5 Terrific players left on the board for NY Giants at #36 (part one)

2. EDGE Zack Baun – Wisconsin

During the early parts of this draft process, edge-rusher Zack Baun had been as commonly mocked to the NY Giants as you ever could imagine a player could be at a pick as late at #36. However, he also enjoyed a major ride up draft boards during the winter months and was considered a lock for the first-round as recently as a week or two ago.

As we know now after last night, that didn’t happen. It’s fair to assume his flagged drug test at the NFL combine played a role in this, although there’s also a good chance that teams are realizing this is a weak edge class without many players really worthy of being drafted in the first round of any other draft.

The scary thing with Baun is he only had one even solid season — but man, was that a solid season. In 2019, the Wisconsin pass-rusher racked up 53 tackles and 12.5 sacks while also showing he has the skills to be an off-ball linebacker, as well.

He’s a perfect scheme fit for the NY Giants’ 3-4 ‘multiple’ scheme, as he could bring pressure from inside or out, stay on the field whether there were three or four linebackers out there, and potentially cover ‘backs and tight ends.

Should he fall the few spots to #36, the Giants could end up leaving this draft with a high-ceiling edge rusher — something that didn’t seem possible before this thing started.

GMENHQ Grade: 1st rounder: B-

Team need: 9/10

Chance he falls to #36: 85%