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With the draft a little over two weeks away, mock drafters are starting to extend themselves and produce multiple-round mock drafts. Not only are they (we) looking to offer readers something new, but there is also a rising comfort level with how the draft is shaping up -- in theory, anyway.
In Monday's mock draft round-up we highlighted a six-round mock draft from our own InvictusXI and a five round mock draft from Walter Football's Charlie Campbell.
Today we have a three-round mock draft from ESPN's Todd McShay.
Round 1 (10): Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (40): Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
Round 3 (71): Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina[McShay's] Analysis: I know the Giants need to continue to add playmakers to their defense, but the value with Stanley was too good to pass up here. With his long arms (35½ inches) and athletic skill set, Stanley has the ideal makeup to develop into a blindside protector at the next level. Correa really gets after the passer (19 sacks and five forced fumbles in his final two seasons at Boise State). He'd give the Giants a stable of explosive pass-rushers, joining Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul. Cooper has the versatility and big-play ability to make life easier for Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.
Raptor's Take: Stanley is becoming a very familiar pick for the Giants, and that's because it makes a lot of sense. Would selecting an offensive lineman in the first round for the third time in four years be an incredible concentration of resources in one position? Ayup.
However, its an investment that could pay off for a long time. The Giants are getting to the point where they have to start thinking about life after Eli Manning. When that will come is anybody's guess, but it should start weighing on Jerry Reese's mind. Investing in the offensive line now gives them a shot at the kind of luxury they enjoyed from 2007-2009 as Manning came of age as a quarterback. Then, he was helped by a cohesive and talented line with terrific chemistry. An offensive line that allowed the offense to exert its will on opposing defenses and dictate the flow of the game. Not only would that help extend Eli's effective career, but also make for a safe environment for his successor to step into. That scenario also makes it easier for the Giants to re-sign their highly drafted linemen as they (hopefully) get a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal as the offensive linemen come due for its second contracts.
Correa is an interesting pick for the Giants. With a quick 1.62-second 10-yard split and terrific performances in the 3-cone drill and short shuttle, he has the requisite quickness to get after the passer. He likely wouldn't be an every-down player to start, but he should be an early contributor as a pass rusher in sub-packages.
Pharoh Cooper is a favorite of mine, and I think he could fit well with McAdoo's theme of versatility on offense. With players like Will Tye and Will Johnson blurring the line between fullback and tight end, freely moving Odell Beckham to all three receiving positions and even the back-field, and moving Shane Vereen from the backfield to the slot, it's increasingly obvious that Ben McAdoo likes having movable pieces that he can create and exploit matchups. Cooper is exactly that sort of player. He looks like a slot receiver, but has played the both wide receiver positions, slot receiver, and caught the ball out of the backfield, and even carried the ball for the Gamecocks. He also gives them another return man for both punts and kicks.