In the latest NFL mock draft released by The Sporting News’ Vinny Iyer, the New York Giants attempt to fill some holes up and down their roster beginning on the defensive side of the football.
Here’s how they see the Giants’ 10 picks playing out (with my commentary below each pick):
Round 1, Pick 4: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
No question Simmons is an intriguing pick, but with four potential franchise left tackles on the board and the Giants looking at another year of Nate Solder there, it’s hard to see them not addressing left tackle. Simmons will be hard to pass on, though.
Round 2, Pick 36: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
Safety is a huge need for the Giants. Last year, the 35-year-old Antoine Bethea led the team in tackles. He’s gone and they need a young stud to step in to partner with Jabrill Peppers.
Round 3, Pick 99: Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s Minnesota
Bartch is an interesting prospect, but he’s from a small program and might take time to get up to speed to play in the NFL. Still, he could be a steal in the third round. Boom or bust pick.
Round 4, Pick 110: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
I haven’t mocked him to the Giants, but I can see why they would like him. He’s big (6’2″, 214), fast (4.48 40) and smart (3.9 GPA). Seems like an ascending player who could become a solid pro wideout.
Round 5, Pick 150: Jason Strowbridge, EDGE, North Carolina
Another player we haven’t seen linked to the Giants. The 6-foot-4, 275 pounder can set the edge, stop the run and has shown he can play on teams with four blokes kicks.
Round 6, Pick 183: James Robinson, RB, Illinois State
Very reliable and productive. He’s compact (5’9″, 220) and isn’t a burner, but is versatile in both the rushing and passing games.
Round 7, Pick 218: Steven Sullivan, TE, LSU
The seventh round is always a crapshoot and Sullivan can likely be signed as a UDFA after the draft. He’s not developed enough at the moment to crack the Giants’ TE room.
Round 7, Pick 238: Carter Coughlin, EDGE, Minnesota
The Coughlin name (no relation to the former Giants’ coach) piques the interest. He equates more as an outside linebacker and special teamer in the NFL than a knuckle-in-the-dirt edge rusher.
Round 7, Pick 247: Trajan Bandy, CB, Miami
Small (5’8″, 180) and quick (4.5 40) who would be used as slot corner and special teamer.
Round 7, Pick 255: Trystan Colon-Castillo, G, Missouri
Colon-Castillo could likely be signed after the draft. He would be in the mix for a roster spot at center, but most likely would be a candidate for the practice squad.
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