Giants News | New York Giants – Giants.com

Fifty-eight prospects are confirmed to participate virtually in the 2020 NFL Draft. If ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. turns out to be right, Giants fans will see their first two picks via video chat when commissioner Roger Goodell announces their names from his home in New York. With a little more than a week to go, Kiper released his fourth mock draft of the year, plus second-round selections for all 32 clubs. The draft guru stuck with Clemson do-it-all linebacker Isaiah Simmons for the Giants at No. 4 and then projected USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson in the second round at No. 36 overall. “The Giants should take an offensive tackle with one of their first two picks, but I wouldn't pass on Simmons, who has rare athleticism and versatility,” Kiper wrote. “Stick him at outside linebacker and let him chase down ball carriers, rush the passer and cover tight ends. Simmons never has to leave the field. New coach Joe Judge will love him.” According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons, who measured 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds at the combine, played more than 100 snaps at five different positons for Clemson in 2019. He lined up 299 times at inside linebacker, 262 at slot cornerback, 132 at free safety, 116 at outside linebacker, and 100 at strong safety. He was asked at the NFL Scouting Combine what position he plays. "Defense," said Simmons, who won the 2019 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, the first player to do so in Clemson history. After going defense in the first round, Kiper addressed the offensive line for the Giants in the second. Jackson, 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, appeared in 39 games with 25 starts for the Trojans. In 2019, he started all 13 games for his second season at left tackle as a junior. Jackson made the 2019 All-Pac-12 first team and won USC’s Chris Carlisle Courage Award. His grandfather, Melvin Jackson, played on the Trojans’ 1974 national championship team and in 1975 he won the team’s Lineman of the Year Award. Melvin Jackson then played five years (1976-80) in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers after being their 12th-round pick in the 1976 Draft. “I wrote earlier that the Giants needed to take an offensive tackle early, and Jackson could fall into their lap at No. 36,” Kiper wrote. “He played 1,680 straight snaps at left tackle for the Trojans over the last two seasons, but he is still a developmental project in my eyes. He'll take some time to adjust, but he could be New York's long-term starter at either tackle spot.” The Giants hold 10 picks entering the draft, which runs April 23-25. Round 1, Pick 4 Round 2, Pick 36 Round 3, Pick 99 Round 4, Pick 110 Round 5, Pick 150 Round 6, Pick 138 Round 7, Pick 218 Round 7, Pick 238 Round 7, Pick 247 Round 7, Pick 255 To view Kiper's full two-round mock draft, CLICK HERE.Here is a look at other mock drafts: Todd McShay, ESPN Pick: Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson Analysis: “New York has three options in my mind here at No. 4: The Giants can trade out of it, they can look at one of the excellent offensive tackles on the board or they can draft Simmons as a do-it-all linebacker. General manager Dave Gettleman will hear some interesting offers, but because I'm not doing the same with this mock, I'm going with Simmons. Remember, the Giants allowed 28.2 points per game last season, third worst in the NFL." Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: “Lots of good options here, but protecting QB Daniel Jones is the priority.” Bucky Brooks, NFL.com Pick: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama Analysis: “The Giants must upgrade the offensive line to give Daniel Jones an opportunity to make a major leap in his development as a second-year starter." Peter Schrager, NFL Network Pick: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama Analysis: "Dave Gettleman's never traded his first selection in an NFL draft. If things shake out the way they do here, he'll be able to pick any of the top four offensive linemen in this year's class. Joe Judge has a history with Alabama's Nick Saban, who has spoken positively of Wills to coaches around the league. Multiple coaches have told me Wills is the guy who goes first." Dane Brugler, The Athletic Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: “The Giants’ decision could come down to their highest-ranked tackle or a defensive playmaker like Isaiah Simmons. One of the reasons I think they will lean toward tackle is the impact that will make on other recent first-round picks like Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones.” Matt Miller, Bleacher Report Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “Isaiah Simmons isn't like anything we've seen before. At 6'4", 238 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash faster than most wide receivers at 4.39 seconds. Clemson utilized Simmons at virtually every position on defense, often lining him up at safety, linebacker, nickel linebacker, edge-rusher and even in man coverage at cornerback against LSU. He isn't a conventional football player you assign a position to but rather a positionless weapon defensive coordinators can deploy based on the matchup. Simmons is an eraser, and for that, he's worthy of a top-five selection." Charles Davis, NFL Media Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “It would make sense if the Giants decide to draft one of the top offensive tackles here, but they're in great need of help on defense, and Simmons is the most versatile defender in the draft." Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “After what Simmons did at the combine -- which only reconfirmed what we saw during the 2019 season -- the Giants would be hard-pressed to let him go here. Yes, GM Dave Gettleman loves big bodies but Simmons would solve a lot of problems on this defense." Lance Zierlein, NFL Media Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville Analysis: “Massive and athletic are descriptors we don't often see used in the same sentence, but the Louisville left tackle is that guy. The Giants could go with Isaiah Simmons or Jedrick Wills in this spot, as well.” Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville Analysis: "Size and speed have been tenets of Dave Gettleman’s team-building strategy in his tenure as general manager. No one has more of the former in this draft than Becton, and after running a 5.1 in the 40-yard dash, he’s got some of the latter as well." Austin Gayle, Pro Football Focus Pick: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama Analysis: “Jeudy is a better prospect than every offensive tackle in this class. Rookies, especially rookie offensive linemen, don't fill pressing needs. Over the past five NFL seasons, only nine rookie offensive tackles have played 400-plus snaps and earned overall grades above 70.0. None have earned an overall grade above 82.0. Don't address pressing needs in the draft; just draft the best players available.” Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus Pick: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State Analysis: "This is a great scenario for the Giants, who get the best pass-rusher in the draft in Young and fill an immediate position of need. The Giants really need playmakers all over the defense, and Young’s 96.1 overall grade last season is the best we’ve seen since we started grading in 2014. He had a ridiculous 56 pressures (18 sacks, seven quarterback hits, 31 hurries) on just 320 rushes last season." Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “Putting Simmons into perspective in this class is difficult, as his versatility makes him a player without peer. Giants GM Dave Gettleman ultimately will have to decide how the defensive shapeshifter measures up against the first tier of offensive tackles." Jason McIntyre, FOX Sports Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: “The Giants got what they hope is a No. 1 CB in James Bradberry, two linebackers and a defensive lineman. Perhaps the lack of offensive line help for Daniel Jones is a tell of the direction they’re going in the draft."Joe Tansey, Bleacher Report Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “Simmons is possibly the most intriguing defensive player in the draft class because of his versatility. The Clemson product lined up as a pass-rusher, linebacker and safety during the 2019 campaign and was a force in every defensive statistical category. Simmons could still be a valuable asset to the Giants defense because he can line up in a few different positions." Kevin Hanson, The MMQB Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: “The first true freshman to start at tackle during the Kirk Ferentz era at Iowa, Wirfs has freakish athleticism for his size and he could play either tackle spot or kick inside, if necessary.” Jordan Reid, The Draft Network Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “Protecting Daniel Jones is paramount, but Dave Gettleman elects to draft the best player left on the board at a position that still should be seen as a need." Jonah Tuls, The Draft Network Pick: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama Analysis: “Jedrick Wills fits Gettleman’s MO as a physical mauler up front. Wills can also be a plug and play starter on either side.” Corey Parson, Sports Illustrated Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: “Tristan Wirfs is the best offensive tackle in this draft class and should be a lock to the Giants, who have been trying to figure out their offensive line for a couple of years. Wirfs is an athletic tackle who moves well enough to make an impact in the running game as well as the play-action passing game.” Charley Casserly, NFL Network Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville Analysis: "The G-Men need to protect second-year signal-caller Daniel Jones, though I won't be surprised if Alabama OT Jedrick Wills is the pick instead." Trevor Sikkema, The Draft Network Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: "Isaiah Simmons is a blue chip prospect with unparalleled versatility. His unbelievable length and athletic gifts make him a sensible fit for a number of positions, including MIKE, SAM, SS and a nickel LB in coverage. Simmons has explosive qualities and will be an asset vs. the run and pass alike. He's a game changing player who should be coveted as a true 3-down linebacker/hybrid defender who can be the pivotal chess piece in a weekly defensive game plan."Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report Pick: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama Analysis: “The New York Giants should also be a candidate to trade down, as they have their young quarterback in Daniel Jones. If they do not move from No. 4, though, the goal should be to grab a player who can help Jones. The question for New York is which talented offensive tackle prospect to take. Alabama's Jedrick Wills Jr. appears ready to be a Day 1 starter, which is good for the Giants." Will Brinson, CBS Sports Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville Analysis: “Dave Gettleman loves his hog mollies and Becton might be the hoggiest molly to ever hog molly." Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports Pick: Jedrick Wills Jr., OL, Alabama Analysis: “Wills fits the mold of the run-game specialist Dave Gettleman likely adores. And he plugs in at right tackle instantly, keeping Nate Solder on the left side.” Josh Edwards, CBS Sports Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: "New York bypasses an urge to select Isaiah Simmons and instead chooses to address the right tackle position." Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “The Giants signed Blake Martinez and hope Ryan Connelly can be healthy enough to show his rookie promise, but they still need another impact playmaker for Patrick Graham's linebacker corps. Simmons (6-3, 238 pounds) seemed to be all over the field at all times in college with great speed and range. He gets everywhere in a hurry, from rushing the passer to moving laterally to get in ideal coverage positions." Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com Pick: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia Analysis: “Thomas played both left and right tackle at Georgia. He will help fix Big Blue's O-line issues.” Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “Dave Gettleman loves prototypical size and explosiveness." Drae Harris, The Draft Network Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: "Dave Gettleman has always liked to build in the trenches. Tristan Wirfs checks that box."Chad Reuter, NFL.com Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: “Now that they've applied the franchise tag to Leonard Williams, the Giants need to focus on the offensive line with this pick. Wirfs' athleticism and toughness will endear him to general manager Dave Gettleman." Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Analysis: “This pick remains the same from Mock 1.0 in part because of the value of Wirfs' right tackle production projection, and also because the team's signing of free-agent corner James Bradberry helps address a big need on the defensive side of the ball. Further, bolstering the O-line very slightly edges out the potential value Isaiah Simmons could bring to the Giants' defense. (The addition of linebacker Blake Martinez in free agency also drives more value to increasing the O-line impact.)" Benjamin Solak, The Draft Network Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson Analysis: “The New York Giants pass on a thick top tier of tackles for potentially the next great linebacker who will finally bring some coverage ability to their second level." Joe Marino, The Draft Network Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “Good luck trying to run your fancy pace and space offenses — looking at you Philadelphia and Dallas — with Isaiah Simmons patrolling the field." Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson Analysis: “They should take an offensive tackle, but instead they take a playmaking defender. The big concern is where to play Simmons.” Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports Pick: Jedrick Willis, OT, Alabama Analysis: The Giants need an offensive tackle to protect Daniel Jones. Dave Gettleman takes the best lineman available in Wills. Nate Davis, USA TODAY Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville Analysis: “GM Dave Gettleman has openly communicated that this spot is for sale, but it won't be easy to peddle if Tagovailoa is gone. And given the need to protect second-year QB Daniel Jones while giving RB Saquon Barkley more room to run, the 6-7, 364-pound Becton seems like a suitable option anyway." R.J. White, CBS Sports Pick: Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville Analysis: “The offensive line is the Giants' greatest need, but it's one I remain skeptical they address at No. 4 overall. However, let's plug in the most mountainous prospect on the board here as a fix on the right side who could eventually move to the blind side down the road.” Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville Analysis: “Considering the Giants just paid James Bradberry and drafted Deandre Baker in Round 1 a year ago, another corner feels like an overload. Becton could come in immediately and start at right tackle. The Giants might be wise to get the Dolphins or Chargers, two QB-needy teams, to flip them a pick to move down a slot or two. If that happens it would be Dave Gettleman’s first trade down as a GM." Carter Donnick, The Draft Network Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Analysis: “Offensive tackle also makes a lot of sense here, but Isaiah Simmons is a versatile chess piece who can change the entire New York Giants defense." Rob Judin, The Draft Network Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson Previous Mock Drafts MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 1.0: TOP OF DRAFT ORDER IS SET MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 2.0: DEADLINE FOR UNDERCLASSMEN TO DECLARE MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 3.0: PRE-SENIOR BOWL PICKS MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 4.0: MEL KIPER JR. MAKES FIRST PICKS OF 2020 MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 5.0: TWO OFFENSIVE LINEMEN EMERGING MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 6.0: STATUS QUO (FOR NOW) MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 7.0: NEW OT ENTERS MIX MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 8.0: PRE-COMBINE PICKS MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 9.0: POST-COMBINE UPDATES MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 10.0: LATEST EXPERT PICKS MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 11.0: FREE AGENCY SETS UP DRAFT MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 12.0: FREE AGENCY SHAKE-UP? MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 13.0: THREE WEEKS TO GO MOCK DRAFT TRACKER 14.0: LATEST EXPERT PREDICTIONS

Giants News | New York Giants – Giants.com

Mel Kiper Jr.'s two-round mock draft for Giants