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New mock draft predicts Giants' first three picks

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*NFL Draft experts predict the Giants picks in the latest Mock Drafts: *

Football is in the air.


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The New York Giants report for their offseason workout program on April 18, and a week after that, the 2017 NFL Draft kicks off in Philadelphia. Leading up to it, Pro Football Focus just released a three-round mock draft, and Steve Palazzolo has the Giants doing something they haven't done since selecting Carl Banks in 1984: draft a linebacker in the first round.

The linebacker this time is Zach Cunningham of Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-3, 234-pounder is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in school history, becoming the first Commodore to earn unanimous first-team All-America recognition.

"He loves attacking blockers in the run game and his 56 run stops led all Power-5 linebackers," Palazzolo wrote, "but he must cut down on his 34 missed tackles in order to live up to his potential."

After him, PFF projected the Giants to take Mississippi tight end Evan Engram in the second round and Iowa defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson in the third.

"The Giants' offense adds another playmaker as Engram can win from the slot or in a 'move' tight end role," Palazzolo wrote. "He led the draft class of TEs in yards per route run, at 2.59, as well as deep receptions, with seven. Adding him to a loaded group of receivers should help QB Eli Manning age well.

"Johnson adds an interior penetrator to the Giants' defensive line after posting an 84.0 pass-rush grade that ranked 22nd in the country. Fit and value match up here, as he can play 3-technique in New York's scheme."

NFL.com names the top 50 prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Here is a look at other mock drafts that are making the rounds right now:

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (3/30)
Pick: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
**Analysis**: "The offensive line was a major issue last season. They need help at both tackle spots."

Will Brinson, CBS Sports (3/30)
Pick: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
**Analysis:** "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."

Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated (3/29)
Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Analysis: "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."

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/27) Pick:
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State* *
**Analysis: **"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."

Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com (3/27)
Pick: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
**Analysis**: "The Giants have been able to find bargain-bin tight ends in recent draft classes, but the value of Howard at this point in the draft might be too enticing to pass up."

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/22) Pick:
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee*
**Analysis:**
 *"The Giants' 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl teams featured a fearsome pass-rushing rotation, and this would be an attempt to build out that rotation again. Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon are entrenched as starters -- and they have the big-money deals to show for it -- but they played too many snaps last season. Vernon had more than 1,000, and Pierre-Paul was on his way before a groin injury ended his season in December. Barnett had 33 sacks in three seasons for the Volunteers, and he's an all-around 4-3 end at 6-3, 259 pounds."

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (3/20)
Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
**Analysis:** "Giants add a rugged blocker who is capable of keeping Eli Manning upright in the pocket."

Todd McShay, ESPN (3/15)
Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
**Analysis:** "With Eli Manning turning 36, don't be surprised if the Giants draft a QB at some point in this draft. But that's more likely to come in the middle rounds. Ramczyk is dealing with a hip injury, so the medical recheck in April will factor into where he's selected. But if everything comes up good, Ramczyk has the length and mirroring ability to finally answer the Giants' problems at left tackle."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com (3/15)
Pick:Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State*
**Analysis:**
 *"Power, length, and athleticism? Sounds like a Giant to me."

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/13)
Pick: Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple
**Analysis**: "Reddick has the ability to play any of the three linebacker spots and he can provide some pass rush off the edge if needed."

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks names the best NFL Draft prospect at each position.

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