It’s been a crazy week of free agency. The New York Giants said goodbye to two of their team captains this past week. However, new faces were signed on both sides of the ball led by edge rusher Brian Burns. Now, with those signings, does that change who they could possibly draft? Welcome to mock draft 2.0.
(1.0 is here for your convenience).
Round 1, Pick 6: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
With the top three quarterbacks off the board in this mock, it was clear that there’s no need to reach for one at sixth overall. Instead, New York opts for the WR1 of the future.
One of the highest-graded wideouts in the draft, the LSU product had 1,568 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in just 13 games. His movement and ability to change direction are dangerous, and has elite athleticism that will have defenses keeping an eye on him at all times.
Put him either at the slot or on the outside, and you got yourself a dependable receiver for whoever is playing quarterback. Still 20 years old, he has a bright future in the league and will get even better as the years go by.
The last WR the Giants took from LSU in the first round showed flashes of becoming a superstar. Nabers is up next.
Round 2, Pick 47: Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
They got their WR1 of the future. So, why not give him a quarterback?
Enter the lefty Penix, who had an outstanding season for the Washington Huskies last year on their way to the College Football Playoff.
After going through so much adversity in his college career (two ACL tears), he has shown what he can do when healthy during the past two years.
Penix threw for nearly 5,000 yards in 2023, pairing that up with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
His arm talent is solid enough for the NFL level. However, things such as footwork and improved ball placement will need to worked on.
Nonetheless, his velocity and ability to throw the deep ball (especially outside the numbers) is something fans have been clamoring for from the Giants’ recent quarterbacks.
He will be 24 when the season starts but is still young enough to be the franchise quarterback for years to come.
Round 3, Pick 70: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
An offensively-dominated draft thus far, the Giants continue to add that side of the ball. With the departure of Saquon Barkley and uncertainty of having Devin Singletary as the RB1, GM Joe Schoen decides to get one of the most productive backs in the draft.
Corum amassed 27 touchdowns in 2023, showing he WAS the offense at Michigan on their way to the national championship. He ran for over 1,200 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Both numbers were low compared to his 2022 season (1,461 and 5.9). There’s a good reason, as he tore his mensicus in late 2022.
Regardless, he has shown the ability to be a three-down back despite not having crazy athleticism. Corum sees the field well, and over time could be a RB1. He would enter the Giants to form a 1-2 punch with Singletary (and possibly Eric Gray).
Round 4, Pick 107: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
The Giants have uncertainty at cornerback with them not bringing back Adoree’ Jackson. Someone needs to line up opposite of last year’s CB1 in Deonte Banks.
Abrams-Draine is an athlete who knows to make plays on the ball. He had four interceptions in 2023, along with 34 pass deflections since 2021.
Originally a receiver at Missouri before switching positions, his recovery speed and fluid hips help his case to become a solid cornerback in the NFL. Lucky for him, his below-average weight won’t hurt him as much in Shane Bowen’s defense (more zone than man coverage).
Round 5, Pick 141: Zac Zinter, G, Michigan
Corum’s teammate, the Giants continue to add reinforcements to the offensive line. Mainly a right guard at Michigan, he is a powerful lineman who contributed to Blake Corum’s solid rushing season in 2023.
His size helps him when it comes to pass protection, and his ability to push people at contact and latch on will be much needed on a team in dire need of solid linemen.
Round 6, Pick 183: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
Why not add another back to the team? Vidal was one of the highest graded backs in college football, rushing for 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023.
His vision and ability to finish runs with force make him an intriguing back. He also showed the ability to contribute in the passing game, with 200 yards on 18 catches last season.
The only concern is his top-end speed, as defenders are able to catch up to him at a point and bring him down.
Vidal also appears to want to bounce inside designed runs to the outside too much. There are many instances on film where Vidal can run in between the tackles and pick up immediate positive yardage, but he chooses to bounce the run outside. While this may work on the collegiate level, this may be difficult to do so in the NFL
The Draft Network on RB Kimani Vidal’s concerning traits
To start his career on a team that could may well have a running back by committee, he fits that mold.
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