NY Giants mock draft: 5 first-round targets for New York in 2022

Brandon Smith – LB, Penn State

Blake Martinez’s injury has brought the NY Giants’ lack of playmakers at inside linebacker alongside him to the fore this season.

Depending on what the NY Giants do in free agency to address the offensive line, inside linebacker could prove to be a top position of need by the time NFL Draft roll around.

Smith arrived in Happy Valley as a five-star commit to the Nittany Lions, and is developing into a dominant force in the middle of Penn State’s defense.

Through the first seven weeks, Smith has produced 44 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and two pass breakups while flashing a strong nose for the football and ability to quickly get downhill after the quarterback.

At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Smith is freakishly athletic, explosive, and packs a big punch at the point of contact. Smith just might be the ideal complement alongside Martinez at inside linebacker for the NY Giants.