The NFL draft season is now in full swing and for both NFL teams in the New York market, it is a most intriguing time.
The Giants in particular, sitting at No. 2 in the draft, have some interesting things to sort through.
From the long-term viability of Eli Manning as their starting quarterback to whether they want to use this pick for a playmaker or to help the offensive line or add a difference maker on the defense, there’s a lot to digest here.
Which is why there will be about 19 further versions of this mock draft between here and April’s second overall pick.
Metro’s ‘Giants Mock Draft 3.0’:
Round 1 – Saquon Barkey: The Penn State running back remains the pick here, as was the case in the last Metro mock draft. Talented, durable, high-character and hard-running, Barkley is also a reliable outlet as a receiver out of the backfield.
He’s a natural fit and with no need to burn a pick on a quarterback this early in the draft (especially with Manning returning), Barkley gives the Giants an impact player at a position of need.
Round 2 – Will Hernandez: Since Ereck Flowers was selected in the first round three years ago, the Giants have largely ignored offensive linemen in the draft. Hernandez gives them a big, athletic body who can play either guard position. The line will get help in free agency but Hernandez is an instant-starter for this team.
Round 3 – Kemoko Turay: The Giants get a gem from the Scarlet Knights who can step instantly into their pass rush rotation. Likely falls this far only because of some injuries, Turay is a Day 2 pick based on pure potential alone. He will test very, very well with athleticism that is off the charts.
Round 4– Skai Moore: A former Rutgers commit, the South Carolina outside linebacker is a bit undersized but a solid player. Had 88 tackles last year including a season-high 10 tackles against Georgia. Can step into the two-deep immediately at outside linebacker. Can grow into a starter within a year.
Round 5 – Jake Weinke: A South Dakota State product, Weinke is a small-school pick with major upside. The wide receiver had good production, in particular at the tail-end of his senior season. Good route runner with good hands.
Round 6 – Nick DeLuca: Another small-school product, DeLuca was a tackling machine at North Dakota State. Can come in and help special teams while contributing in sub packages as an inside linebacker.
