Matt Miller of Bleacher Report is out with a seven-round mock draft. It’s impossible to peg seven rounds worth of picks pretty much any time, especially this early Let’s discuss Miller’s haul for your New York Giants, anyway.
At the very least, it helps us learn some of the players in the middle and bottom of the draft.
Round 1 (No. 6) — Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Miller writes:
“The Giants can’t afford to pass on quarterbacks again in 2019; no matter how good the 2020 class looks, now is the time to get a quarterback to groom for the future.”
Valentine’s View: Whether you buy that theory or not, and I’m not judging either way, let’s just reconcile with the fact that the vast majority of mock drafts will continue to connect Haskins and the Giants.
Round 2 (No. 37) — Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss
Little is the sixth-ranked offensive tackle on The Draft Network big board.
Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs writes:
Greg Little projects as a boom or bust prospect at the NFL level. Little shows flashes of natural athleticism, particularly for his size. Furthermore, Little’s deep pass sets are effective with his length and foot quickness. But Little is super raw in his framing of blocks and footwork, he takes false steps and fails to roll through contact to create forward push with consistency in the run game. Little’s effort is also of concern, he will need to be coached/motivated if he’s going to be a starter.
Valentine’s View: Crabbs’ scouting report will give Giants fans Ereck Flowers flashbacks. Still, whether it’s Little or someone else I don’t think it’s going to surprise anyone if the Giants address the offensive line in the first two rounds if they are unable to do so in free agency.
Round 4 (No. 101) — Gary Johnson, LB, Texas
Johnson is a 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker. DraftBlaster says:
Linebacker that works best in space and as a complement to run stuffing defensive players around him. Rangy, with very good sideline to sideline athleticism and effort. Playmaker that should be able to find a role as an inside linebacker that works in coverage more so than moving up into gaps to defend the run. Gifted athletically, and very effective when able to be free to attack the backfield.
Round 4 (No. 125) — Austin Bryant, EDGE, Clemson
Draft Network’s Crabbs writes:
Austin Bryant is a challenging projection. He currently lacks baseline levels of anchor, extension, pass rush counters and play recognition to be a high caliber player. Instead, Bryant has promising reps as a widened defender, where he won’t have to set or anchor the edge. Bryant’s forecast is as a depth player only after four years at Clemson, he has notable growth before being considered to see field in high volume or as a starter.
DraftBlaster writes:
A physically gifted athlete that has all of the athletic ability that NFL evaluators like to see in a defensive end. A fairly raw prospect that needs to continue to work on his technique, particularly his hand work, and developing more pass rush moves. Very productive, but surrounded by elite, future NFL talent, his draft process will be very important.
Valentine’s View: We’ve reached the point in the draft where projections become difficult. If nothing else, I like the emphasis on edge/linebacker in this round.
Round 5 — Iman Marshall, S, USC | Ross Pierschbacher, OC, Alabama
Note: Miller’s draft stopped using the pick numbers after the fourth round.
Draft Network lists the 6-foot, 205-pound Marshall as a cornerback and says he is an “Explosive cornerback who can cover distances in an instant.”
Walter Football says scouts are “lukewarm” on Pierschbacher.
Valentine’s View: This draft is following an ABC pattern of checking off selecting players at areas of need for the Giants.
Round 6 — Daylon Mack, DL, Texas A&M
Mack is a 6-foot, 320-pound interior defender. Draft Network’s Jon Ledyard says:
Mack isn’t going to wow anyone as a pass rusher, but his power at the point of attack and improved hand technique could make him a rookie starter on early downs. He’s the rare run stuffer with the power to re-set the line of scrimmage and the explosiveness to disrupt plays in the backfield as well. Mack may never be an ideal three-down player, which will push his stock to the mid-rounds, but he’s capable enough as a rusher that he will be a valuable mid-round pickup for whatever NFL team sees fit to claim him.
Valentine’s View: Both GM Dave Gettleman and coach Pat Shurmur have talked about the importance of adding to both lines. The Giants add depth to the defensive interior here.
Round 7
Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson
Jaylen Smith, WR, Louisville
Hyatt is a developmental offensive tackle with questionable strength. Smith is a 6-foot-4, 223-pound receiver. The Giants could use one of those if he can get open at the NFL level.