The biggest mistake NFL teams make in the annual amateur draft is trying to fill their immediate needs with rookies. The good teams usually go into the draft with an eye on the future. In short, teams at this year’s draft table should be drafting for 2021 and beyond. Any boost you get from your draftees in 2020 should be considered a bonus.
Another mistake is to select players at positions outside the “tenderloin” of the draft. Example: In 2018, in a quarterback-heavy class, the Giants drafted a running back (Saquon Barkley) with the second overall pick. Last year, there were defensive studs abound on the board when the Giants went to select at No. 6. They chose a quarterback (Daniel Jones), bypassing the likes of Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, Devin Bush, Brian Burns and Rashan Gary.
This year, the Giants are being handed more gifts by the draft gods, but are poised to buck conventional draft logic again. They own the fourth overall pick and it is believed they are considering taking Clemson hybrid linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons.
The draft is chock full of offensive tackles and wide receivers, but the Giants will let the cream of those crops pass them by if they decide to go with Simmons.
Worked on Wonder’s Top 50 Draft Board last night. Plenty more work ahead before posting.
▪️Offensive Tackle loaded
▪️Wide Receiver loaded
Successful draft ▶️
2 OT’s and 1 WR in that order. Yes, it’s that kind of draft. #NYG— Andy Furman (@UltimateNYG) April 7, 2020
Don’t count on the Giants leaning into the tenderloin and take what the football gods give them. Expect Dave Gettleman to continue to dance to his own beat here. Simmons may be a special talent, but not only are their studs at those other positions, they are in need at those positions. In this case, need and best player available intersect.
The Giants must take an offensive tackle at No. 4, or with the first round pick they might receive in a trade for that pick. They also must come away with a wide receiver at some point in the draft. There could be a few that fall to them in the second round at No. 36, but who knows if they will take one.
I don’t expect logic to win out here, unfortunately. If they take Simmons, they better have a plan for him and he better live up to the hype. The NFL is designed to help the have-nots get back to respectability. But those teams must follow the script. With just 12 wins over the past three seasons, the Giants aren’t following that script and it looks like they won’t do it again this year.
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