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2018 NFL Draft: Top 10 LBs New York Giants should target

By Henry Buggy

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) /
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#8 – Virginia LB Micah Kiser

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – SEPTEMBER 16: Micah Kiser #53 of the Virginia Cavaliers recovers a fumble during a game against the Connecticut Huskies at Scott Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – SEPTEMBER 16: Micah Kiser #53 of the Virginia Cavaliers recovers a fumble during a game against the Connecticut Huskies at Scott Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Kiser became just the second player in ACC history to lead the conference in tackles for three consecutive years, placing him alongside 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly.

The Cavaliers All-American middle linebacker racked up 393 tackles, 33.5 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, 12 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, and one interception over the last three seasons. NFL Draft analysts have wide ranging opinions regarding the 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker.

Kiper lists Kiser as the fourth overall inside linebacker in this year’s class, but the Cavaliers prospect was unable to crack Miller’s top 10 list of linebackers. Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell projects Kiser to be a third to fifth-round draft selection and ranks him the 11th best player at his position.

Campbell notes there are some concerns with Kiser in pass coverage, but also acknowledges that he is a “strong, intelligent, instinctive, and physical” run defender.

Gettleman and the Giants have to decide whether they believe B.J. Goodson is a long-term solution at the middle linebacker position. The Giants could also look to bump Goodson to outside linebacker if they find the right candidate to be the signal caller in the middle of their defense.

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