Giants + Patrick Surtain II? Mock Draft 8.0

Could the Giants solve their cornerback issues immediately? With the Denver Broncos looking to trade up from the 12th overall pick to get a quarterback, New York is a candidate to help them do so. Of course, the trade would have to benefit the Giants as well. Head coach Sean Payton is looking to offer a big package to get his way, which includes their first-round pick this year, next year, and cornerback Patrick Surtain II. With New York at sixth overall, both teams could have their way. But, what would the rest of the draft look like? Let’s see.

Explanation Of Picks

Despite trading down to 12th overall, I still felt it was too early to draft one of the remaining quarterbacks in Michael Penix Jr or Bo Nix. So, I traded down with the Los Angeles Rams to 19th overall while also adding the 52nd overall pick.

Then, I would go ahead and select the former Washington quarterback. Arguably the best pocket passer in the draft, I’ve been on the Penix bandwagon since day one. His big throws and willingness to sling it will bode wonders for Giants receivers, a group that may or may not include Darius Slayton for 2024.

Regardless, wide receiver was addressed in the next round anyway. The leading receiver for Oregon, Troy Franklin has great size at 6’3″. Though he will need to bulk up (187 lbs), the 21-year-old is a smooth runner whose best ability is the vertical game. Whether it’s in the slot or the outside, he’s a solid weapon to have. Also, his releases are underrated, and will go and get the ball instead of letting it come to him.

I would trade down again, this time with the Buffalo Bills for the 60th overall pick and two fourth-rounders. With the new pick, Christian Haynes was the selection here. To add to the overhaul on the offensive line, the 6’2″ guard was a four-year starter at UConn, showing above-average athleticism and a good zone blocker. With uncertainty at who will play right guard (Jon Runyan?), Haynes would compete for the job right away. He has starting potential, nonetheless.

In round three, it was time to add to the running back room. Personally, Jaylen Wright could spoil the Giants’ plans of having a running back by committee. The Tennessee product is just 21 years old but brings incredible speed and explosiveness. Once he gets that first step, he is a goner. Add in his ability to contribute in the passing game and also block, and he could be the RB1 right away. At the very least, the best back in the committee.

What About The Defense?

The defense was addressed on day three. But, let’s talk about Surtain II for a second. The cornerback had a down but decent year last year (69.0 PFF grade in 2023, compared to 86.0 in 2022). But, he’s a shutdown cornerback nonetheless and is a clear CB1. The 24-year-old has recorded seven interceptions in his three-year career, taking the responsibility of guarding the best wide receiver on the opposing team. A two-time Pro Bowler, he can do it all and would be a welcome addition to the team.

Now, back to the draft. Ben Sinnott was the pick with our first fourth-rounder. The tight end can do it all, whether putting him as a receiver, blocker, or even in the backfield. Graded at an 82.0 according to PFF, he recorded 48 catches for 669 yards and six touchdowns last year for Kansas State. With the uncertainty of Darren Waller looming, Sinnott is a great replacement.

DeWayne Carter was the selection with our second fourth-rounder. He isn’t the most intimidating physically but is a smart player who has a great upper body and will hold his own against double teams. He is also versatile, and his bag of pass-rush moves will help him contribute sooner rather than later. More depth to the Giants defensive line room.

Safety Malik Mustapha is one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the draft. That’s his mentality, after all. He may not have great long speed or long arms. But, as a deep safety, he is a great blitzer and when he hits players, watch out. He will cause havoc. The 79.6 PFF-graded product from Wake Forest could compete for the starting safety job, especially with Xavier McKinney no longer in New York.

With our last two picks, I added another guard and also brought in an edge rusher. Zac Zinter is a powerful player who doesn’t have the best footwork and isn’t that athletic. But, he anchors well and is a good pass-blocker.

Finally, Grayson Murphy is an advanced pass rusher that I’m surprised was still in round six. Though not an imposing athlete, his bull rush helps him perform well in the pass rush and is fundamentally a good run defender. Though he won’t start, a role could be carved for the former UCLA product.

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