Top 3 players the NY Giants must draft on Day 3 of 2022 NFL Draft
By Toby Grundy
NY Giants Day 3 Target: 1. Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
A need on the roster which many believed would be addressed on Day 2 with the likes of Leo Chenal and Nakobe Dean still on the board, linebacker stands out as a must draft position on Day 3.
Of course, leaving it until Day 3 means you aren’t looking at the three-down, Day 1 stars like you might see available in the first three rounds. Out of the available linebackers for the Giants at pick 112 and 114, Beavers might just be the pick of the bunch.
He has improved year on year in his collegiate career, culminating in an impressive 2021 which saw him finish as a finalist for the Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker. He had 2 forced fumbles and 4.5 sacks on 102 tackles this past season including 11.5 tackles for loss. He also added one interception and two pass breakups in coverage on the year.
Perhaps his most impressive trait is his work when blitzing, something which will certainly be appreciated in a Wink Martindale defense. According to PFF:
"He’s a two-down kind of player that can get by on third-downs in a blitz-heavy scheme. He’s just good enough in coverage where he won’t be a liability."
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A “blitz-heavy scheme” is a fair way to describe Martindale’s defenses in Baltimore, finishing top of the league in blitz percentage three of the last four seasons. While certainly not a “must-have” guy, it’s now Day 3 and there aren’t many of those left. The Giants need reinforcements at inside linebacker, and Beavers should be able to play a role for Martindale’s defense in New York.