NFL mock draft 2018: Good, bad of Giants’ 7-rounder from DraftTek

I wanted to give you another seven-round New York Giants mock draft today using the ‘Fanspeak’ simulator. After fighting with the simulator unsuccessfully for a couple of hours, it is time for Plan B. Here is a look at the most recent seven-round mock draft from DraftTek, which is computer generated.

Round 1 (No. 2) — Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Of course. Running back Saquon Barkley went to the Cleveland Browns first overall, leaving the Giants with their pick of quarterbacks here. I have been consistent in my belief that Darnold is the top quarterback in the class. That’s my opinion. I know Chris Pflum is a Baker Mayfield guy. I think Dan Pizzuta might be leaning in that direction, too. I know many of you have your own thoughts.

With Barkley off the board, no trades allowed, and the choice of any quarterback in the class, I think going QB here is an obvious choice, Which one? That’s up to your individual taste.

Round 2 (No. 34) — Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

Zero problem with going offensive line here. My issue with this pick is the players this simulation left on the board. There are maybe a half-dozen players I would have selected before Hernandez — a player I do like and I do believe would help the Giants.

OT Orlando Brown, LB Leighton Vander Esch, LB Rashaan Evans, RB Ronald Jones, OT Connor Williams and C Billy Price were all bypassed for Hernandez. You can make good arguments for selecting any of those players in this spot.

Reality is, on paper it’s hard to go wrong here but I’m not sure I would have gone with Hernandez.

Here is what NFL.com says about Hernandez:

Four-year starter at left guard and the most highly-decorated offensive linemen in UTEP history. Hernandez possesses a rare combination of power, balance, and athletic ability. He is a plus run blocker with the anchor and footwork to handle himself in pass protection as well. Though he lacks height and length teams would like, it shouldn’t hurt his stock much. Hernandez should be able to step in as an immediate starter with a high ceiling.

Round 3 No. 66) — Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

Just like in Round 2, I like the player but I’m not sure he is the guy I would have selected. Arizona State’s Kalen Ballage went to the Indianapolis Colts with the next pick, and I have to admit I am really intrigued by the 6-foot-2, 227-pound Ballage and the comparisons he draws to David Johnson.

Other guys who I would have considered here include OT Tyrell Crosby, LB Malik Jefferson, OT Martinas Rankin (another personal favorite as of now), and cornerback Donte Jackson.

NFL.com compares Michel to Knowshon Moreno:

Michel is a well-built, no-nonsense runner who is able to combine vision, burst, and physicality. While he can make open field cuts to find additional yardage, his running style is more angular in nature and he thrives when playing north-south. He’s not the most creative runner and he lacks some finesse, but his size, pass protection and ability to create yardage make him a natural fit as a future NFL starter.

Round 4 (No. 98) — Rasheem Green, DT, USC

The 6-5, 280-pound Green would likely be a 5-tech in James Bettcher’s 3-4 alignments. He represents good value at this point in the draft, with NFL Draft Scout having a Round 2 grade on him and NFL.com offering Carlos Dunlap as a player comparison.

NFL.com says:

Green’s draft grade is based on projection over what he shows today. He has obvious upside that is waiting to be unlocked and unleashed, but he must get stronger and play with better technique and toughness. Green doesn’t have the sand in his pants to hold up at the point of attack as an interior defender and will likely be targeted as a base end in 4-3 or 3-4 schemes with a likely role of reducing inside on passing downs. Green may need a team with a patient approach and willing mentor to guide him along his early stages. It will take time, but he should become an impact starter in the league.

Among other players worth consideration here are linebackers Josey Jewell and Darius Leonard, running back Rashaad Penny, and wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton.

Round 5 (No. 130) — Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia

This pick I honestly did not understand. The Giants already have Damon Harrison and Dalvin Tomlinson. They are likely transitioning to a 3-4 base, and Thompson appears to be more of a 3-tech in a 4-3 scheme.

NFL Draft Scout says:

The question with Thompson isn’t talent. He possesses the quickness, agility and raw power to stick in the NFL for a long time with his production slipping in 2017 more due to medical concerns and Georgia coaches “smartly” showing off their depth by frequently rotating their defensive linemen. In fact, Thompson flashes the ability to dominate. His inconsistent tape and medicals are significant questions, however, which will could lead to polarizing grades and a potential draft day slip.

Linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Jerome Backer, safety Terrell Edmunds, and cornerback Duke Dawson are among the players who intrigue me at this spot.

NOTE: The Giants acquired cornerback Ross Cockrell from the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason for a conditional draft pick. That was believed to be a seventh-round pick, but the Steelers’ team website is reporting that they will receive a sixth-round pick from the Giants. I have reached out to the Giants and to the league for clarification. When I know for sure, you will know. In the meantime, I will give you Draft Tek’s sixth- and seventh-round choices for the Giants.

Round 6 (No. 162) — Joe Ostman, EDGE, Central Michigan

I will be honest. This is not a player I am familiar with as of now. Iowa center James Daniels went to the New York Jets just a few picks later. He has a Day 2 grade from NFL Draft Scout and probably should be long gone.

Ostman is rated as a seventh-round pick or priority free agent by NFL Draft Scout.

Round 7 (No. 194) — Mason Cole, OL, Michigan

This is part of the weirdness of computer simulations. Cole is a player I would consider much earlier in the draft, and I would be ecstatic if the Giants were to actually find him here. He has played center and left tackle at Michigan, and can likely also play guard.

NFL.com figures he should come off the board in Rounds 3 or 4:

Consistent center prospect with some position flex and incredible durability dating all the way back to his high school days. Cole relies on athleticism over power and will have to improve his hand usage and balance in order to match up against the talent he will see on the next level. While he has two years of starting experience at tackle, he’s too inconsistent in protection to hold up there for very long. Cole could become an early starter, but his ceiling might not be higher than average starter.