NY Giants: 3 Options for the fourth-overall pick

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 09: Joe Judge waits to be introduced at a press conference as the new head coach of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 9, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 09: Joe Judge waits to be introduced at a press conference as the new head coach of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 9, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Isaiah Simmons(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Isaiah Simmons(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Option 1: LB Isaiah Simmons Clemson

After the Cincinnati Bengals inevitably select Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick, the Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions will pick before the NY Giants are on the clock – and at least one (possibly both) of these teams will also be looking to add one of the top available defenders.

While the Giants are unlikely to have the opportunity to draft Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young at No. 4, it is possible that either OLB Isaiah Simmons or DL Derrick Brown will still be available for Big Blue, as the next best options to improve their severe lack of defensive playmakers.

Adding Isaiah Simmons to their linebacker unit will strengthen Big Blue’s defense in the middle of the field next fall in addition to providing an impact playmaker, which has been lacking since the loss of safety Landon Collins to free agency.

The possibility of having him line up next to a healthy MLB Ryan Connelly (who showed tremendous promise last season before tearing his ACL in Week 4)  would be enough to drastically improve the linebacker unit, barring any additional free agent signings this offseason.

At 6’4” and 230 pounds, his quickness and ability to rush the quarterback could make him a dangerous weapon for new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s play-calling schemes. No matter who they pick though, they need an impact player with some muscle in their game, which is a skill set present in both of these players.

On the flip side, DL Derrick Brown is considered to be one of the five best football players available in the entire draft, regardless of position. Judging by his 6’5” and 318-pound frame, I’d say it’s extremely likely that this senior out of Auburn University will be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

And with so many holes to fill on their defense, any pure football talent may not be the worst option for the NY Giants. Still, Simmons seems like a true quarterback of a defense and needs to be seriously considered at #4.

In fact, it may be an option that the teams picking before them force them to make.