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In the latest collaborative mock draft from The Athletic, the New York Giants get a player they can certainly use but not necessarily worth the 11th overall selection in the draft.
11. New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
The good news for Giants general manager Dave Gettleman: The draft is in Cleveland this year. Because if it was still held at Radio City Music Hall, the boos would surely rain down after this pick,” writes The Athletic’s Giants beat writer Dan Duggan. “Fans will be outraged if the Giants pass on both Alabama wide receivers and Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater. But I believe Gettleman has his sights set on an edge rusher. Ideally, they would trade back, but I couldn’t find a willing partner and the Giants may encounter the same reality on draft night. So I expect the Giants to “reach” for Ojulari to fill their biggest hole.
As stated, this is not a very deep draft for edge rushers, so the Giants may not get a top one when their turn comes around with the 42nd pick in Round 2. That being said, would the Giants pass on the three players Duggan mentioned? Probably not. Both DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle? The fans would revolt. Plus, Slater has become a favorite of fans in many polls.
The one thing Duggan does get right is the Giants’ affinity for Georgia players. Should they select Ojulari, it would be the third year in a row they used a first round pick on a Bulldog.
We know they loved Ojulari at his pro day, which was very impressive, but pure edge rushers don’t seem to fit in with the Giants. At No. 11 they would need him to play all three downs, which could happen. Ojulari appears to be an ascending player who checks all the boxes.