NY Giants 7-Round Mock Draft: Big Blue goes with Zay Flowers at No. 25
By Zak Musso
NY Giants Round 4 Pick: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
Saquon Barkley is playing the 2023 season under the franchise tag, which makes his future with the Giants somewhat uncertain. His backup Matt Breida is back on a one-year contract, but has some durability concerns.
No matter what the Giants decide to do regarding Barkley and a long-term extension, they need to get a younger running back in the fold. Chase Brown is a perfect fit. Brown was the featured player in the Illinois offense the last two seasons, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Brown received an absurd 328 carries and rushed for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 240 receiving yards.
In 10 of Illinois's 12 games played in 2022, Brown rushed for 108 yards or more. He is a true workhorse running back. Brown ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the Combine, showing that he poses the speed element to go along with his significant power.
The NFL gave Brown a prospect grade of 6.12, indicating he’d be a good NFL backup running back immediately with the potential to develop into an NFL starter. That is exactly what the Giants are looking for.