NFL Mock Draft: NY Giants rock with SEC CB in the first round

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 08: Emmanuel Forbes #13 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Davis Wade Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 08: Emmanuel Forbes #13 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Davis Wade Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland (OL27) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland (OL27) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

NY Giants Round 5 selection: OL Jaxson Kirkland, Washington

If the Giants want to add some serious depth on the offensive line, they should look no further than Jaxson Kirkland out of Washington, a 6-7, 321-pound monster with plenty of experience at multiple positions.

Kirkland isn’t necessarily a perfect prospect, as his massive size does come with some negatives. However, his versatility and power could make him a useful player for the Giants if one of their starters go down.

Last season at Washington, Kirkland allowed just nine total pressures, not allowing a single sack in 491 pass-blocking snaps. Alongside this, Kirkland has played 500+ snaps at left guard, right guard, and left tackle over the course of his college career.

Kirkland more likely than not pans out to be a guard due to his minimal length (33 1/2 arm measurement), however, if the Giants need him to be plugged in at tackle, he can do so.

NY Giants Round 5 selection: WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia

When you look at Bryce Ford-Wheaton’s stat sheet, you may not be entirely blown away, as he caught just 62 passes for 675 yards and seven touchdowns. However, where he made his name known was this year’s NFL Combine. The traits and athleticism he put on display just about saved his draft stock to the point where putting him as a fifth-round selection might be a stretch.

At the combine, Wheaton ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, displayed a 41-inch vertical, a 4.15 20-yard shuttle, and a 10’9 broad jump. What makes this even crazier is that Wheaton is listed at 6-4, 221 pounds.

Wheaton certainly has some things to work on from a technical standpoint, but his physical prowess could make him a deadly threat in the NFL. His ability to grab 50/50 balls is exactly what this Giants offense needs.