GMEN HQ
FanSided

CFP Title Game: 11 potential New York Giants draft prospects

By Henry Buggy

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 07: University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban (left) and University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart stand with the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy after a Coaches Press Conference on January 7, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 07: University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban (left) and University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart stand with the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy after a Coaches Press Conference on January 7, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 12
Next

#1 – Georgia LB Roquan Smith

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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.

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.

Next: 5 Giants Players Who Exceeded Expectations In 2017

Home/NY Giants Draft