Zach Gotlieb | April 10th, 2020
The New York Giants are in a sort of a transition period with their roster. Still in a building phase, but they’re trying to get younger and better. They finally moved on from Eli Manning and are giving the reins to second-year quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones showed signs that he could be the answer at quarterback. They’ve got Saquon Barkley in the backfield. They’ve got some really good pieces, but are lacking in talent at all positions. With 11 picks, this is a crucial draft where they have to hit on their picks if they want to take a step forward this year.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL team mock drafts here.
Round 1, Pick 4: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
With a plethora of options available at this spot, Gettelman decides to go with one of the best offensive tackles in the draft to protect Jones. He provides a skill set that offers the potential of being able to play multiple positions across the line. With the Giants having among the worst lines in the league consistently over the past few years, Wirfs will be a day one impact starter.
Round 2, Pick 36: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
There’s no shame in picking two players in a row from the same school if they can both be impact starters. Epenesa lacks the lateral quickness to be super effective in space but projects the tools to be an elite pass rusher. The defense only had one player even eclipse five sacks last season (Markus Golden), and he’s currently a free agent. They desperately need pass-rushing help, and Epenesa is an immediate upgrade and starter.
Round 3, Pick 99: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
He provides a skill set that offers the potential of being able to play multiple positions across the line. Wilson has the potential to be an immediate impact player, as well. He does well to move with blocks and make quick reads and get downhill. He’s solid in covering short zones but would have to develop man coverage skills. He’s got the ability to play the MIKE and SAM linebacker spots and on special teams, which will open up plenty of opportunities to get playing time early and often as a rookie.
Round 4, Pick 110: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
No team would ever say that they don’t need more playmakers. Jefferson is on the smaller side as a receiver, but he’s got some explosion to him. His route running ability ranks near the top in this class. He’s got all the tools to be able to gain separation from NFL DB’s and get himself open. With a solid core of Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton, Jefferson will work in as a backup and would have the ability to step in as a starter if an injury were to happen.
Round 5, Pick 150: Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
With Evan Engram in the fold and starting to grow into his own as a dependable starting level tight end, it’ll be good to have a guy like Deguara come in to relieve him or play next to him. He’s got limited physical upside. However, he’s extremely sound fundamentally and can do most things well. He’s a solid blocker, although he needs to get a little stronger to handle the brute of NFL pass rushers, and he’s able to run decent routes at all levels with good hands. He doesn’t have a huge catch radius. Still, sure hands are a valuable commodity in the NFL, especially for tight ends.
Round 6, Pick 183: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Having Barkley and Dion Lewis as your primary running back tandem is a luxury to have, especially if Lewis can recapture the magic from when he played in New England. The trouble is, both of them have had some injury issues. Vaughn is nothing more than a backup back just for depth, but he’s got some good qualities to him that could make him an effective back if called upon.
Round 7, Pick 218: Jaron Bryant, CB, Fresno State
He’s a guy that has good size at 6’1, good ball skills and solid tackling. He’s got good fundamentals and room to get stronger and add some bulk to his frame, The only thing really going against him is that he’s not the fastest or the quickest corner. After drafting Deandre Baker last year and signing James Bradberry in free agency, Bryant doesn’t have to be rushed to do anything. He can learn and develop his man coverage skills more.
Round 7 Pick 238: Trystan Colon-Castillo, IOL, Missouri
With the starting guard spots secured with Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler, going after a center would be a smart decision for the Giants. Colon-Castillo is a bit undersized, but he plays with toughness and good leverage. He’s a guy that could quickly take a leadership role on the offensive line.
Round 7, Pick 247: Nigel Warrior, S, Tennessee
Warrior by name. Warrior by reputation. He’s an extremely versatile safety that can play just about anywhere. He’s a reliable tackler and got excellent ball skills. He’s got a great motor and always seems to be near the ball. With only two players officially listed as safeties for the Giants, Warrior appears to have a chance to gain a legitimate role in this defense.
Round 7, Pick 255: Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan
Patterson is a guy that you take a flyer on because he’s got potential and he’s a guy that could compete for a backup job given the current status of that role for the Giants. He has good pocket presence and ability to avoid the rush. His accuracy is pretty average, but decent in the short to intermediate range. At worst, he’s a training camp arm. At best, he’s competing and maybe winning a backup role behind Jones.
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