This late-round pick could make an early impact for the NY Giants

The final selection of the NY Giants 2022 draft could prove to make an earlier impact than many think. With pick No. 182 overall in the sixth round, the Giants added Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers. Beavers was a standout while in college, spending time at both the University of Connecticut and the University of Cincinnati.

Beavers transferred to Cincinnati in 2019, but truly broke out in 2020. He finished with the best year of his collegiate career in 2021. Over his final two seasons, he recorded 156 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three interceptions.

Beavers finished last season with a PFF defensive grade of 77.7. This was the best grade he recorded over his five years in college. He also recorded a pass-rushing grade of 86.1, surpassing his previous career-high of 69.9. He did this in part by generating 21 total pressures, with nine of them being quarterback hurries.

At 6-foot-4 and 237 pounds, Beavers has the build of a modern linebacker. But, he has also spent time at both safety and EDGE. He recorded 151 snaps along the defensive line in 2021. Since transitioning to linebacker in college, Beavers has shown an ability to make a play anywhere on the field. He can handle his own in coverage, impact both the run and passing game, and he has a strong IQ of how to play the position.

Last campaign, Beavers was targeted 35 times in coverage and allowed just 195 yards and zero touchdowns. Beavers isn’t the fastest guy out on the field, but he has a skill set that still allows for him to blow up plays. He recorded 36 run stops last fall. This has fans excited about the team taking him in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Paired alongside veteran linebacker Blake Martinez, and fellow rookie Micah McFadden, the Giants could find themselves with a nice trio. Martinez is the embodiment of what you want a linebacker to turn into. For Beavers, his fall to the sixth round could quickly be forgotten if he can come in and make an impact from Day 1. Given how he produced last season, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be able to push for serious playing time in the near future.