In previous mock drafts, there have been times when we’ve seen the same players with certain picks. Well, not today. Here is the seventh edition of my New York Giants mock draft, with players we have not selected in previous mocks. Let’s have some fun with it.
Round 1, Pick 11: TE Brock Bowers
I traded away the number six overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings for picks 11 and 23 in the first round.
The hold-up with Darren Waller has been outright ridiculous. New York will act as if he will retire, which means drafting a tight end. Why not grab the best one available? Bowers missed a few games in 2023, but is very well-rounded and a piece you can move around the line of scrimmage. He’s also a great run-blocker with excellent strength for his position. Whether in the slot, the outside, or at the line, Bowers is a weapon the Giants could use (and also dependable, unlike someone…)
The sooner you start looking at Brock Bowers as a unicorn rather than a tight end, the better.
— Joe Beldner (@JoeBeldner) April 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/W6JDIWfqw6
Round 1, Pick 23: CB Nate Wiggins
The cornerback position needs to be addressed too. Getting Wiggins with the second first-round pick was the decision. He’s very athletic, and his recovery speed makes him stand out from the rest of them. Holding passers to a 44.4 passer rating in 2023 when targeted, the 6’2″ cornerback has the potential to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league (especially if he bulks up a bit more).
Nate Wiggins has game-breaking speed and it shows in testing and on tape. pic.twitter.com/IO32DPwVSN
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 11, 2024
Round 2, Pick 47: S Javon Bullard
With the departure of Xavier McKinney, the safety position for the Giants is very uncertain. Yes, Dane Belton is a possible choice to take over as the starter. But, why not get a for-sure piece in Bullard? A versatile player, he’s a tackler who isn’t scared of contact and is overall a great competitor. He’s not an elite athlete, but will make up for it with the other traits he possesses.
If the Houston Texans are looking seriously at safety Javon Bullard, it's going to be because of plays like this.
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) April 10, 2024
Fantastic read on the QB, great angle towards the receiver, and blows up the play to force fourth down.
Physical, instinctive player that Kirby Smart trusted. pic.twitter.com/7HJjGxQBC9
Round 3, Pick 70: QB Spencer Rattler
Of course, we were going to draft a quarterback at some point. Rattler is an intriguing choice in the mid-rounds. At 24-years-old, he is a bit on the older side. With an adequate arm and improved pocket presence, the signal-caller has a shot to compete to be the starter sooner than people think. When needed, he will create plays with his legs. The Giants have obvious uncertainty at quarterback, making Rattler not a surprising choice here.
I’ve been seeing a lot of Spencer Rattler hype on my feed, and for good reason.
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 15, 2024
A cut-up of his most ridiculous throws, for your viewing pleasure: pic.twitter.com/4tKGyhl77P
Round 4, Pick 107: G Cooper Beebe
Improving the offensive line this offseason has been pretty accomplished, with GM Joe Schoen already adding Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemenor in free agency. But, you can never have too many linemen. Beebe has played tackle and guard throughout his college career but has played mostly left guard during the past two years. His high IQ and fundamentals will help him succeed at the next level and will move defenders effectively with his leverage.
Cooper Beebe is funpic.twitter.com/RtvaRk6dQN
— cristian (@Cristianspfc_) April 15, 2024
Round 5, Pick 169: WR Luke McCaffrey, Rice
*traded pick 166 for picks 169, 219, and 245 from the Packers
The former quarterback won’t be an immediate starter. But, the 6’2″ wide receiver is a big slot target with extreme toughness and good hands to succeed at the next level. When it comes to combat catches, he succeeds against opposing cornerbacks. He isn’t as explosive as his brother Christian but can accelerate to top speed quickly. Another weapon to add to the wideout room.
#Rice WR Luke McCaffrey
— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) April 8, 2024
6’2 208lbs
4.46 forty
9.44 RAS
▫️Lineage: Brother of Christian & son of Broncos great ED McCaffrey
▫️Zone Disruptor: 2nd best WR grade vs. zone per PFF
▫️Hands: 62% contested catch rate
▫️With a deep WR class – mid-round steal
pic.twitter.com/q2kkm4WHfE
Round 6, Pick 183: DL Jowon Briggs
With the Giants already adding Jordan Phillips recently, the defensive line isn’t too much of a need. But, adding depth was the idea here. He has violent hands and excellent power, helping him win against opposing linemen. Also, he possesses a high motor and has good enough rush moves to make his impact felt.
Round 6, Pick 219: RB Isaiah Davis
I absolutely love SDSU RB Isaiah Davis' short-area quickness downfield.
— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) April 15, 2024
He's such a smooth mover for being 218 lbs. I'd be ecstatic if the #Browns took him in the 5th/6th round.#DawgPound #NFLDraft2024 #SouthDakotaState #Jackrabbits pic.twitter.com/4Cz040ei6P
The South Dakota State product finished with a 94.9 PFF grade, making him one of the highest-graded backs in college football. He ran for 1,578 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2023, showing flashes of his elusiveness and also ability to run through contact. There is potential as a three-down back, as he does need to work on being more decisive and hitting the holes quickly. But, he is well-built and can make an impact in the receiving game.
Round 7, Pick 245: WR Zakhari Franklin
A former member of the UTSA Roadrunners, he transferred to Ole Miss in 2023. However, he only played in four games, catching just four passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. When he’s on the field, Franklin has reliable hands and the ability to make plays after the catch. A solid route runner, getting off of press coverage is not that big of an issue for him. Though he will need to work on beating zone coverage, Franklin is a bit of a “steal” this late in the draft.
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