The New York Giants are about to wrap up a highly disappointing season. After showing signs of improvement to end the season last year and entering the year with newfound optimism after some splashy free-agent signings and a solid overall draft, Giants fans had a reason to be excited about the 2021 campaign. Unfortunately for Giants fans, things didn’t go as they had hoped. The Giants are currently 4-12 and are last in the NFC East. To make matters worse, the Giants aren’t just losing games, they are getting embarrassed and questions about if the team has quit on head coach Joe Judge are arising.
The next few weeks will be big for owner John Mara. It is a foregone conclusion that the Giants will be firing general manager Dave Gettleman. The question now is if Mara also decides to relieve Judge of his duties. Perhaps the new GM will get a say on whether Judge stays or goes, but again, Mara cannot afford to mess these decisions up.
Whoever is in control of the Giants front office will need to figure out what to do with third-year quarterback Daniel Jones, who still has yet to prove that he is a franchise quarterback. Chances are the Giants run it back with Jones but at least bring in a veteran quarterback to compete.
While the Giants are a few years away from competing for the playoffs, there is enough talent on this roster to turn things around relatively soon. Below is a seven-round mock draft that will help the Giants get to where they want to be.
ROUND 1 (NO. 5 OVERALL): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Giants have quite a few needs and while I was tempted to go EDGE here, I decided to go with the best player on the board in Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal. Neal is an exciting tackle prospect who offers outstanding size and power. He’s a true mauler in the run game and shows impressive movement skills for a man his size. While left tackle Andrew Thomas has had a good year this year, I don’t think the Giants should pass on Neal. Draft Neal, and then figure out who plays left and right tackle.ROUND 1 (NO. 8 OVERALL): Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
I was hoping Purdue edge defender George Karlaftis would fall, but he got picked one pick before me. Pivoting to Andrew Booth Jr. is hardly a consolation prize. Booth is an outstanding athlete with game-changing ball skills. Booth paired with James Bradberry would give the Giants a pair of playmaking corners.ROUND 2 (NO. 36 OVERALL): Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
This is a deep edge class, and even though the Giants missed out on one in round one, they get a very talented one here in round two. Florida State's Jermaine Johnson is a long and athletic edge rusher who plays with excellent strength and technique. He was ultra productive this year as a Seminole and is just scratching the surface of his potential.ROUND 3 (NO. 67 OVERALL): Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
New York tried to upgrade their receiver corps in a big way last offseason with the free-agent addition of Kenny Golladay and then drafting Kadarius Toney in the first round. Unfortunately, neither contributed much in 2021 due to various injuries. Even with those two, this group needs more help. Alec Pierce is a big-bodied receiver who is physical with an outstanding catch radius. He is a reliable receiving option on the outside and reliability is exactly what the Giants need.ROUND 3 (NO. 79 OVERALL): Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Quay Walker gets lost in the draft community due to the fact that he plays on a defense that contains a ton of early-round picks. Walker is a long and explosive linebacker who makes a ton of plays in space. In today’s NFL, you can never have enough of these types of players. The Giants get a steal here.ROUND 4 (NO. 110 OVERALL): Alec Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College
The Giants need more depth along the interior of their offensive line and Boston College’s Alec Lindstrom is a great fit for them. Lindstrom is a center by trade but has the versatility to play guard if need be. He is a cerebral football player who offers good power and technique.ROUND 5 (NO. 145 OVERALL): Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
Tight end Evan Engram just simply isn’t reliable and has shown no consistency. The Giants need to begin thinking of another option at the position and Turner makes a ton of sense. Turner is a very athletic tight end who has good hands, body control, and ball skills. He’s a true receiving threat who can also block.ROUND 5 (NO. 170 OVERALL): Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama
You won’t find a bigger Saquan Barkley fan than me, but the guy simply can’t seem to stay on the field. Devontae Booker is a serviceable backup, but the Giants would be wise to add another back to the mix. Fresh off of a monster game against the Cincinnati Bearcats, Brian Robinson Jr.’s stock is rising. Robinson is a no-nonsense type back who has good power, elusiveness, and contact balance.ROUND 6 (NO. 182 OVERALL): Ali Gaye, EDGE, LSU
It’s never a bad thing drafting more edges. Ali Gaye is a long and powerful edge defender who has the versatility to play inside or outside. I like his versatility as a fit in Patrick Graham’s defensive scheme.Filed In
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