Complete 5-round NFL mock draft: ‘Invictus’ makes every pick

The draft is fast approaching. And with that comes Raptor’s incredible position previews, incredible analysis from some of the draft writers here, Ed’s amazing insights and....mock drafts. Tons and tons of mock drafts. More mock drafts than you know what to do with. Every year, I try my hand at doing the impossible: A full mock draft working with picks for every team. I know I’ll probably be lucky if I match five players with the right team. That’s not what this post is about, though. It’s about forming discussion and it’s an exercise in trying to determine who the Giants might be able to land by looking at possible targets and needs of all the teams around them.

I went about this in the same way the real draft goes. I gave myself about five minutes to make each pick for the first round, two minutes for the rest. I did the first round in one day, rounds 2 and 3 on the second day, and rounds 4 and 5 on the last day. I only went five rounds because that’s how many rounds the Giants have picks in. That also is about when my knowledge of these prospects starts to wane. So, let’s get to it.

Disclaimer: With the Giants’ picks, it’s based mostly on what I would do, with some anticipation of ideals that David Gettleman and Pat Shurmur go by.

Examining the Giants’ Picks

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

I’ll be honest, Josh Rosen is (and has been) QB1 for me. He’s probably the highest-graded QB that I’ve had this year and he’s perhaps the highest-graded QB I’ve had over the past several years, in the same tier of evaluations that I’ve had for Deshaun Watson and Marcus Mariota. Don’t get me wrong, I like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold as well (less so, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson) but I think Rosen is simply the most well-rounded. He’s played in a pro-style offense, overcome adversity in the way of having a different OC every year, shown toughness playing through injury, has shown evidence that he can lead his team to comeback victories. Despite media knocks on his off-the-field character (which is something I simply don’t have the information to comment on except denote that it’s a concern), the fact that many of his teammates voluntarily came forward to vehemently deny those statements is heartening. The biggest concern for me with Rosen is durability, and that’s a legitimate concern. However, given the upside that he has as a franchise QB, it’s a risk I’m more than happy to take.

Others considered: Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb, Quinton Nelson

Josh Sweat, EDGE, FSU

The Giants decided to trade Jason Pierre-Paul because of his contract and possible fit. They definitely have a need at EDGE rusher, with really only Olivier Vernon as a bonafide starter (though Avery Moss and Romeo Okwara have upside). Enter Josh Sweat.

He’s a long, explosive pass-rusher with good speed to power, short area quickness and violent, long hands that allow him to disengage with blockers and wrap up quarterbacks and running backs. He comes with a big “if” and that’s his knee, with a severe injury in HS and a meniscal tear in 2016. Big upside here.

Others considered: Jaire Alexander, Braden Smith, Sony Michel, Courtland Sutton

Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

You want a “Hog Molly?” Crosby was the definition of one in the Pac-12 with the Oregon Ducks. I honestly would have been okay with Crosby in Round 2, so there was really nobody else I considered when he was available in Round 3. A powerful, powerful player with long arms at 6-5, 325 pounds.

He is a monstrosity as a run blocker and seeing a man that size getting out on screens is something to see. He has some work to do as a pass blocker, but in the three games of his that I saw, he had solid footwork but was leaning into opponents at times. My comparison to him would be La’el Collins. Same type of nasty streak, Crosby is a little less polished but also a little bit bigger. He’ll fit right in for what the Giants want to do on offense.

Others considered: Tarvarus McFadden, Frank Ragnow

Tarvarus McFadden, CB, FSU

When you evaluate players, there will be a few guys that will be “your guys” and your evaluation will differ from the general consensus. Tarvarus McFadden is one of those guys for me. Few players have had a worse offseason than McFadden. He bombed the combine 40, running a 4.68. He didn’t do much better at his pro-day, running anywhere from a 4.50-4.57.

Looking at the actual player on the field, you see a guy who is physical at the LOS, has long arms and a savvy way of playing, fighting for the ball, being physical with the receiver during the route, and having very good change of direction for a 6-2 corner. Will he be a fast player that can keep up with the burners in the NFL? No. Will he be able to match up with bigger slot receivers and guys like Kelvin Benjamin? Yes. David Gettleman has drafted players like this before, like Josh Norman and James Bradberry. McFadden has a good chance of sticking with this team.

Others considered: Frank Ragnow, Terrell Edmunds, Da’Shawn Hand, Shaquem Griffin

Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn

Finally, they say, a running back! A very underrated running back, too, I might add. Johnson has snuck by this star studded RB group, but he certainly could be among one of the biggest draft day steals.

He is explosive and bursts through the hole with a purpose. He also doesn’t go down on initial contact and will fight for every yard. Vision is also very good. Biggest issue is that he’s like Wayne Gallman in that he has a very upright running style. Makes him susceptible to ankle tackles. I liken him to Tevin Coleman or Karlos Williams. Would certainly be a factor in the NY Giants RB room.

Others considered: Kendrick Norton, J’Mon Moore, Kevin Toliver

RJ McIntosh, DE, Miami

As a Miami fan, I might be a little biased but I really like both McIntosh and Kendrick Norton, their other DT. McIntosh played a little bit of 3 technique as well as 5/7 technique for Miami and held up pretty well.

At 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, he would be a base 5 technique for the Giants and he’s one that actually a little bit better against the pass than against the run. He’s quick and explosive with good short area quickness and can penetrate gaps. He needs some time in the weight room though, as he’s got some issues anchoring down. Strength is something can be taught and improved in an NFL program. He’ll be a developmental pick, but I think has a chance to make some noise in the future.

Others considered: Quinton Meeks, Deontay Burnett, Ray Ray McCloud

Final Thoughts

Like every year, this was a difficult but fun exercise. It’s always great to see the discussions on these types of posts because everybody has an idea on how the team should go in the draft. The Giants, luckily or unluckily, are in the driver’s seat in the first round. While I hold Josh Rosen in very high regard, I have a feeling the Giants are smitten with either Sam Darnold or Josh Allen. I do think that one of those guys will be the pick. As good as Saquon Barkley is (and boy, is he good), I just don’t see the Giants pulling the trigger. If they do, they’ve got a unique weapon in their hands in an offense full of unique weapons (Please don’t leave, Odell).

It’s also interesting to look at the Colts and see what they got after moving down with the Jets. They got a haul of Bradley Chubb, Braden Smith, Sony Michel, and Mike Hughes in the first round. Would you take that over a QB? It certainly makes for an interesting discussion. Let me know how I did and what you guys would do!