ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay preview the NFL Draft with their latest Mock Draft predictions:
What draft fan doesn't like seeing Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay go at it?
The ESPN analysts recently went head-to-head to predict the first two rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft, which kicks off April 27 in Philadelphia. Naturally, they disagreed on most picks, but they did find common ground on the same running back for the Giants in the second round. However, they did not see eye-to-eye on the team's first-round pick, the 23rd overall selection.
Kiper liked Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis, and McShay was in the camp of Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell.
"An ankle injury kept Davis out of workouts at the combine, but he had a spectacular pro day, running a 4.56 40 with a 38½-inch vertical," Kiper said. "Kelvin Sheppard started 11 games at middle linebacker for the Giants last season, but he's a free agent, while 2016 first-round pick B.J. Goodson only played 14 snaps. The versatile Davis, my No. 2 inside linebacker, would slot in on Day 1."
"McDowell is the most talented interior pass rusher in the draft, but he didn't play with the same passion and toughness this past season, which is a red flag," McShay said. "The veterans along the Giants' defensive line can show him how to be a pro."
Out of 64 picks in the first two rounds, Kiper and McShay agreed on 10, beginning with Texas A&M's Myles Garrett and Stanford's Solomon Thomas going first and second, respectively.
At No. 55, they both had running back Samaje Perine of Oklahoma going to Big Blue. The 5-foot-11, 233-pound Sooner finished as the program's all-time leading rusher (4,122 yards), despite turning pro after just three seasons. He also holds the NCAA single-game rushing record with 427 yards vs. Kansas in 2014.
"Perine is one of the toughest running backs I've seen in a while, and he'd be a great complementary pounder (5-11, 233) to Paul Perkins, whom the Giants took in the fifth round last year," Kiper said. "Perine had 49 touchdown runs in three seasons for the Sooners."
McShay added, "I agree with everything Mel said. Perine made a habit of plowing through arm tackles at Oklahoma, and he'd take the pressure off Perkins to carry the load in New York's backfield."
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks names the best NFL Draft prospect at each position.
Here is a look at the latest mock drafts:
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (4/4)
Pick: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
**Analysis**: "Cook would be too good to pass up at this point in the draft. I like Paul Perkins but Cook is a far superior talent."
Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com (4/4)
Pick: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
**Analysis**: "The Giants are ready to win now, but the allure of landing an exciting building block for the future might be too great to pass on a talent like Mahomes. There is obviously interest by the Giants so this possible pairing can't be ruled out.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (3/30)
Pick:Â Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
**Analysis**: "The offensive line was a major issue last season. They need help at both tackle spots."Â
Will Brinson, CBS Sports (3/30)
Pick: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
**Analysis:**Â "The Giants made a nice signing when they brought in Brandon Marshall, but no one should ignore the issues on the offensive line. They have to get more protection for Eli Manning or it won't matter who's catching passes."Â
Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated (3/29)
Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
**Analysis**:Â "This pick has been reserved in prior mocks for Cam Robinson. Should the Giants feel he too closely resembles Ereck Flowers, though, they could turn to Ramczyk, a plug-and-play option on either side of the line."Â
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/27) Pick:
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State* *
**Analysis:Â **"McDowell has a high ceiling and a low floor, but he has outstanding size and could become an extremely disruptive interior defender if he gets his motor right."
Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange (3/27)
Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
**Analysis**: "The Giants struggled to protect Eli Manning and rushed for a miniscule 3.5 yards per carry in 2016, scoring a league-low six touchdowns on the ground. Ramczyk has the feet to handle blindside duties and at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, possesses the girth to move people in the running game, as well."
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (3/20)
Pick:Â Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
**Analysis:**Â "Giants add a rugged blocker who is capable of keeping Eli Manning upright in the pocket."
Chad Reuter, NFL.com (3/15)
Pick:Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State*
**Analysis:**Â *"Power, length, and athleticism? Sounds like a Giant to me."
NFL.com names the top 50 prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft.