New York Giants’ ideal 7-round mock draft to jumpstart Joe Schoen’s rebuild
By David Solow
TRADE
The New York Giants trade the #7 overall pick to the New Orleans Saints for the 18th overall pick, the 49th overall pick, and a 2023 2nd Round Pick. According to the NFLDraftTek Draft Value Chart, the #7 overall pick is worth 1500 points. The 18th and 49th overall picks are worth 900 points and 400 points respectively.
With a weak QB class, the New York Giants will have fewer teams eager to trade up this year, which lessens the value they can get in a trade back. That being said, all it takes is for one team to fall in love with one quarterback.
With so many holes on the roster, New York would be wise to trade back and get as many “at-bats” as possible. Many draft experts believe the strength of this draft is found in the second and third rounds.
Round 1 (No. 18 Overall): C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
Why would he be a good value for the New York Giants?
Linderbaum is a generational talent at the center position, and is one of the safest picks in the 2022 NFL draft.
Many will argue that No. 7 overall is too high to draft a center, but Linderbaum should be viewed as an exception.
There hasn’t been a college interior offensive lineman that punishes defenders with his blocks the way Linderbaum does since Quinten Nelson.
Linderbaum would solidify the offensive front and make the rest of the offensive line better. Linderbaum would immediately become one of, if not the most athletic center in the NFL.
His ability to get to the second the third level would help Saquon Barkley on the ground and
in the screen game.
As a pass blocker, the Iowa center only allowed 19 pressures in three seasons.
How would he fit on the 2022 Giants roster?
Linderbaum would slide right into the starting center spot along the New York Giants’ offensive line.
Due to his lack of length and size, he has less position versatility than other centers.
This wouldn’t be an issue for the Giants since center is a glaring need. Billy Price struggled mightily in 2021 for the New York Giants, and Nick Gates can’t be relied on in 2022 coming off a devastating leg injury (there is some concern that his injury is career-ending).
If Gates is able to make a miraculous recovery and play in 2022, he has the versatility to play guard next to Linderbaum.
With Ekwonu and Linderbaum joining Andrew Thomas, the NY Giants offensive line can quickly transform from a weakness to a strength.
NFL Comparison: Jason Kelce/Quenton Nelson
Linderbaum’s ability to run downfield as a lead blocker reminds many of Jason Kelce. His competitive toughness and ability to punish defensive linemen remind many of Quinton Nelson. He has the potential to make a Nelson-type impact on the Giants’ offense, and he would immediately make the New York Giants a tougher football team.