The New York Giants have clear needs along both their offensive and defensive lines, which most experts expect the team to address in the early rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Such was the case during a mock draft courtesy of R.J. White from CBS Sports earlier this week, where the Giants went with a familiar offensive tackle in Round 1.
No. 4, Jedrick Wills Jr., OL
A proven commodity at the right tackle position, Wills can lock down that position in his rookie year and potential slide over to left tackle in 2021. He gives the Giants the upgrade they need in protection for their young QB.
Wills has become such a common (perhaps the most common?) mock to the Giants that there’s no sense in rehashing what we’ve already published a seemingly countless number of times. Needless to say, Wills would immediately step in at offensive tackle.
In Round 2, the Giants also go with a familiar face — the brother of one of their former players.
No. 36, Julian Okwara, EDGE
The Giants picked up offensive line help with their first pick, and now they pick up an edge rusher who could be in the mix to go in the first round despite an injury cutting his 2019 season short.
After the NFL Combine and some private workouts, it’s unlikely Okwara slips into Round 2, but crazier things have happened. If the Giants were able to get lucky and land both a starting offensive tackle in the first round and then a potential starting EDGE rusher in the second round, that would be a huge win for general manager Dave Gettleman.
Adding to the fun, White takes a gamble and actually projects the Giants’ third-round compensatory pick, sliding them into spot No. 70 overall.
No. 70, Lamar Jackson, CB
Projected comp pick. The Giants have to focus on upgrading their pass defense, and even if they can sign a quality starter in free agency, Jackson can still help depth at a position with more questions than answers.
Yet another young project cornerback… We’re not sure that’s the best approach for the Giants with all of their other needs, but many draft experts are trending toward the Giants taking both a cornerback and wide receiver over the first few rounds. We’ll see…
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