NY Giants’ 7-round mock draft: Micah Parsons or DeVonta Smith at No. 11?

NY Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has aggressively filled some of the roster’s most glaring needs with top of market players in free agency, opening up all kinds of options with in next month’s NFL Draft.

Rather than shoehorned into drafting to fill a void, the NY Giants can match their draft approach to their newfound free agency philosophy; matching talent with value.

Signing wide receiver Kenny Golladay, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, and extending defensive lineman Leonard Williams, along with depth signings such as tight end Kyle Rudolph and guard Zach Fulton give Gettleman and the NY Giants every reason to draft for talent rather than simply for need.

So, how will this offseason’s acquisitions impact the Giants‘ draft?

Here’s a look at our latest full NY Giants 7-round NFL Mock Draft projection:

Round 1, pick No. 11: Micah Parsons – LB, Penn State

Penn State‘s All-American inside linebacker is the most gifted, and arguably the most versatile, defensive prospect in this year’s class, and he would plug a glaring void in Patrick Graham’s defense.

Parsons’ natural position is defensive end, and Graham could turn him loose as a pass-rusher off the edge, but paring him alongside Blake Martinez could create one of the more dominant inside linebacker duos in the league.

Despite opting out of the 2020 season, Parsons showed during Penn State’s pro day last week that his athleticism matches his productive two seasons in Happy Valley. After producing 191 total career tackles with 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles, Parsons ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.39 seconds.

It is noteworthy that NY Giants head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham were in State College for Parsons’ pro day …

Last Friday’s flurry of blockbuster trades could lead to as many as four quarterbacks being chosen in the first 10 picks, which could leave Parsons on the board when the NY Giants go on the clock. If he’s available, Parsons‘ athleticism and lofty ceiling would be difficult for the Giants to pass up.