2018 NFL Draft: New York Giants Big Board – Top 150 players

Top 25 Players

#25 – Iowa C James Daniels

#24 – Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch

#23 – Washington DL Vita Vea

#22 – Ohio State C Billy Price

#21 – LSU RB Derrius Guice

#20 – Louisville CB Jaire Alexander

#19 – Georgia OL Isaiah Wynn

#18 – Iowa CB Josh Jackson

#17 – UTEP OG Will Hernandez

#16 – Alabama DL Da’Ron Payne

#15 – Texas OT Connor Williams

#14 – Florida State S Derwin James

#13 – Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey

#12 – UTSA EDGE Marcus Davenport

#11 – Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds

#10 – Ohio State CB Denzel Ward

#9 – Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick

#8 – Georgia LB Roquan Smith

#7 – Notre Dame OG Quenton Nelson

#6 – Wyoming QB Josh Allen

#5 – Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield

#4 – UCLA QB Josh Rosen

#3 – N.C. State EDGE Bradley Chubb

#2 – Penn State RB Saquon Barkley

#1 – USC QB Sam Darnold

What to do at No. 2?

This Big Board is surely different than Big Blue’s official Big Board, but it likely includes many of the same prospects, just in a different order.

USC quarterback Sam Darnold is reportedly New York’s top target. Big Blue is also reportedly high on Saquon Barkley and Bradley Chubb. But if the Cleveland Browns take Darnold No. 1 overall, would the Giants really use the second pick on a running back?

It depends on how Gettleman views this year’s quarterback class. Barkley is worthy of the No. 2 overall pick in terms of talent, but the depth at his position could lead Gettleman to pass on the Penn State prospect.

The Giants may have Josh Allen or Josh Rosen listed as the second best prospect. Baker Mayfield is likely not in the mix, but I currently have him listed as the third best quarterback in this year’s class. Pro Football Focus has him ranked No. 1 overall on their Big Board.

Quarterbacks inherently have more value. That’s why Darnold takes the top spot on this list. He’s is not the best overall talent in this draft, but he is the safest draft selection among the quarterback prospects. He also has the highest floor, whereas Rosen arguably has the highest ceiling, in my opinion.

Quenton Nelson is an unbelievable talent and the best offensive lineman in this year’s class. But much like Barkley, his position is likely not worthy of the No. 2 overall pick.

Next: New York Giants Top 15 First-Round Draft Picks All-Time

The Giants may also have the option to trade down, but that will depend on what they are able to get in return.

It will be interesting to see what direction Gettleman goes. Barkley would signal a quick turnaround for the Giants, but he doesn’t necessarily provide a long-term plan. A future franchise quarterback does provide a long-term plan, but it could also lead to a quarterback controversy should the Giants struggle early. And then there’s Chubb, a dynamic pass rusher, who has the potential to flourish in Bettcher’s defense.