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2022 Mock Draft Tracker

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Mock Draft Tracker 12.0: Draft month is here

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Nine picks. Three weeks.

After a wild first few weeks of free agency, the NFL shifted its attention back to the draft, which will be held April 28-30 in Las Vegas. That gives the New York Giants less than a month to finalize their draft board as they currently hold two picks in the first round, one in the second, two in the third, one in the fourth, two in the fifth, one in the sixth, and none in the seventh.

Here is a look at the latest mock drafts and projections for Big Blue:

Pick for No. 5: Ickey Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

Analysis: "This would be an ideal situation for new Giants GM Joe Schoen. Ekwonu is the best offensive lineman in the class."

Pick for No. 7: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

Analysis: "Johnson is an explosive edge rusher with outstanding production. Pairing him with Azeez Ojulari, who just posted eight sacks in his rookie campaign, could do wonders for New York's pass rush."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "The Giants, the other team with two top-10 picks, haven't been as active in free agency as new general manager Joe Schoen gets the team back into decent salary-cap shape. That doesn't mean they don't have needs, though, particularly at edge rusher and offensive tackle. With the way the board has fallen in this projection, they can get Day 1 starters at both spots. Neal is a massive tackle who can overpower defenders in the run game and move his feet as a pass-protector. Andrew Thomas, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft, looked much better in Year 2 and could stay at left tackle, pushing Neal to the right side. Neal also played some guard at Alabama, and he could be great there too. This is a big season for quarterback Daniel Jones, so the Giants have to keep him upright."

Pick for No. 7: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Analysis: "This pick is logical for the team and for the prospect. The Giants' top pass-rusher last season was rookie Azeez Ojulari, who led the team with eight sacks, and they have to improve on the edge. This is their best chance to add a young, talented defensive end. They can afford to use this pick on Thibodeaux, who has a high ceiling but was inconsistent in 2021. If Thibodeaux puts it all together, you're talking about All-Pro-level talent. But if he doesn't build out secondary moves and can't improve his all-around game, he could struggle. He has the type of physical traits NFL teams love, but taking that guy in the top 10 is risky. If New York passes on Thibodeaux, keep an eye on cornerback or linebacker with this pick."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

Analysis: "New general manager Joe Schoen would be off to a really, really good start to his tenure if he gets this lucky. A run on pass-rushers to begin the draft leaves Ekwonu for the Giants at No. 5 overall. He brings versatility, power, length and quickness, and he'd be opposite Andrew Thomas to form a solid duo to keep NFC pass-rushers in check."

Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Analysis: "Logan Ryan was released, and pairing Hamilton with Xavier McKinney (five interceptions and 10 passes defensed last season) would be an excellent last line of defense."

Pick for No. 5: Ickey Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

Analysis: "The Giants are starting a new era in East Rutherford, and if Ickey falls to No. 5, there'd be a lot of happiness in Big Blue land. The 6-4, 310-pound road paver came to N.C. State as the lesser-recruited Ekwonu brother (his twin went to Notre Dame, where he currently plays) and has emerged as a potential top-five pick."

Pick for No. 7: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Analysis: "Walker could very well go first overall in this draft, as no prospect has seen his stock rise as fast as this Georgia product's has over the last few months. His combine performance was legendary. And yet, there's this notion that, for all his athletic ability and great football IQ (he apparently has been wonderful in the room during meetings with teams), the production simply doesn't show up on tape. The Giants have gone to the UGA well before in recent years, with Andrew Thomas (No. 4 overall, 2020) and Azeez Ojulari (No. 50, 2021). I can see them going right back to it if Walker falls to No. 7, as he does here."

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NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his final edition of the top 50 prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "The Giants have been trying to improve their offensive line for years, and this versatile performer started at three different positions -- playing well in each of them -- during his Alabama career."

Pick for No. 7: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

Analysis: "Pass rush is a need for Big Blue, and what a final college season of production -- and postseason of polish -- from the ACC Defensive Player of the Year."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

Analysis: "One of the best run-blockers in the draft, Ekwonu can make any block and has recorded back-to-back elite run-blocking grades over the last two years. He's an improved pass-blocker, but there's still room to grow in that department. He'll move to the right side opposite 2020 first-rounder Andrew Thomas to start New York's offensive line overhaul."

Pick for No. 7: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

Analysis: "This is a forward-looking move that has home run potential for the Giants. Stingley has an incredible skill set to go with a freshman season in 2019 that is one of the best PFF has seen from any college corner since 2014. He's battled injuries and a drop in performance since then, but if he gets back on track, he has top-five cornerback potential."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "New general manager Joe Schoen believes in adding prototypes at the marquee positions. Neal is an XXXL edge blocker with outstanding technique and tools."

Pick for No. 7: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

Analysis: "The Giants are at their best when they are able to harass quarterbacks while bringing just four defenders. Johnson is a dynamic pass rusher with the combination of speed, quickness and hand skills to whip opponents on the edge."

Pick for No. 5: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Analysis: "In Joe Schoen's first season as the assistant general manager in Buffalo, the Bills drafted cornerback Tre'Davious White in the first round. Now the general manager with the Giants, Schoen could follow a similar path with Gardner, who ran a 4.41 40-yard dash with his impressive size (6-3, 190 pounds, 33 1/2-arms)."

Pick for No. 7: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Analysis: "With a pair of top-seven draft picks in his first year running the front office, Schoen will be looking to draft players that help establish the new culture. Cross lacks brute power, but his athletic movement patterns and outstanding hand exchange skills are why he is one of the best pass-blockers in the draft."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "Given how free agency has gone with the team selection before New York at No. 5, there seems to be a growing possibility the Giants will have one of Ikem Ekwonu or Evan Neal on the board for them. If that's the case, I think they jump at one of those two."

Pick for No. 7: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Analysis: "After a stellar combine, Sauce seems destined for the top 10 in April's draft."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "Neal should be a priority for the Giants if he's indeed available at No. 5 overall. He is one of the draft's top athletes regardless of position, with over 700 career snaps played at each of left tackle, left guard and right tackle. His single-season PFF grades also improved every year of his career at Alabama despite him playing different positions all throughout."

Pick for No. 7: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Analysis: "Buy into every bit of Walker's rapid ascent up draft boards. The former Georgia Bulldog is a 90-plus percentile athlete nearly across the board who can play anywhere along the defensive line. Production concerns are valid but also heavily correlated to inexperience and the role he was asked to play on defense. He played 500-plus fewer snaps than any of the top edge players in this class and has only ever lined up outside the tackles as a pure edge defender for 529 defensive snaps. Comparatively, Hutchinson, Thibodeaux and Purdue's George Karlaftis all cleared 1,300-plus snaps at such alignments in their respective college careers. Adding Neal at No. 5 and Walker at No. 7 would be an absolute home run of a draft for New York's brass. Walker can immediately play anywhere along the defensive line for the Giants and improve a pass-rush unit that ranked 27th in pressure rate (31%) in 2021."

Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Analysis: "The run on tackles continues. The Giants are almost assuredly going to take one with how the talent is stacking up in the class. Arguably the most NFL-ready pass-protector in the class, he took massive strides from 2020 to 2021 in that regard allowing only 16 pressures last season."

Pick for No. 7: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Analysis: "You won't find any advanced stats from Walker's on-field performance that suggest he should be drafted this high. But any analysis of his combine performance puts him as one of the best athletes on the edge of all time. That's a lot of developmental tools to work with."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

Analysis: "Another duplicate pick here from Mock 1.0, especially with the Giants front office telling us they aren't shopping Saquon Barkley. Ekwonu's 18 big-time blocks in the run game, per Pro Football Focus, were seven more than the next-closest Power Five offensive lineman."

Pick for No. 7: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Analysis: "After posting just 34 sacks last season (tied for 22nd), the Giants could pounce on the high-upside pass rusher out of Oregon."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "The Giants did not re-sign veteran Nate Solder at right tackle, and Neal played that position his sophomore year at Alabama. Seems like a natural fit."

Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Analysis: "Hamilton's 40-yard dash time (4.59 official at combine; 4.56 unofficial at pro day) should be of no concern to NFL teams that value his range, football instincts and tackling ability. The Giants need a partner for Xavier McKinney in the defensive backfield, and Hamilton has the skill set to become a special player at the next level."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "Neal started 13 games at left guard in 2019 and 12 at right tackle in 2020 at Alabama, so he has proven positional flexibility. Neal weighed in at 337 pounds at the NFL combine and doesn't appear to have an ounce of body fat on his massive frame. He allowed just 15 quarterback pressures over a 15-game season."

Pick for No. 7: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Analysis: "Gardner likely solidified his status as the No. 1 cornerback in this year's draft class with his NFL combine performance, running a 4.41 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3. In addition, his 33 1.2-inch arms will surely entice a lot of teams as well. Throughout his time in Cincinnati, Gardner never allowed a touchdown pass even while garnering tough matchups and playing a heavy dose of man-to-man coverage. He's the exact type of cornerback that new Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale is looking for in New York.

View photos of every move made by the Giants during the 2022 offseason.

Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OL, Mississippi State

Analysis: "Cross plays in Mike Leach's Air Raid offense, which means he's not asked to do a lot of run blocking. And he'll tell you that's one of the things he wants to improve, even though he was very good in that area last season. Either way, Cross' athleticism shines through and that, coupled with his strength, makes him a top-10 draft-day target."

Pick for No. 7: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Analysis: "Thibodeaux has game-changing talents and, frankly, he's been all over the board in our mock drafts, mostly because teams have differing opinions on him. They're no denying he's just about unstoppable when he's locked in and if the Giants could come away with Cross and Thibodeaux in Round 1 that would be a huge win."

Pick for No. 5: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Analysis: "If New York wants to add an edge rusher, their choice comes down to Kayvon Thibodeaux and Walker. Walker's size is reminiscent of Myles Garrett but he does not have the pass rush plan that Garrett had coming out of Texas A&M. The idea is that any team who selects the Bulldog would be comfortable with his run stopping ability and give him time to develop as a pass rusher."

Pick for No. 7: Charles Cross, OL, Mississippi State

Analysis: "Cross is great in pass protection but may need some time if asked to transition to right tackle."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "Neal is the ideal match for the Giants with their first pick. Pairing him opposite Thomas gives the franchise two bookend players at the position. Neal is also the only one of the top three tackles in the class with experience on the right side -- he started 13 games at right tackle during his sophomore season at Alabama. Drafting a big offensive tackle gives Jones an adequate amount of protection up front."

Pick for No. 7: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Analysis: "He has little trouble with accelerating and finishing plays in the backfield. Continued progression was the theme of his career with Oregon, as he transitioned from winning solely based on his physical ability to consistently having an effective plan as a pass-rusher during his final season in Eugene. He finished with the third-highest pressure rate (17.3%) among defenders in the country last season, and he would immediately become the best pass-rusher that the Giants have had in a decade."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

Analysis: "Ikem Ekwonu is a dynamic run blocker that took a major step forward in pass protection in 2021. He has the size, length, power, and movement skills to pair with Andrew Thomas to provide the Giants with a gifted pair of tackles for Jones to operate behind."

Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Analysis: "After landing a top offensive tackle at No. 5, the Giants can turn their attention to the defensive side of the football, a unit that regressed in 2021 after a promising 2020 campaign. If newly-hired general manager Joe Schoen has been influenced by Brandon Beane then Giants' fans can expect investments on the defensive line early and often—and the team needs more options off the edge. David Ojabo is a toolsy pass rusher with great length and burst. I'm impressed by his ability to string together moves and apply heat off the edge. He can pair with Azeez Ojulari to provide New York with an exciting young pair of pass rushers."

Pick for No. 5: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Analysis: "The Giants would be smart to target the offensive line in the first round, perhaps multiple times to boost both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley."

Pick for No. 7: Ikem Ekwonu, G/OT, N.C. State (6-4, 320 pounds)

Analysis: "The Giants get another strong blocker with their two top-10 picks. Ekwonu is a strong, powerful run blocker with the nasty streak needed to dominate at times. He can play either inside or outside in the NFL, but with Linderbaum bolstering the middle, it would be nice to have Ekwonu flank left tackle Andrew Thomas on the right side."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

Analysis: "Play him at guard, play him at tackle — just play him. He's a 6'4", 320-pound savage who will carve open lanes for Saquon Barkley and protect Daniel Jones."

Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Analysis: "Having added a game-changing offensive line piece with their first pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Giants turn to the defensive side of the ball and do the same. Michigan's David Ojabo has all the pass-rush tools and athletic upside to be a monster in New York. While I believe his Michigan teammate is the better overall prospect, I prefer the schematic fit of Ojabo in the Giants defense."

Pick for No. 5: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Analysis: "With neither of the standout tackles falling to the Giants, they go for the surest player at a position of need in the vastly underrated Utes star, picking him over a glitzy Pac-12 option, Thibodeaux. The Giants need help at both positions, but I expect the buzz about Lloyd to really build. The 6-foot-3, 237-pounder with 33-inch arms made a ton of plays for Utah, posting 32 TFLs in the past 19 games."

Pick for No. 7: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Analysis: "I imagine there will be a lot of hope Big Blue grabs Kyle Hamilton, but they won't be able to pass up a true lockdown corner in the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder. Almost no opposing offense in college wanted to mess with him. The Giants might also take a long look at Derek Stingley Jr., the other exceptionally talented corner in this draft, but the hunch here is that the former LSU Tiger's up-and-down past two seasons will steer them to Gardner."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

Analysis: "After proving himself this season to be a skillful pass protector in addition to a bully in the run game, Ekwonu looks like just the kind of blocker Big Blue needs."

Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Analysis: "At 6-4 and 220 pounds with massive range both in coverage and as a tackler, the two-time All-American can be utilized in an array of different manners. Pairing him with emerging standout Xavier McKinney would give the Giants a formidable tandem on the back end of their defense."

Pick for No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Analysis: "Thibodeaux reminded us what he's all about in Indianapolis, showing out with a STRONG weekend of athletic testing. We all knew that was going to be the case, but it was great to see a healthy Thibodeaux competing at full capacity. The Giants enjoyed a good rookie season from pass rusher Azeez Ojulari this past year but they certainly need more on the outside. Thibodeaux playing in Wink Martindale's defense offers a TON of appeal and a chance for a double-digit rookie sack season."

Pick for No. 7: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Analysis: "I certainly hope you weren't hoping to see any of these top-four tackles get outside the top 10 picks. Penning's offseason circuit is a clean sweep—he knocked his opportunity to compete at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine out of the park. He's sufficiently put to bed the questions about his level of competition by showcasing that his physicality translates against better players and he's still a top-tier athlete (at least from a raw athleticism standpoint)."

Pick for No. 5: Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Analysis: "Gardner allowed just 131 yards across 14 games and 482 coverage snaps in 2021, a performance that will forever be known as one of the best ever seasons by a college defensive back. Impressively, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder did that while playing mainly on an island in press-man coverage. He closed out his three-year college career without allowing a single touchdown despite playing over 1,100 coverage snaps. New defensive coordinator Wink Martindale will be able to trust him to win on an island sooner rather than later."

Pick for No. 7: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Analysis: "With the Giants welcoming in Wink Martindale as the new DC, this Giants defense will be aggressive and could look to add more pressure. Creative pressure packages are key to Martindale's defensive success, and Dean comes from a system with the same philosophy. The Georgia off-ball linebacker was one of the best blitzers in college football last season. Not only was Dean the highest-graded off-ball linebacker of 2021, but he's the only linebacker in the PFF College era to earn a 90.0-plus PFF grade in coverage and as a pass-rusher. The Georgia product racked up 31 pressures and 15 passing stops in 2021, both of which ranked top-10 among Power Five linebackers. He also ranked sixth in the Power Five in pass-rush win rate (22.3%), allowed a first down at the lowest rate among linebackers (13.5%) and didn't surrender a single touchdown. Ignore the size concerns with the 5-foot-11, 231-pounder. Dean is the real deal."

Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Analysis: "Neal, the safer of the top two offensive tackles, doesn't wait long to hear his name called. And he'll play his home games in the same stadium as Ekwonu! I have Neal a smidge ahead of Ekwonu on my personal rankings and there's no doubt he's going to be a top-five pick."

Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Analysis: "The Giants' second top-10 pick flips to the defensive side of the ball where New York lands Hutchinson's running mate in Ojabo, who had 11 sacks despite still learning the nuances of playing football. He's new to the sport (he began playing football as a junior in high school) and his upside is arguably just as high as Hutchinson's. Combined with Neal, the Giants land two potential cornerstone players as they kick off a new front office and head coaching regime."

Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Analysis: "Hamilton is pound-for-pound the best player in this draft. He immediately becomes a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball and can quickly mask some of the talent deficiencies that the Giants have at other defensive positions."

Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

Analysis: "The last time the Giants were consistent NFC contenders, they had a tough, physically-imposing defense with guys like Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Jason Pierre-Paul."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, N.C. State

Analysis: "Ekwonu is a plug-and-play tackle who could play guard if needed for the Giants."

Pick for No. 7: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Analysis: "Thibodeaux falls into the Giants' lap, and they can't pass on him a second time."

Pick for No. 5: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

Analysis: "I'm higher on Johnson than many others I talk to, but I'm comfortable being out on this ledge. He's not an incredible athlete, but while he's not "twitchy," he's got great bend and can get under blockers without sacrificing his speed or strength. He's also a three-down player who reminds me of a young Khalil Mack."

Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Analysis: "Hamilton is one of the best players in this draft, and if not for teams having bigger needs, he wouldn't fall this far. Kyle's loss is the Giants' gain because Hamilton can do so many different things for you defensively. He's the player a defensive coordinator would design in a lab if they could."

Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Analysis: "It's going to be hard for the Giants to pass on a player that some believe is the best all-around prospect in the draft. Hamilton's combination of height-weight-speed is difficult to ignore, and his ability to play both down in the box and deep in the middle of the field will be great for the Giants defense."

Pick for No. 7: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Analysis: "The Giants' interior offensive line needs help and although this isn't a sexy pick, there hasn't been a better center prospect in years. Linderbaum has everything the Giants could want from a center."

Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, N.C. State

Analysis: "Ekwonu made a strong case for being the No. 1 offensive lineman in this class with his performance at the NFL combine. He can step in and play tackle right away for a unit that must do a better job of keeping Daniel Jones out of harm's way."

Pick for No. 7: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Analysis: "Want proof that Walker could wind up being the best all-around edge rusher in this class? Just check out what he did at the combine. He has the athleticism and the skillset to disrupt offenses from multiple positions along the defensive front."

Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Analysis: "Hamilton's ability to align in multiple roles and alignments gives him a realistic chance to compete and to be an impactful player right out the gate."

Pick for No. 7: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Analysis: "In the NFL, Cross' best position will be as a left tackle who can athletically match up with some of the best edge rushers in the NFL. Cross lacks the true strength at the point of attack to be a dominant run defender, but in the right offense, he will be a great pass protector."

Pick for No. 5: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

Analysis: "Jermaine Johnson was effective and efficient during his limited snaps at Georgia. His lone season as a Seminole showcased his game-changing abilities. Pair that production with his dominance at the Senior Bowl earlier this month and his stock has risen—rightfully so. He pairs a great motor with length, physicality, and pass-rushing savvy to be a menace off the edges."

Pick for No. 7: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Analysis: "New head coach Brian Daboll spent time with another big, physical, and athletic OT from Northern Iowa in Spencer Brown. He more than likely loved what he saw and decided to dip back into that well for Brown's former teammate Trevor Penning. Penning showed up to the Senior Bowl with one goal in mind, to prove he belonged. His quest was successful. He had moments where he struggled and moments of dominance. His utter nasty demeanor from snap to snap is infectious, but irritating for defenders. Penning can slide at RT across from Andrew Thomas to give Daniel Jones bookend tackles."

Pick for No. 5: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Analysis: "No player has helped himself more in the months leading up to the draft than Travon Walker. Walker has skyrocketed up the boards with an outstanding combine in which he put on an absolute show. His blend of size, length, and athleticism are rare and you won't find many prospects that look the part like this guy. That being said, I am a bit lower on him than most as I do have questions about his ability to consistently win on the outside at edge but I do understand his upside and potential are too high to pass up. He would give the Giants a versatile and athletic player who can contribute both inside and outside."

Pick for No. 7: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Analysis: "The Giants have always placed a premium on the trenches and this continues with this draft. Trevor Penning is a high-upside player who offers outstanding size, strength, and a physical temperament that Giants fans will love. His ability to displace defenders in the run game while also having the athleticism to excel in pass protection makes him a plug-and-play player on the right side of this Giants offensive line."

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