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NFL free agency is heading into full swing, so many of the previous mock drafts are being rendered irrelevant from a team ‘needs’ standpoint as teams being not fill their glaring holes with free agents.
In their latest 2022 mock draft, the folks at Pro Football Focus didn’t really care about that too much. They believe teams will still seek to fill their weakest positions with highly-ranked rookies through the draft.
When it comes to the New York Giants, PFF still sees them bringing in the big bodies with the firth and seventh overall selections — one of defense, one on offense.
5. NEW YORK GIANTS: EDGE JERMAINE JOHNSON, FLORIDA STATE
One of the biggest risers in this draft class kept that momentum going at the combine. Johnson has proven throughout this process that he’s a total-package edge player and one of the best players in the draft.
The 6-foot-5, 262-pound Jermaine Johnson began his career at Georgia before transferring to FSU, and most would have mocked another Bulldog to the Giants (Travon Walker) here ahead of Johnson but the fact is, they both are forces to be reckoned with.
Johnson was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 with 23 runs stops and 14 sacks. He can play either side of the line with his hand in the dirt or standing and is not a liability in coverage if asked to drop back. New defense coordinator Wink Martindale would have fun with him and make opponents miserable.
7. NEW YORK GIANTS (VIA CHI): OT TREVOR PENNING, NORTHERN IOWA
The Giants re-signed offensive tackle Matt Gono and guard Mark Glowinski. They also signed guard Jon Feliciano. But I don’t think they’re done prioritizing the offensive line. Something Giants new GM Joe Schoen emphasized multiple times at his combine presser was the qualities of offensive linemen being “smart, tough and dependable.” He went on to detail traits of speed and strength. Now, any coach would want those qualities but after seeing Penning impress athletically at the combine, it makes me think he could be very high on their list.
At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, Trevor Penning is surely big enough to be an effective tackle in the NFL. What’s not listed here is his strength and demeanor. The Giants want to add some nastiness and finishers up front and this kid fits both bills.
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