The NFL Combine offered plenty of insight both into the New York Giants’ needs, and the top prospects who could fill them, perhaps as the cornerstones of a rebuild
Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll, and the New York Giants’ front office is already hard at work as an overdue rebuild begins.
Just last week during the NFL Combine, tight end Kyle Rudolph and running back Devontae Booker were released to create over $7 million in new cap space.
In addition to taking the first concrete steps to tearing down the roster and creating some spending flexibility this offseason, Schoen and the Giants‘ brass got an up close and personal look at the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft during the last week in Indianapolis.
Following last week’s moves, and the moves up the board made by players who stood out during the NFL Combine, the NFL Draft picture has already begun to change. Even for the New York Giants.
Here’s our latest full New York Giants 7-round mock draft following the NFL Combine:
Round 1, pick No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux solidified his status as one of the premier passs-rushers in this year’s class with a dominant showing on the field and from the podium at the NFL Combine.
Thibodeaux arrived in Indianapolis on the heels of a 49-tackle and seven-sack sophomore campaign that vaulted him to the top of the board and into the conversation as a top-five selection. While at the Combine, not only did Thibodeaux command the room from the podium, but he put up 225 pounds 27 times on the bench press, and ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.59 seconds at 260 pounds. Some may question why Thibodeaux dropped out of drills, but his strong tape seems to fit the profile of players Schoen covets at the position.
It is no secret that building a dominant edge presence isn’t just a top priority for the New York Giants, but also that Schoen during his time with the Buffalo Bills invested significant resources in the position. If Thibodeaux is on the board when the New York Giants are on the clock, it’s difficult to envision him landing anywhere other than East Rutherford.