-old William Beatty hasn’t showed much promise either. In 2007, Castonzo helped protect Matt Ryan as the first true freshman to start on the Boston College offensive line since Paul Zukauskas in 1998. Castonzo scored a 41 on the wonderlic exam, the second highest score of all players entering the draft.
He’s one of the better O-lineman on the board so he could go as early as 13 to Detroit. If he does fall to New York, he’s all but a lock at 19.
Round 2, Pick 20: Bruce Carter, LB UNC
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North Carolina’s Bruce Carter is one of the most versatile defensive players on the board. At 6’2” and 241 lbs, he started 43 games at OLB for UNC. Scouts have been saying he wouldn’t be hard to convert to MLB and if he were at perfect health, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him go late in the first round.
However, a torn ACL and knee surgery Dec. 14th has him falling down draft boards to a mid to late second round pick. The Giants have glaring needs in their linebacking corps. Keith Bulluck is in the twilight of his career and while Jonathon Goff has shown some promise, guys like Gerris Wilkinson and Michael Boley have relatively low ceilings. Carter likely won’t be ready for training camp but he should be ready come week one.
Due to his athleticism and high ceiling, it wouldn’t be surprising if a team reached for Carter. If he is there late in the second round, Reese and the Giants would be foolish not to take him.
Round 3, Pick 19: Daniel Thomas, RB KSU
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With Ahmad Bradshaw facing free agency and Brandon Jacobs’ curious 2010, the third round would be the perfect time to bolster the RB position. After a suspect pro day—running over a 4.6 forty-yard-dash—Thomas’ draft stock has been slipping. He has faced a lot of criticism for upright running and weak legs but his overall athleticism is undeniable. With only two seasons at the D1 level, Thomas averaged 5.3 yards per carry as a senior. At 230 pounds, he has the size to be a bruiser at the NFL level.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see Thomas off the board in the second round. If his pro-day does prove to be his downfall, the Giants could be looking at excellent value in the third round.
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Round 4, Pick 20: Chris Carter, OLB Fresno State
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Carter had an excellent combine (4.58 40, 27 reps, 6.88 3-cone) and his stock is on the rise. 2010’s WAC Defensive player of the year had 11 sacks and led the conference as a senior. Due to an imminent position change, scouts are questioning his ability to drop into coverage.
Carter will be moving to OLB as he simply lacks the size, 6’1” 248, to stay at DE (his collegiate position) at the next level. He has the athleticism to make the transition but he’ll likely take some time to develop.
The Giants need linebackers now. If they can't address this need earlier in the draft, an investment in Carter would be something to seriously consider.
Round 6, Pick 20: Brandon Fusco, C Slippery Rock
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One of only three D-II players to play in the Senior Bowl, Fusco could be groomed into a replacement for Sean O’Hara. This year’s class is very thin at the center position. Fusco has shown he has the durability (started all 44 games) and athleticism (5.18 40-time) to make it at the NFL level. At 6’4” and 302 lbs, he has the size coming out of college to play right away.
If he can find a way to block some of the leagues better pass rushing linebackers and add some muscle and strength he’d be a great value in the sixth.
Round 6, Pick 33: Ryan Whalen, WR Stanford
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Hakeem Nicks and the Giants receiving core exceeded expectations in 2010. However, Eli Manning could still use some help. Whalen is strong for a 6’1” receiver and has the frame to go over the middle in the NFL. His athleticism is questionable and he has some trouble shaking defenders after the catch. There are a lot of holes in his game, but if he maintains his strong attitude and work ethic to make some noise at the next level.
A strong WR class front to back should give the Giants a chance to take Whalen late in the 6th.
Round 6: Pick 37: Martin Parker: DT Richmond
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The Giant’s ever-improving defensive ends would greatly benefit from a young and athletic tackle. With 34-inch arms and a 4.95 40, Parker will bring pressure up the middle, even against the leagues more elusive quarterbacks. His closing speed is suspect, but his bull rush can destroy plays and force offensive play-makers to the outside.
With their third pick in the 6th round, the Giants should continue to invest in the middle of their defense.
Round 7: Pick 19: Jason Teague: FS/CB TCU
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Once you get to the seventh round you’re looking for potential and athleticism. Teague brings both to the table. He wins many of his coverage battles within the first few seconds of a play and likes to stuff receivers at the line. He isn’t afraid to attack the run and was a major part of TCU’s excellent 2010.
If the Giants invest in Teague in the 7th, he might make some noise on special teams early in his pro career.
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