New York Giants 7-round mock draft 3.0, post-Combine
By Henry Buggy
The New York Giants will only have five draft picks after their trade with the Los Angeles Rams becomes official on March 14.
New York Giants first-year general manager Dave Gettleman got some much-needed linebacker help with the addition of Alec Ogletree, but Big Blue still has plenty of questions to answer in the coming weeks and months.
The G-Men are planning to make some significant changes this offseason. Gettleman is expected to target Andrew Norwell in free agency. The Giants are reportedly the favorites to land the All-Pro guard.
On the defensive side of the ball, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will reportedly change positions to free safety. That leaves Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple as New York’s top two cornerbacks in 2018.
Gettleman has said he plans to let free agency set up the team’s draft strategy. Big Blue’s front office was in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine this past weekend. Multiple prospects saw their draft stock rise and fall while meeting with teams and competing in on-field drills.
New York’s big board is far from finished with pro days and official team visits still ahead. But the annual “Underwear Olympics” did give teams a chance to meet with prospects, even if the interviews felt like speed dating.
Medical evaluations and on-field drills in Indianapolis also play a significant role in the draft process, but multiple general managers prefer to rely on game tape.
The NFL Scouting Combine has helped multiple prospects in year’s past. Just ask the ninth overall pick in last year’s draft, John Ross, or Dallas’ first-round pick in 2015, Byron Jones.
The Giants have multiple options with their highest draft selection in over three decades. Eli Manning’s successor, a star running back, an elite offensive lineman, a dominant pass rusher, or trading back are some of Big Blue’s options.
The decision will have a ripple effect on the franchise for years to come.