Shane Lemieux- IOL, Oregon
Why he was the pick at #150- Remember this quote from Jerry Reese? “Anytime there is a dynamic playmaker up there and a guard, I’m taking a playmaker.” Dave Gettleman doesn’t believe in that. Lemieux is the kind of hog molly Gettleman likes, and he can move people in the run game.
How versatile is he? The hog molly has 52 games of experience playing for the Oregon Ducks, while never missing a start. He played all of his games were played at left guard, but he has been practicing taking snaps and will try playing center for the G-Men.
How will he fit in for the 2020 NY Giants? He will compete against Spencer Pulley, Nick Gates, and others for the Giants’ starting center position. He has the necessary strength to create holes in the run game and keep from getting pushed back into Daniel Jones face in pass protection.
How do I feel about the pick? I like that Lemieux is a true mauler in the run game. I worry that he will have a steep learning curve transitioning to center in the NFL, and he could struggle in pass protection.
My (too early) grade: C+ I think he could develop into our center of the future, but it is far from a guarantee. I would have liked for us to take center Nick Harris, who was taken by the Browns ten picks later.
Cam Brown- LB, Penn State
Why he was the pick at #183– It was obvious that Dave Gettleman wanted to infuse athleticism into the linebacker corps. Cam Brown is a 6’5″ hybrid linebacker that uses his length well to cause disruption for the offense. Even though the Giants passed on Isaiah Simmons, they found a tall linebacker that can be used in multiple ways.
How versatile is he? Brown’s strength is his versatility. Patrick Graham likes to run a lot of 3-3-5 fronts, and he needs his outside linebackers to have adequate agility in that alignment. Defensive line coach, Sean Spencer, is very familiar with his skill set because of their time together in Happy Valley.
How will he fit in for the 2020 NY Giants? He will contribute right away on special teams. I believe at least one of the athletic linebackers taken at the end of the draft will end up playing a lot on defense, and it could very well be Cam Brown.
How do I feel about the pick? I like his potential and the fact that he can rush the passer. He is a tall and versatile chess piece that can be useful in certain matchups.
My (too early) grade: B Cam Brown is another player whose potential I like. He will contribute right away on kickoffs and punts, where he earned his playing time early for Penn State.