Friday saw a flurry of blockbuster trades shake up the top of the NFL Draft board, which could impact the NY Giants’ decision with the No. 11 overall pick next month.
First, the San Francisco 49ers traded up to the No. 3 overall pick in a deal with the Miami Dolphins, presumably to select the best remaining quarterback after the Jacksonville Jaguars likely select Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, and whatever direction the Jets go in No. 2 overall.
Then, the Philadelphia Eagles moved back in a trade with the Dolphins to No. 12, from No. 6, acquiring a 2022 first-round pick as part of the deal.
All of this wheeling and dealing could push as many as four quarterbacks off the board before the NY Giants go on the clock, leaving a bevy of playmakers on both sides of the ball potentially available.
This week, multiple NFL scouts tell GMenHQ that there is a feeling inside the league that NY Giants general manager Dave Gettleman is eyeing Alabama Heisman Trophy winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith, to pair with Kenny Golladay, John Ross, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton in a revamped receiving corps at Daniel Jones’ disposal.
Friday’s trades make it potentially move likely that Smith is still available.
So, too, is it possible that Penn State All-American inside linebacker Micah Parsons is also on the board. The NY Giants seem to have legitimate interest in Parsons, sending head coach Joe Judge, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to Penn State’s pro day on Thursday, where Parsons ran a 4.39 second 40-yard dash.
If more quarterbacks go off the board, Parsons has the chance to be had at No. 11 as well.
After spending big on Jones’ supporting cast in free agency, Parsons is the NY Giants’ pick in CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson’s latest mock draft projection, released after Friday’s blockbuster trades:
"The Giants have addressed several needs in free agency and that just leaves question marks at edge rusher and linebacker. Micah Parsons is a great fit for Patrick Graham’s defense."
Parsons would be an immediate plug-and-play starter alongside Blake Martinez at inside linebacker, as well as a versatile playmaker capable of being weaponized rushing the passer off the edge or in sideline-to-sideline coverage against opposing running backs and tight ends.
Regardless of whether Gettleman adds Parsons, Smith, or another playmaker, Friday’s trades could give the Giants even more options than they originally anticipated having prior to the deals going down around them.
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.