Midseason 2017 NFL mock draft: Christian McCaffrey to New York Giants?

We’re past the half-way point in the 2016 season, so Dan Kadar at Mocking The Draft decided to ring in the second half of the season with a mock draft. With the New York Giants in sole possession of second place in the NFC East and the first NFC wild-card, they are dropping down the draft board.

Currently drafting 23rd overall, Dan mocked Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey to the New York Giants.

23. New York Giants: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

After stumbling for a couple of weeks, McCaffrey is looking like his old, all-purpose superstar self. Given the struggles the Giants have had with running backs in the past few years, McCaffrey could be the solution. He can be a factor running the ball, be utilized in the passing game and contribute on returns. Adding a defensive tackle who can create pressure on the passer will also be a priority for New York.

Raptor’s Take: I’ll be honest, I feel that after not spending any draft picks on the offensive or defensive lines in 2016, the Giants need to invest in those units this offseason. As Dan points out, they could use a defensive tackle who consistently generates pressure inside, and I feel they need a true speed rusher off the edge. And while Brett Jones certainly looked like another undrafted and unexpected boon, the Giants need to make decisions about the right side of their offensive line. Is Bobby Hart the long-term answer? Is Jones the heir at right guard? They need to continue to add talented offensive linemen and keep the position well stocked as Eli Manning goes into the final years of his career.

All that being said ... I couldn’t complain about Christian McCaffrey in Giants blue. You normally don’t draft running backs in the first round, however, McCaffrey could be much more than simply a running back. He is a dynamic play-maker who can change the game on any play.

He has sure, soft hands out of the backfield, can motion to the slot or even out wide, he can field kickoffs and returns. He has shown the potential to rack up 150, 200, 300 or more yards in any given game, playing a variety of positions ... And, oh yeah, he can definitely tote the rock.

Ed wanted to rip Dan for not building through the trenches — And I get that, I really do. But I also have to respect the pure potential of pairing Odell Beckham Jr, Sterling Shepard, Paul Perkins, and Christian McCaffrey for years to come. And besides, there’s still six more rounds.

Well Giants fans, did Dan get it right?