NFL Draft 2014: C.J. Mosley an option for Giants at 12?

Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Could you repeat that, please? A linebacker? The Giants don’t draft backers in the opening round!

Indeed, this “dry spell” has far exceeded routine trend status. It’s been 30 years since the Giants nabbed a linebacker in round one — Carl Banks out of Michigan State at pick #3 in 1984. It’s conceivable that the Giants could shock the draft universe at approximately 9 PM EST on Thursday evening and select another intelligent, multi-faceted LB — Alabama’s C.J. Mosley.

At the Play 60 event in Manhattan yesterday, Mosley expressed a firm belief that he’s in play for the Giants at #12:

"“They told me they were interested. They pretty much said that if I get to them, they’d be looking for me to be on the field starting the first game."

Mosley has been profiled as a middle linebacker during the draft process, but that spot is occupied in New York with the re-signing of defensive captain Jon Beason. Suffice it to say playing outside does not concern him:

"“I can play outside. At Alabama we were versatile on defense, I’ve been an outside linebacker in some cases, and inside linebacker in others. I can play both Mike and Will. I pretty much play anything except for hybrid linebacker with my hand in the dirt.”"

Here’s a brief scouting report on Mosley from our mock draft 4.0:

After not participating in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Mosley clocked a 4.65 time at Alabama’s Pro Day. Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout described him as “fluid” and “loose” during drills. In other words, he can hold his own in space. His versatility will allow him to meld into either a 4-3 (WLB) or 3-4 (MLB) defensive scheme. Mosley digests information quickly: reading formations, diagnosing plays and possessing an innate feel for down and distance situations.