McShay’s Mock Draft: New York Giants Select S Karl Joseph In Round 2
ESPN’s NFL draft analyst Todd McShay released his latest mock draft on Friday. In the first round, he has the New York Giants selecting Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson. GMENHQ also selected Lawson in the FanSided mock draft last month. Despite re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul and adding Olivier Vernon, depth at pass rusher is still a need for the league-worst Giants defense.
His second round pick for the Giants is an interesting one. He has Jerry Reese selecting West Virginia safety Karl Joseph. Here’s McShay’s analysis:
“Joseph is one of the more violent and efficient tacklers we’ve studied in the past five years at the safety position. And he showed improved range in coverage and ball skills in 2015, finishing with five interceptions in four games.”
The Giants insufficient tackling was put on display late in 2015, so adding an efficient tackler would be a plus. Reese has yet to address the safety position in free agency, It appears as if the plan is to let the three safeties on the roster, Nat Berhe, Mykelle Thompson and Bennett Jackson, compete for the starting role. At this point on paper, Berhe appears to have the edge.
Joseph had just one one interception during his junior season, but had FBS-best five through four games as a senior when he suffered season-ending injury. Joseph appears to have just discovered his ability as a ballhawk before his ACL injury, which is an area of concern.
He interviewed and tested medically at the NFL scouting combine and initial reports were good. Joseph should be back in Indianapolis for the April medical recheck to determine when he would be ready to hit the field. West Virginia’s Pro Day is April 4, but he is not expected to do any physical activity. One scout described his rehab timetable as similar to Todd Gurley’s in 2015, ready by September, which is acceptable for most pro teams.
According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, his NFL comparison is Antoine Bethea, which would be a gift for Giants fans. Here’s Zierlein’s analysis:
“Fiercely competitive with immense football character. Different teams may have differing opinions of how best to utilize him, but Joseph has proven he can make plays in man coverage or play disciplined enough to be trusted on the back. His average size and subsequent durability will concern some teams due to his aggressive, attacking demeanor; however, Joseph is talented enough to become an early starter and high-impact safety down the road if the medicals check out.”
Joseph isn’t an an ideal pick for the Giants in the second round. His rehab timetable is problematic, and the Giants have three players competing for that starting spot and none of them have started an NFL game. Adding a fourth who will miss summer workouts and the preseason doesn’t add much. Joseph may turn out to be a great player, but the Giants have more pressing needs.
In McShay’s mock draft, the Giants do not add a player on the offensive side of the ball in the first two rounds. An offensive lineman or wide receiver in either the first or the second round would address a need and perhaps even add a starter.