New York Giants’ ideal 7-round mock draft to jumpstart Joe Schoen’s rebuild
By David Solow
Round 3 (No. 67 Overall): Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Why would he be a good value for the NY Giants?
Darrian Beavers is a versatile linebacker that does everything well.
At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Beavers is big and strong enough to stuff the run. He does an excellent job taking on offensive linemen and defeating blocks. He isn’t an explosive athlete, but he moves well for a linebacker of his size.
Beavers could shoot up draft boards like Zavon Collins did in 2021, when the Cardinals surprised many by selecting the Tulsa linebacker at 16th overall. If Joe Schoen wants to target him with one of his two third-round picks, he better hope that Beavers doesn’t excel at the NFL combine and slips under the radar.
How would he fit on the 2022 Giants roster?
Darrian Beavers is the type of middle linebacker that is smart enough to call plays for the Big Blue defense as a rookie. Beavers has a high football IQ and processes plays quickly. He understands run fits and zone coverage drops, which allows him to excel against the run and the pass.
If Beavers wasn’t ready to start right away as a rookie, he could be utilized situationally and help the team in various ways. He is a powerful and athletic pass rusher that could be used as a blitzer on passing downs. Additionally, Beavers has experience on all four special teams units and would certainly help in that area right away.
NFL Comparison: Zavon Collins
Like Collins in 2021, Beavers went under the radar during much of the college football season. Like Collins, Beavers has all of the physical and mental tools to blossom into a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker in the NFL.