7-round New York Giants mock draft: No deals, and Sam over Saquon

Each Sunday I explore different 7-round mock draft scenarios for the New York Giants. I have looked at all sorts of trade scenarios, some realistic and others that probably have no chance of happening. Let’s play it straight today. Here is a mock where I rejected all trades, and just made picks where the Giants are scheduled to make them.

Here’s what happened, using the latest big board from Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.

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

If the Cleveland Browns were going to leave Darnold there — the ‘Fanspeak’ simulator gave them Baker Mayfield at No. 1 — you knew I was picking him. Until someone convinces me otherwise, this is also what I think the Giants would do in this scenario. If Darnold is on the board at No. 2, as of today I believe he is going to be a Giant.

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

A hog molly to help complete Dave Gettleman’s offensive line makeover. He’s a plug-and-play starter at right guard.

Other players considered: LB Malik Jefferson, EDGE Sam Hubbard, OT Kolton Miller, RB Sony Michel, WR D.J. Moore

Round 3 (No. 66) — Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State

The Giants seem to have little interest in bringing Orleans Darkwa back, and Jonathan Stewart isn’t a long-term answer. Penny might be.

In his 2018 Draft Guide, Dane Brugler of NFL Draft Scout writes:

While not naturally explosive, Penny’s best attributes are his patience and ability to transition his momentum in his cuts to string moves together. And although he doesn’t look fast, few were able to close ground in pursuit, especially as a return man. His most glaring weakness comes in pass protection due to poor technique and awareness, which resulted in quarterback sacks on film. Overall, Penny might not have a true dominant trait, but he checks off the necessary boxes to be a reliable NFL starter.

Other players considered: RB Nick Chubb, DL Taven Bryan, OT Desmond Harrison, WR Dante Pettis, EDGE Josh Sweat, OT Orlando Brown, OT Martinas Rankin

Round 3 (No. 69) — Taven Bryan, DL, Florida

Under Jerry Reese, the Giants always seemed to get the third round wrong. Can Dave Gettleman get it right? I’m taking a swing at a guy projected to be a better NFL than college player. When I watch Bryan I see power, explosion off the snap, and relentless effort. A good defensive line coach could turn him into something special.

Brugler says:

Overall, Bryan is still in the development phase with his rush plan and run-defending skills, but he has the athleticism of a defensive end, the power of a nose tackle and the potential of a NFL starting three-technique – his flashes are similar to former Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche on the field (29th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals), displaying the athletic traits and upside of a first-round pick, but the consistency and discipline of a second-round prospect.

Round 4 (No. 108) — Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis

Probably shouldn’t still be on the board. Brugler has him with a Round 1-2 grade and believes he could be the biggest steal in the draft.

“We’ll have to see who slips in the draft, but an early guess would be Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller, who has been quiet this pre-draft process because of a foot injury,” Brugler wrote. “His tape shows a top-50 player in this draft and he will be a steal if he falls a little bit because of the injury.”

In its draft guide, Inside The Pylon says “Miller is an absolutely lethal player with the ball in his hands and while there might be size concerns at the pro level, nobody in this class is quite as dangerous when receiving the ball on bubble screens or drags. Miller will likely provide an initial value to his team on kick and punt returns, while gradually earning snaps on offense.”

Other players considered: LB Darius Leonard, WR DaeSean Hamilton, CB Duke Dawson, CB Tarvarus McFadden, OT Brandon Parker

Round 5 (No. 139) — Brandon Parker, OT, North Carolina AT&T

Obviously, Parker was a consideration for me a round earlier. He was still on the board and I jumped at a chance to grab a developmental offensive tackle.

Brugler writes:

Parker didn’t give up a sack in his career with the lateral movements to shield rushers from the pocket. He might have the longest legs of any player I have ever scouted, hurting his leverage and balance at the point of attack, and he needs to better utilize his length to control, not just tie up, rushers. Overall, Parker needs to continue and get stronger and improve his sustain skills, but he has the frame, athleticism and football character than makes him an ideal developmental tackle prospect.

Inside The Pylon says:

One-Year Projection: Backup tackle who could do a solid job in spot start duties with injuries to the starter. He will do fine in pass pro and in the run game, while he adjusts to the speed of the game. Has to bring his pad level down to play as well as he did in college.

Three-Year Projection: Starting tackle you can with with because his solid play in the run and pass game. Has good potential and can reach a high level if he perfects his technique at the next level.