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Who should the NY Giants target in the 3rd and 4th rounds of the NFL draft?

By David Solow

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Ben Bartch #OL04 of St John's-MN interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Ben Bartch #OL04 of St John's-MN interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Bradley Anae- Edge, Utah

Why would he be a good value for the Giants in the 3rd or 4th round? Another Utah Ute the front office should target is the uber-productive Anae. The versatile pass rusher compiled 13 sacks in 2019, and would immediately help the G-Men in the pass rush department. At 6 feet 3 and 257 pounds, the Ute has ideal size for an NFL edge, but he could also play all over the defensive line in Patrick Grahams’ multiple schemes.

Something that differentiates the native Hawaiian from other edge prospect’s in this class is his ability to set the edge in the run game. Big Blue’s edge defenders really struggled in 2019 when they were asked to set the edge, and that is not a strength of free-agent addition Kyler Fackrell. Anae is a disciplined run defender, which would allow him to stay on the field on early downs as well.

What does he excel at? Anae has a legit motor and demonstrates relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He’s effective at using his hands against offensive linemen and is versatile enough to rush from the 3 or 5 technique on third downs. Patrick Graham’s pass rush would benefit from his quick first step, hustle, and high football IQ.

Anae put together great tape against the Eagles’ Andre Dillard when they matched up in 2018. His ability to use his hands to manipulate offensive lineman is similar to Ximines, but he is more stout against the run than the X-Man. Anae also dominated at the Senior Bowl, which bodes well for his chances to be on the Gettleman’s radar.

Why the Giants might hesitate: Bradley Anae does not win his battles with pure athleticism, and relies on hustle and technique to get to the quarterback. His speed (4.93 40 yard dash) could make him a liability when he is asked to cover. He did not overly impress at the combine, although his 7.44 3-cone drill was 10th best among edge defenders.

Personal excitement level if drafted: (8.5/10) The trait that intrigues me the most about Anae is his ability to set the edge in the run game. Besides Jabrill Peppers, our defense isn’t especially fast, and the front seven could be prone to outside runs (another reason we NEED Isaiah Simmons). Anae possesses all of the traits the Gettleman should be looking for in Patrick Graham’s system.

Likelihood he will fall to #99 or #110: (4/10)

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