Who are some sleepers the NY Giants should target late in the draft?
By David Solow
5th round target: Trevis Gipson- edge – Tulsa
Why would he be a good value for the NY Giants in the 5th round? Gipson is an explosive pass-rushing prospect that can be added to Big Blue’s stable of outside linebackers. He possesses excellent length and uses superior flexibility to get around the edge and make plays in the backfield. At Tulsa, Gipson was a first-team AAC All-American and impressed at the Senior Bowl against superior competition.
Despite being raw and a small-school player, Gipson works hard at his craft. The Giants have had luck with small-school pass rushers like Osi Umenyiora (and possibly Oshane Ximines.) Gipson has the tenacity to develop into another difference-maker.
What does he excel at? An explosive first step and impressive bend around the edge allowed Gipson to be a menace in the American Athletic Conference. He uses his long frame to overwhelm offensive tackles. All of his success at the college level came without a go-to pass-rushing move, which means he has room to grow and improve at the NFL level.
The Tulsa prospect plays with a major chip on his shoulder and was never caught taking a play off. He has all of the intangibles (heart, hustle, determination, mental toughness, love for the game) Joe Judge is looking for.
Tulsa DE Trevis Gipson is one of my late round gems. He can blossom into true edge rusher.
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) November 16, 2019
✅ Quickness
✅ Motor
✅ Speed to Power Conversion
✅ Length & Frame
This is kid loves the game & has the potential to be an impact player.#DamesDiary #TDDR #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/P5TNoZ7yyJ
Why the Giants might hesitate: Gipson needs time to develop and add strength to his frame. He would struggle against the run at the NFL level, and could use work with hand-technique. The Giants already have some raw/potential pass-rushing guys that need more experience (Lorenzo Carter, Ximines.)
Personal excitement level if drafted: (7.5/10) I believe that pass rush is still the team’s biggest weakness, so I would like DG to take some late-round fliers on guys like Gipson. If Patrick Graham’s staff can coach him up, I think the small-school kid can step in and contribute on passing downs right away.
Player Comparison: Danielle Hunter (similar size and quickness, both raw coming out of college)
Likelihood he will fall to pick #150: (7/10)