The New York Giants have struggled at the linebacker position for well over a decade at this point, have not selected one in the first-round of the NFL Draft since 1984 and it has easily become one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses.
Accordingly, general manage Dave Gettleman & Co. are determined to change that this year, but must do so while juggling other needs at offensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and safety. They must also boost their pass rush.
Despite the overwhelming amount of work that needs to be done up and down their roster, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports the Giants are “determined” to land a play-making linebacker this offseason. The problem? The free agent pool isn’t that exciting.
Gettleman has also made it clear that adding linebacker help is one of his top offseason priorities, according to multiple NFL sources, and the available free agents are an underwhelming and likely overpriced group.
The good news for the Giants is that they’ll have a shot to draft Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons at No. 4 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, which would immediately plug that need and quell their thirst.
Dave Gettleman believes that teams picking at the top of the draft should expect to land a “gold jacket” player, with Hall of Fame potential. He said that two years ago when he took Saquon Barkley second, and he thinks it “should” be the case this year when the Giants pick at No. 4.
And if that’s Gettleman’s criteria heading into the draft, many people around the league believe Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons will be tough for him to pass up.
The do-it-all linebacker was one of the most dazzling prospects at the NFL scouting combine last week, and according to one AFC scout is not only a “future All-Pro”, but he’d be a “perfect” fit for the scheme new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is expected to bring to the Giants.
The one major flaw in this plan is that should Simmons be selected before No. 4, the Giants are right back to square one.
Yes, there are some other talented linebackers to be had in the NFL Draft and some quality options in free agency, but none have the game-changing ability of Simmons, which is exactly what the Giants need and are seeking.
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