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Every year I use the various mock draft simulators (Fanspeak, Draft Network and occasionally Walk the Mock) to take you through potential draft scenarios for the New York Giants.
It’s time to begin that process again.
First, a few things. I am absolutely not trying to peg exactly what the Giants will do. At least not yet. I am painting scenarios for how the draft could unfold. Second, as of now I cannot execute trades. I don’t have the premium access on either Draft Network or Fanspeak. If I get it, I will occasionally offer trade scenarios. Third, I’m in the process of learning but Chris Pflum still knows far more about the draft class than I do. Please keep all of that in mind.
OK, so here goes. We’ll go five rounds today using The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator and predictive board.
Round 1 (No. 4) — Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
I’m going to be honest here. Draft Network has three offensive tackles — Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton — ranked ahead of Thomas on it’s Big Board. I know that Wills is right now the offensive tackle most often mocked to the Giants. I can see arguments for all three, especially Wills.
People I trust, though, still see Thomas as OT1 in this class. That could change in the next 10 weeks, but for now that’s what I’m going with. Regardless, in this draft it’s offensive tackle at No. 4.
Round 2 (No. 36) — Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Lots of intriguing options here. LSU safety Grant Delpit, offensive tackles Josh Jones (Houston) and Austin Jackson (USC), Notre Dame EDGE defender Julian Okwara, TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney, a handful of wide receivers.
In the end I chose Baun. He created a lot of buzz at the Senior Bowl and seems like he could be a nice fit in Patrick Graham’s multiple defensive scheme.
Talked to Zack Baun today after practice about his ability to play inside or outside in a variety of systems. Think of an Anthony Barr or Kyle Van Noy type of skillset. Here’s what he had to say. pic.twitter.com/3wyZMS6yWQ
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 23, 2020
Round 4 (No. 100) — Kyle Dugger, S, Lenior-Rhyne
A small-school player whom the scouting community has been buzzing about for months. At 6-foot-1, 217 pounds he is a guy who can be used multiple ways.
Two players I had a difficult time passing on here were Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz and Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson.
Round 5 (No. 132) — Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
The Giants could use some insurance for Evan Engram, especially if they are planning (as they should) to cut ties with Rhett Ellison. The 6-foot-5, 251-pound Trautman was another player who impressed at the Senior Bowl.
The Draft Network says:
Possesses excellent height, length, and frame at the tight end position. An explosive athlete with a good blend of speed and short-area agility at the top of his routes. Basketball background shows up at the catch point — boxes out defenders and leaps off the ground for the ball like a power forward. Has experience and production as a field stretcher. Knows how to stack defenders vertically in his attack over the middle. Came to college as a quarterback, so he is still very young in tight end years — plenty of untapped potential. Used as a chess piece who lines up all over the field — in-line, backfield, slot, and out wide.
Final thoughts
What I like about this draft is getting one of the top offensive tackle prospects, as well as getting a couple of players who could be useful chess pieces on defense.
What I don’t like is not coming away with a wide receiver or true EDGE defender.
How did I do, Giants fans?