ESPN draft gurus Mel Kiper and Todd McShay are out with their latest mock drafts, both three-rounders. These two guys are hardly the only ones to pay attention to when it comes to the draft, but they do represent ESPN and seem to get the most attention. So, it is my duty to pass along to you their selections for the New York Giants.
Kiper selected Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida for the Giants with the 19th selection of the first round. This is the same selection Kiper made for the Giants in his last mock a couple of weeks ago. It makes sense, and you guys already know I like this pick.
Says Kiper:
He can play guard or center, gets to the second level very well and should help the Giants in the running game. I'd slot him in at guard to start and only look for help at center in a backup role, but he's easily the top interior lineman in the draft.
Very interestingly, Kiper left Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo, UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers, Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi and Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder on the board when making this pick.
Round 2 -- Quan Sturdivant, LB, North Carolina
Kiper chose to leave Illinois running back Mikel LeShoure on the board and take Sturdivant. I want a linebacker, but I'm not sold on this one.
Round 3 -- Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
A player I really haven't studied.
McShay's selections for the Giants
Round 1 -- Castonzo.
McShay has Pouncey going to Miami at 15, and left Solder, Carimi and Ayers on the board. Ayers actually went to Arizona in Round 2.
Of the selection, McShay says:
The ideal scenario for the Giants is Pouncey falling to them, and trading back is also a possibility if the right player is not available. Their biggest need is for a difference maker at linebacker and Ingram could also be in play, but with no impact linebacker available the best offensive lineman on the board would be the best option. Castonzo could play inside at guard as a rookie and then kick out to tackle, or the Giants could plug him in at tackle immediately and shuffle their existing personnel. Either way, Castonzo has the ability to be a quality starter for the next decade and the Giants would do well to start addressing the future of their offensive line.
Round 2 -- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
Linebacker Martez Wilson gets left on the board here, and goes to the Philadelphia Eagles two picks later.
Round 3 -- Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
I guess I better learn something about McClain. McShay leaves Miami linebacker Colin McCarthy on the board here and goes defensive tackle.
The only thing about McShay's mock that bugs me is not addressing the need to try and find a play-making linebacker on the outside. Otherwise, can't complain about these choices. And I will have to study up on McClain.