The New York Giants traded their 2020 third-round pick as part of the package used to obtain New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams last October.
That pick turned out to be the 68th overall selection later this month, or the fourth pick in the third round. The Giants did recoup a third rounder when they were awarded a compensatory selection by the league for losing Landon Collins in free agency last March. That pick is No. 99 overall.
So, who could the Giants potentially get with that pick? Let’s take a quick look.
Using The Draft Network’s latest rankings on their simulator, here’s who we selected in the first two rounds and a few players that might pique Dave Gettleman’s interest at No. 99.
Round 1, Pick 4: Isaiah Simmons, linebacker, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 36: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Round 3, Pick 99….
There are three candidates on the board that stuck out to me. First was UConn offensive tackle Matthew Peart, a 6-foot-7, 310-pounder who has been climbing up draft boards of late.
Second, is another tackle, LSU’s Saahdiq Charles (6’4″, 295) who is quick and versatile.
Then, there is one of the most intriguing players in the draft in Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool, who at 6-foot-4 and 238 pound ran a 4.42 40 at the NFL Combine.
My pick: Claypool. There’s a lot of upside with him and the Giants need a bigger receiver to compliment their group of predominantly smaller players.
Using Fanspeak.com’s mock simulator, here is how we fared when picking for the Giants.
Round 1, Pick 4: Simmons. He was also the highest rated on their board.
Round 2, Pick 36: Xavier McKinney, safety, Alabama
Round 3, Pick 99….here are the three top candidates that would fit the Giants the best.
Nick Harris, center, Washington: The Giants are in the market for a young center and Harris (6’1″, 302) is a tough guy who fits what the Joe Judge Giants are aiming to be: hard-working and team-oriented.
Zack Moss, running back, Utah: A running back? Yes, the Giants would like to augment their backfield even though it looks solid with Saquon Barkley and Dion Lewis. Moss is a compact runner that can run between the tackles and can also be a factor in the passing game.
Malik Harrison, linebacker, Ohio State: The Giants are long on linebackers at the moment, especially if they land Simmons, so Harrison would be a severe luxury. But he’s a productive player from a top program who might be too good a prospect here to pass on.
My pick: Harris. The offensive line needs to get down and dirty and Harris playing in between Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler gives me some comfort they are headed in the right direction.
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