Countless mock drafts have been constructed and, in the past two weeks, “ripped up” and redrawn with fresh picks at the top. The circumstances haven’t changed much for the New York Giants however who likely would have the same choices at ten either way. Yet, we’ve seen the Giants potential draft picks vary wildly by position.
The top draft experts have speculated that Jerry Reese will select either a running back, a wide receiver, an offensive tackle, a cornerback, a linebacker or a defensive end. Did I miss any? So basically, even after the massive spending spree in free agency, the Giants have needs all over their depth chart and all of the top-ten prospects, outside of quarterback, would fill a hole.
So why wouldn’t Reese explore trading down from the tenth pick? Each potential draft pick at ten has a blemish or two that should be enough to question the selection. Sure, Ezekiel Elliott may be the best RB in the draft, but the Giants have five capable ones. There’s certainly a need for an OT, but is ten too high to draft a right tackle? This draft isn’t too deep with pass rushers after DeForest Buckner and even if he drops to ten, he is largely considered a 3-4 defensive end. Even Myles Jack has knee concerns. The point is there are flaws with everyone.
To quote Ed Valentine of Big Blue View, all those prospects at ten “could be acceptable picks. I’m sure you may have other names you would toss into the mix, as well. Drop down a little bit and all of those names become even more acceptable.”
The Giants’ recent draft history is also in question. ESPN’s Mike Sando provides an interesting statistical analysis of the Reese’s draft history since 2007. The Giants draft picks since that year have played 10,767 offensive and defensive snaps. The league average over that time period is 16,448 snaps. That’s almost 6,000 snaps the Giants draftees haven’t hit the field. It’s hard to defend that kind of draft history, so why not give Reese a little room for error? More draft picks means more potential players that hit the field and more potential snaps.
Reese also has a potential trade partner in waiting. The Tennessee Titans traded down from their slot at the top and now hold the 15th pick. CBS’s Jason La Canfora reported however that they are looking to trade back up into the top ten. In Pro Football Focus’s mock draft, the Titans-Giants pick swap actually took place.
Ideally, in that trade scenario, the Giants would get one of the Titans’ second round draft picks (33, 43 or 45) in return for the tenth selection. In the PFF mock, the Giants received the Titans’ third (64) and fifth (140) round selections. The Titans used the bump up to select TCU WR Josh Doctson with the tenth pick. But what inferior player did the Giants draft at 15? They selected Michigan State OT Jack Conklin who would plug in at right tackle and has been climbing up draft boards as of late.
It’s not typical for Reese to explore trades down in the draft, but if the Giants don’t grab a playoff berth this year, it may be his last. So why not try something new?