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Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has become the consensus pick for the New York Giants at No. 11 in most mock drafts, but there are still a few outliers who have stuck with Florida tight end Kyle Pitts and others.
Then there is USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, who has decided to go in a completely different direction for the Giants. In fact, he’s tossed a completely new name into the mix and it appears to have come out of left field.
In Davis’ most recent mock, he has the Giants selecting Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater in Round 1.
11. New York Giants – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Despite investments they’ve made in the offensive line, it continues to be a weakness after a season when QB Daniel Jones was sacked 45 times in 14 games. Slater was a guard in high school but played both tackle spots for the Wildcats and could settle in opposite 2020 first-rounder Andrew Thomas.
Given the Giants’ dire needs at wide receiver and tight end, it seems unlikely they’d waste a first-round pick on another offensive tackle. And if they didn’t want a playmaker, the need for an edge rusher and a second cornerback also outweighs the need for another offensive tackle.
Although Cam Fleming may not return in 2021, the Giants do have Matt Peart waiting in the wings. He saw significant playing time as a rookie and flashed potential long-term potential. It’s likely he steps into the RT role next season.
Still, anything is possible, especially considering general manager Dave Gettleman is calling the shots. But don’t bank on the Giants going OT in Round 1.
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