Should the Giants trade for Haason Reddick?

Reports have surfaced that second-year Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick could be on the trading block as the trade deadline approaches.

According to a report from Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports, the Cardinals are putting Reddick on the trading block because he has not found a role in Steve Wilks’ new defense, and his share of the defensive snap count has dwindled.

Reddick was drafted 13th overall in the 2017 NFL draft, specifically to provide a boost in the pass rush for James Bettcher’s defense. As it so happens, the Giants, Bettcher’s new team, are in desperate need of help in the pass rush, particularly as Olivier Vernon works to return from the high ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason.

Reddick had one of the greatest pre-draft rises in recent memory. The undersized former walk-on defensive end from Temple entered the 2016 season regarded as an intriguing late round pick, and worked his way into being thought of as a mid-round pick. Over the course of the draft process, he showed off his quick-twitch athleticism and versatility as both an edge rusher and an inside linebacker. Between his work at the 2017 Senior Bowl, the NFL Scouting Combine, and in workouts, he rocketed up draft boards.

Reddick, along with Lorenzo Carter, would provide the Giants with an impressively athletic linebacking corps.

NFL COMPARISON Ryan Shazier

BOTTOM LINE Injuries limited Reddick to just four games over last two years of high school, forcing him to walk on at Temple. The Owls staff helped him unlock his explosive athletic traits on the field, which resulted in three forced fumbles, 9.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 2016. Reddick’s speed and athleticism might give him a greater shot at impacting the game as a 3-4 inside linebacker or a 4-3 WILL rather than trying to bulk up and play the edge. An ascending prospect with a high-end potential if he can continue to hone his craft.

- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com scouting report

Reddick was reasonably productive in 2017 for the Cardinals. In his first year in a 3-4 defense he played in 16 games (starting three), making 32 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, 6 quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks. This year he has added two passes defensed, another forced fumble, 2 sacks, and 2 more TFLs to that total.

It isn’t often that a second-year player, a former first-rounder, with Reddick’s ability hits the trade market. It’s rarer still that team in desperate need of his talents is a natural fit. The question is whether the Giants should part with the draft capital to acquire him. The team desperately needs pass rushers, but they also need (much) more help along the offensive line, a free safety, and have already spent their third -round pick on cornerback Sam Beal.

So, should the Giants trade for the 24-year-old linebacker to help their pass rush now, assuming Arizona’s asking price isn’t too high?