#1 – Georgia LB Roquan Smith
The Butkus Award winner (given to the nation’s best collegiate linebacker) helped fuel the Bulldogs to the national championship game with a team-high 11 tackles and one tackle for a loss.
The Giants have been missing a leader in the middle of their defense, and if Smith somehow slips to the second-round, Big Blue should not hesitate to snag the 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker.
Kiper has Smith listed as the No. 15 overall prospect for the 2018 draft regardless of position and ranks him the top inside linebacker. ESPN’s draft analyst also notes Smith’s ability to play both inside and outside linebacker at the next level.
Pro Football Focus gave Georgia’s leading tackler (124) the fifth-highest grade for an FBS linebacker this season.
National Championship - national stage - some of the national best, including Georgia LB Roquan Smith, who is the fifth-highest graded linebacker this season. pic.twitter.com/Xy78VCHKwF
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 6, 2018
Some draft analysts have concerns with Smith’s size at the next level, and Miller lists him as the “biggest question mark” at the linebacker position.
Over the past two seasons, Georgia’s junior linebacker has recorded 219 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Giants fans interested in adding a linebacker through the draft should keep a close eye on No. 3.
The G-Men are in need of new additions along the offensive line, at running back, at quarterback, and at the linebacker position. The Giants may also look to upgrade their pass rush and secondary in the draft, but for Monday’s CFP title game, running back and linebacker are the top positions Big Blue fans should watch.