How all ten picks from the 2020 NFL Draft fit with the NY Giants
By David Solow
Matthew Peart- OT, UCONN
Why he was the pick at #99- Gettleman was going to use this draft to fix the offensive line at all costs. He viewed Peart as a player with a ton of upside and thought he was a great value at the end of the third round. The G-Men wanted to find their left and right tackle of the future in a deep draft class of offensive tackles.
How versatile is he? The Bronx native played basketball instead of football growing up in New York. He played left tackle during his first two seasons for the Huskies and played right tackle last season. Joe Judge has already said that Peart will practice playing both spots for the G-Men.
How will he fit in for the 2020 NY Giants? He will likely be behind Andrew Thomas, Nate Solder, Cam Fleming, and possibly Nick Gates on the depth chart. Joe Judge and the other Giants coaches love his length, traits, and character. They want him to be their right tackle of the future. Starting as a backup/swing tackle should be good for his development.
How do I feel about the pick? I was hoping for an athletic linebacker like Akeem Davis-Gaithier or a pass rusher at pick #99. I do like the idea of having the right tackle of the future on the roster, though. I also like that his favorite Giant of all time is Eli Manning as well.
My (too early) grade: B- Peart was a smart pick for a rebuilding team, and he could be our next Will Beatty. Beatty took some time to develop and sat behind David Diehl to start his career.
Darnay Holmes- CB, UCLA
Why he was the pick at #110- The athletic freak fills a major need a slot cornerback for Patrick Graham. The former UCLA Bruin has the strength, tough demeanor, and tackling ability to excel as the nickel CB. He was one of the winners of the combine with a 4.48 40-yard dash.
How versatile is he? Holmes played on the outside and inside during his time at UCLA. Because of his shorter stature, he could struggle in the NFL guarding the boundary. He will contribute on special teams and has a 93-yard kickoff return on his resume.
How will he fit in for the 2020 NY Giants? He will compete against Julian Love, Corey Ballantine, and others for the starting nickel cornerback spot. With his speed and ability to tackle well, he should excel covering kickoffs and punts.
How do I feel about the pick? I liked Holmes as a nickel CB option but thought he might have been available at #150. Some people had Julian Love slotted in as the nickel CB, but I don’t think Love possesses enough speed to play corner full time.
My (too early) grade: B+ I think the nickel corner position is undervalued in the NFL. Darnay could be great there.