GMEN HQ
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: New York Giants 7-round mock draft 1.0

By Henry Buggy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 11
Next

Fourth-Round – Ole Miss DE Breeland Speaks

OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 28: Cole Kelley #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is sacked from behind by Breeland Speaks #9 of the Ole Miss Rebels at Hemingway Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 28: Cole Kelley #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is sacked from behind by Breeland Speaks #9 of the Ole Miss Rebels at Hemingway Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Gettleman made it clear in his introductory press conference the importance of a pass rush and that a team can never too many great players at one position, via New York’s team website.

"“Let me tell you something. I don’t care what position it is. You can never have too many great players at one position. I mean, you think about us – we got (Michael) Strahan and Osi (Umenyiora) and we’re drafting (Justin) Tuck and we’re drafting (Mathias) Kiwanuka and people are looking at us like we have brain damage.”"

The Giants finished the 2017 season tied with the Buffalo Bills for the third fewest team sacks (27) in the NFL despite two of their biggest contracts belonging to Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon.

With that said, the Giants get an athletic 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive end at the beginning of the fourth-round in Speaks.

After switching from defensive tackle to defensive end in his junior season, Speaks was voted second-team All-SEC. He recorded 61 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and one forced fumble.

Rebels head coach Matt Luke praised Speaks for his leadership during a turbulent time at Ole Miss, via SEC Country.

"“I have seen Breeland grow as a person and a player over the last four years, and we’re excited to see him take this next step in his career. I am particularly proud of the leadership he brought to our team amidst the challenges we faced. He is a true Rebel, and we look forward to watching him continue our program’s rich NFL tradition.”"

Speaks would likely be an ideal fit as a 4-3 defensive end and could work out as rotational pass rusher along with Avery Moss.

Home/NY Giants Draft