The NFL Draft is now six days away (thank goodness!) and for the New York Giants, it is a chance to revamp their team.
Two first round picks give this team a chance to hit the accelerate button on their rebuild. A quarterback in the first round seems a foregone conclusion unless of course, they trade for Josh Rosen, a first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals last year.
So a couple of ground rules to this ‘MSG Mock Draft 1.0’… No trades. Also, there is an assumption that the Giants won’t trade for Rosen, a bias which means they do go with a quarterback in the first round.
1. Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray (QB)
The consensus pick here, the Cardinals get a talented quarterback who is accurate and mobile. Only one thing – his height (or lack thereof) – is holding Murray back from being a sure-fire stud. He is Russell Wilson, but even more physically gifted if that is possible.
2. San Francisco 49ers – Nick Bosa (DE)
Yes, there are injury concerns. Sure, his quitting on Ohio State to focus on the NFL Draft wasn’t a great optic. But Bosa is tremendous off the edge and the most physically talented pass rusher in this draft. Talent meets need here for the 49ers.
3. New York Jets – Josh Allen (DE)
The Jets could be interested in trading back here, but Allen is a great fit. He provides a pass rush opposite former first-round pick Leonard Williams. Allen was very productive at Kentucky and is just touching his potential.
4. Oakland Raiders – Greedy Williams (CB)
The LSU cornerback continues the school’s tradition of first-round defensive backs. Williams has prototypical length and athleticism for the position. A lockdown cornerback who transforms the secondary in Oakland…errr…Las Vegas.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Quinnen Williams (DT)
Athletic for his size (6-foot-3, 303 lbs), Williams gives the Buccaneers some needed bite in the center of their defensive line. While not the most pressing of needs on this team, he’s the best available and transformational. He has to be the pick here for Tampa Bay.
6. New York Giants – Daniel Jones (QB)
The Duke quarterback has plenty of experience and while he doesn’t have an elite arm, he’s very solid slinging the ball. He would benefit from the Giants sitting him for a year to learn and develop but he can grow into a very solid quarterback. Not as much upside as Murray but a very solid, safe pick.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jawaan Taylor (OT)
While an edge rusher has appeal here, the Jaguars get an offensive lineman to help the revamping of their line. He’s a plug-and-play right tackle. Taylor helps their issues in pass protection as an elite tackle to anchor the line.
8. Detroit Lions – Montez Sweat (DE)
In a draft heavy on edge rushers, Sweat has the most upside. He has a good burst off the edge and athleticism. There are concerns here with his heart condition but his production and length is desirable.
9. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Hockenson (TE)
This pick is a bit unconventional given the other needs for the Bills but Hockenson helps the offense and provides some balance. He can help over the middle and is a committed blocker. Hockenson can really change the offense and provides another big downfield option for young quarterback Josh Allen. They’re adding weapons in Buffalo.
10. Denver Broncos – Devin White (LB)
The Broncos won’t be going quarterback in the first round despite the buzz. White is the best pure linebacker in the draft and helps immediately. He was one of the leading tacklers in the SEC while at LSU and can absolutely produce on the NFL level.
Now fast forward to the Giants’ second first round pick …
17. New York Giants – Cody Ford (OT)
The Giants got their franchise quarterback 11 picks earlier. Now, they get a right tackle in Ford to protect their investment. Ford can also play guard and instantly upgrades a line that was a weakness of the Giants last year.
[Watch the Giants Draft Special LIVE Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 PM on MSG & MSG GO.]