New York Giants 7 Round Mock Draft: Filling post-free agency needs with elite talent
By Ryan Messick
Round 1, pick No. 7: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
We are presented with another decision here, as the Panthers opt for Trent McDuffie and give us our pick of Cross and Ekwonu.
Last week, I took Ekwonu higher, while nabbing both with the fifth and seventh picks.
But, things have changed.
Part of the reason I gave Ekwonu the slight advantage was his versatility and ability to slide inside and play guard. These two are graded very closely, with Pro Football Focus ranking them fifth and sixth. So this is one of those situations where you’re looking for who fits better with your personnel.
Two things stand out to me. The Giants have added a pair of veteran interior offensive linemen this week, so the ability to have this pick slide inside is suddenly much less important. Second, Cross is better in pass protection while Ekwonu is the better run blocker. The league places a higher premium on the passing game, and we’re going to do the same here – after all, it’s pretty important to give Daniel Jones a clean pocket this year and see what he can do as he tries to earn the long-term starting job.