New NFL.com mock draft has the Giants surprising a lot of people in first 3 rounds
With the Super Bowl and the 2023 season officially in the rear-view mirror, everyone is now ready for the NFL Draft to get here. With the NFL Combine arriving before you know it, mock drafts are being fired up left and right. For NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen, the first two days of the draft will be crucial.
Thanks to the Leonard Williams trade with Seattle, Schoen has two second-round picks, while also holding the No. 6 overall spot and a third-round selection. NFL.com's Chad Reuter dropped a three-round mock draft and we have a feeling Giants Nation will like who he thinks will make their way to East Rutherford. The list includes a surprise first-round pick from Schoen, plus a head-turning decision on Day 2.
Florida State pass-rusher Jared Verse will be a name to watch for the Giants
In the first round, Reuter has the G-Men taking EDGE Jared Verse out of Florida State. While a lot of people expect Schoen to go after a star receiver for Daniel Jones, a pass-rusher with Verse's abilities could make sense, especially considering he'll be partnering up with former No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux.
"Will Anderson Jr.’s production dropped in his final year at Alabama (34.5 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks to 17 and 10) but he proved his combination of power and speed was NFL-ready. I expect to see the same from Verse, who was no less of a problem for offensive lines in 2023 than he was in the previous season, even if his numbers were slightly less impressive in ‘23 (17 TFL, 9 sacks in ‘22; 12.5 and 9 in ‘23).
- Chad Reuter
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The second round is where things get even more interesting, as Reuter likes Texas running back Jonathon Brooks at No. 39 overall and safety Jaden Hicks with the No. 47 pick. Obviously, if Schoen goes with a RB in the second round, that'd mean two-time Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley would be on the way out. This past season for the Longhorns, Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Hicks is coming off a standout season for Washington State, posting 76 total tackles and two interceptions. Hicks has great size at 6-3, 212 pounds, with fantastic speed as well. With a Day 2 pick of Hicks, what would end up happening with safety Xavier McKinney?
Lastly, Roman Wilson of the National Champion Michigan Wolverines makes his way to the Giants in the third round. Wilson is a 5-10, 185 pounder who wouldn't be the outside WR people want Big Blue to go after, but he showcased throughout the year how dangerous he can be with the ball in his hands. Wilson could be a strong fit for Brian Daboll's offense.