The New York Giants are currently slated to select 11th overall in the 2021 NFL draft, which is likely too far down to nab Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell.
Or is it?
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Yeah, it probably is, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Giants wouldn’t entertain trading up if Sewell somehow slips a little closer to their pick than expected. And that’s why the Giants have held several last-second virtual meetings with Sewell.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano recently called the Giants a “sneaky contender” for Sewell if he drops to around No. 8.
If Sewell somehow slips past Cincinnati at No. 5, a potential trade up comes into play.
The expectation, at least right now, is his floor is No. 8. The Giants (No. 11) are a sneaky contender here. We’re hearing they’ve done a ton of legwork on Sewell, including last-minute virtual calls.
The Giants don’t have many assets to work with — they hold just six total picks in the draft — so a move up would be costly. Still, if Sewell tops their draft board and they are within striking distance, it would make sense.
Offensive line is arguably the team’s biggest area of need and many view Sewell as the best available at the position. However, there are also teams out there who have a higher grade on Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, who is also a possibility for the Giants.