With their second pick (No. 36 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Alabama safety Xavier McKinney, who many had pegged as the top safety prospect in the entire draft.
Not only was McKinney ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 at his position on most big boards, he also fills a dire need for the Giants, who lacked a true option next to Jabrill Peppers.
Luke Easterling of Draft Wire agrees and handed out another strong grade to Big Blue.
Another player who could have easily come off the board in the first round, McKinney is the first safety off the board, and gives the Giants a fantastic match of value and need here.
A versatile defensive weapon who can make plays all over the field, McKinney loves contact, and has the athleticism to cover in space and hang with any pass-catcher in coverage.
McKinney’s intelligence and instincts may be his best qualities, and that’s why he’ll be a huge upgrade over anything the Giants currently have at his position. He’s the perfect defender for today’s NFL, and a bargain this late.
GRADE: A
Easterling was equally impressed with the Giants’ selection of UConn offensive tackle Matt Peart in Round 3 (No. 99 overall).
After taking Andrew Thomas in the first round, the Giants added some more offensive line help through a high-upside developmental target.
Peart is a lanky tackle whose impressive length, quickness in pass protection and fluidity when climbing to the second level make him an intriguing long-term project for the Giants to develop on their offensive line. He’s definitely raw, but his upside projects him as a nice piece to have for the long haul.
GRADE: B+
The Giants had also earned a grade of B+ from Draft Wire for their selection of Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas in Round 1, so there’s a lot of love flowing for general manager Dave Gettleman right now.
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