How all ten picks from the 2020 NFL Draft fit with the NY Giants
By David Solow
Carter Coughlin- LB, Minnesota
Why he was the pick at #218- Coughlin primarily played as an edge defender for the Gophers, but he is athletic enough to play off-ball linebacker for Big Blue. Coughlin (no relation to former Giants coach) was a top-five linebacker recruit in high school and chose Minnesota over Ohio State to play at his father’s and grandpa’s alma mater.
How versatile is he? After recording 9.5 sacks each of the last two seasons, Carter became a player teams needed to gameplan for. The Gopher captain ran a 4.57 40-yard dash and has the coverage skills, football IQ, and agility to play all over in Patrick Graham’s scheme.
How will he fit in for the 2020 NY Giants? He is another athletic linebacker that can contribute right away on special teams. He will need to prove himself on third downs rushing the passer to see playing time on defense in 2020.
How do I feel about the pick? Coughlin is my favorite draft pick from day 3. I think he is athletic enough to have a successful transition to off-ball linebacker like Anthony Barr did coming out of UCLA.
My (too early) grade: A- In the 7th round, it can be tough to find guys that will make the 53-man roster. His quickness and impressive 10-yard split should remind fans of Ryan Connelly (and they went to the same high school.) Coughlin is an interesting player that has a great last name for a Giant.
No surprise the #Giants drafted Carter Coughlin.
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) April 25, 2020
Guess what his 10-yard split was? 1.54 -- 99th percentile. Remember, Ryan Connelly had one of the best off-ball 10-yard splits in 2019.
Coughlin will start on ST, but I think they convert him to off-ball LB. They have a type. pic.twitter.com/tL2B2dRXNN
T. J. Brunson- LB, South Carolina
Brunson led the Gamecocks with 106 tackles in 2019. He’s another athletic linebacker that will have to fight for a roster spot. Brunson was a team captain at Columbia, which has been a theme with the defensive players Gettleman selected.
Chris Williamson- CB, Minnesota
Williamson, like Darnay Holmes, is best when he’s playing nickel corner. He has good size for the position at 6 feet and 205 pounds. He plays physically, which is something he has in common with most Giants corners. The cornerback competition will be fierce during training camp.
Minnesota CB Chris Williamson is a really intriguing Day 3 option at CB. Was a Shrine Game standout and was really good there. Lengthy, savvy, and physical, Williamson is getting legit NFL buzz. Does a great job here against KJ Hamler to shut down this fade. pic.twitter.com/79I3JD1QY9
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 4, 2020
No place for Nate Solder on 2020 Giants after terrific draft. dark. Next
Tae Crowder- LB, Georgia
Crowder is another athletic middle linebacker with upside. He had the second-most tackles for the nation’s best defense, and the former running back possesses the athleticism at middle linebacker the Giants need. Mr. Irrelevent can earn a roster spot by contributing on special teams.