ESPN’s draft guru Mel Kiper has released his second mock draft of the season ahead of next week’s scouting combine. And with the 10th pick of Kiper’s mock, the New York Giants select…Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Here’s Kiper’s reasoning:
“The departure of Jason Pierre-Paul is a likelihood, and that leaves the Giants extremely vulnerable to opposing passers if they don’t find help in the pass rush. Spence comes with off-field concerns, but also the upside to be a major force as an edge-rusher. It’ll be hard to pass on him at this point.”
Spence originally attended Ohio State where he excelled, but was banned by the Big Ten for repeated failed drug tests. As a first-year starter in 2013 at Ohio State, he was the team leader in sacks. At Eastern Kentucky, he dominated the inferior competition earning co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Ohio Valley Conference. He finished the season with 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
He’s 6’3” 254 lbs. which is a tad undersized for a classic pass rusher, but as evidenced by the previous paragraph, Spence gets a lot of sacks. He dominated Senior Week and proved “unblockable by for the offensive linemen in attendance.” Chris Pflum of Big Blue View compares him in size and speed to Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders.
According to CBSSports.com, Spence “engaged in several confrontations with linemen at the Senior Bowl, viewed as evidence of passion and competitiveness from scouts rather than as a red flag – perhaps, in part, because he played so well.” He showed versatility at Eastern Kentucky lining up on the left and the right and even dropping in coverage at times.
The Giants are in desperate need of a pass rusher so this pick makes complete sense with UCLA’s Myles Jack, New York’s pick in Kiper’s previous mock, off the board. Shaq Lawson from Clemson, another potential target for the Giants, is still available at ten and wouldn’t be taken until the Atlanta Falcons select at 17.
This pick makes complete sense if Spence has cleaned up his act. He admitted his problems with ecstasy date back to his high school days, but had no problems after leaving Ohio State. The Giants sure could use an explosive pass rusher, but is he worth what many view as a gamble with the number 10 pick?