ESPN's Todd McShay predicts Giants go defense at No. 4
In the third installment of Todd McShay's 2020 mock draft, the ESPN Draft analyst kept his Giants prediction the same as last month. For the third straight time, McShay has connected the Giants with Clemson LB/S Isaiah Simmons.
Simmons put together an impressive 2019 campaign for the Tigers. In 15 games, the 21-year-old recorded 104 total tackles (67 solo), 8.0 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and eight passes defended. The redshirt junior was named First-Team All-ACC, Unanimous First-Team All-American, ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was awarded the Butkus Award as the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
Here is what McShay had to say about the pick: "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."
For the first time this offseason, McShay expanded his mock draft through the second round. After going with defense at No. 4, the ESPN analyst predicts the Giants will go offense with the team's second pick. However, it may not be the position that many experts believe the Giants will address early in this month's draft.
With the 36th pick in the draft, McShay links Big Blue to Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims. In 13 games as a senior this past season, Mims caught 66 passes for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns. It marked the second time in the last three seasons that Mims eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, while his 12 touchdowns raised his total to 28 since his sophomore season. Mims earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors for his performance.
This is what McShay wrote about the Giants' selection of Mims: "I really want to give the Giants an offensive lineman, but there just isn't any form of value here. And with other needs, I won't force it. Instead, let's hand them Mims to join Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and Darius Slayton. He has great size and speed, allowing him to challenge defenses both over the top and in the red zone."
View photos from the college career of Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) attempts to stop Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams (2) from gaining more yardage in the first half of the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons works during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) and Denzel Johnson react after making a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, in Clemson, S.C. Simmons was selected to The Associated Press All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, and named Defensive Player of the Year, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles AJ Dillon (2), causing a fumble, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Clemson, S.C. Simmons was selected to The Associated Press All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, and named Defensive Player of the Year, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins (3) runs while Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) moves in for the tackle duriung the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates a stop against South Carolina during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons warms up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons warms up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) and linebacker Baylon Spector (10) warm up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina running back Rico Dowdle (5) carries the ball against Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) and K'Von Wallace (12) wrap up Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman for a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) waits for a play against North Carolina State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits on the snap during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) runs up the field while Will Spiers kicks a punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits for the play to start during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons defends during an NCAA college football game against Boston College Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles Boston College quarterback Dennis Grosel after causing a fumble during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles AJ Dillon (2) causing a fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) attempts to bring down Louisville quarterback Micale Cunningham (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons reacts after making a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons tackles Florida State quarterback Alex Hornibrook causing a fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
North Carolina's Jordan Tucker (74) blocks Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles Boston College quarterback Dennis Grosel after causing a fumble during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits for the play to begin during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits for the play to begin during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) and K'Von Wallace react after a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons celebrates a sack during the NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Steve Jacobs)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) is congratulated after sacking the Syracuse quarterback during an CAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Steve Jacobs)
Clemson's Tanner Muse, center, Isaiah Simmons, left, and K'Von Wallace celebrate Muse's interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 52-14. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson University football players Isaiah Simmons, left, and Tee Higgins walk the trading floor before ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, Wednesday Jan. 30, 2019, to celebrate winning the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Clemson University football players Isaiah Simmons, second from right, and Tee Higgins, right, joined by Clemson President Jim Clements, center, ring the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, Wednesday Jan. 30, 2019, to celebrate winning the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons celebrates after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons celebrates after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons stops Alabama's Damien Harris during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons reacts after stopping Alabama's Najee Harris during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Clemson's Austin Bryant is interviewed by Isaiah Simmons during media day for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates during the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams (2) carries the ball as Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) defends during the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) kisses the trophy as he and his teammates celebrate their 30-3 win against Notre Dame in the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. Clemson won 30-3. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell (8), safety Nolan Turner (24) and safety Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrate a interception thrown by Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) in the second half of the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) attempts to stop Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams (2) from gaining more yardage in the first half of the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) reacts after making a play against Pittsburgh in the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Pittsburgh's Jake Zilinskas (19) is tackled by Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) in the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Pittsburgh's Jake Zilinskas (19) is tackled by Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) in the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates stoping Georgia Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive tackle Jabril Robinson , left, and safety Isaiah Simmons take in the sights inside the Superdome, during media day for the upcoming Sugar Bowl semi-final playoff game against Alabama, for the NCAA football national championship, in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) brings down Georgia Tech running back Clinton Lynch (22) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) breaks up a pass intended for Syracuse wide receiver Ervin Phillips (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse upset Clemson 27-24. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Syracuse running back Dontae Strickland (4) fumbles the ball after being hit by Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Syracuse, N.Y. The ball was picked up by Clemson safety Tanner Muse (19) and returned for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) tries to pull in the ball intended for Virginia Tech wide receiver Cam Phillips (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017. Clemson won the game 31-17. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons looks on during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons stands on the field after running the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons walks on the field after running the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
NFL owners vote to approve expanded playoffs
NFL clubs voted yesterday to expand the postseason by two teams beginning with the 2020 season. Expanding the NFL postseason was addressed in the new NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Yesterday's vote during a league meeting held remotely follows the recommendation of the Competition Committee, Management Council Executive Committee and Media Committee on increasing the number of playoff teams from 12 to 14.
Two additional Wild Card teams – one each in the American and National Football Conferences – will qualify for the playoffs. The No. 1 seed in each conference will receive a bye in the Wild Card round. The remaining division champions in each conference with the best records will be seeded 2, 3, and 4, followed by the next three teams per conference with the best records seeded 5, 6, and 7.
AFC and NFC Wild Card games will feature the 2 seed hosting the 7 seed, the 3 seed hosting the 6 seed and the 4 seed hosting the 5 seed.
Wild Card Weekend for the 2020 season will consist of three games on Saturday, January 9, and three games on Sunday, January 10, 2021.
Nate Ebner is excited to join Giants, reunite with Joe Judge
Safety / special teamer Nate Ebner's eight seasons with the Patriots coincided exactly with Joe Judge's tenure in New England. Having played under Judge, who spent the first three years as a Special Teams Assistant before being promoted to Special Teams Coordinator for the last five seasons, for so long, it should come as no surprise that Ebner had nothing but high-praise for his new head coach.
"(Judge's presence) definitely was a strong point" in his decision to join the Giants, Ebner said Tuesday. "Obviously, I have a great relationship with Joe that was built over nearly a decade. We've worked together extensively through special teams. Just being in a tough environment that you see people come and go quite often, to kind of have a face that you see on a regular basis for, like I said, nearly a decade, I'd be lying if I said it didn't create a good relationship with him. That definitely played a part. At the end of it all, I'm excited to get out there and come to a great organization and get to work."
Originally a sixth-round pick (197 overall) in the 2012 draft, Ebner appeared in 127 regular season and postseason games for the Patriots over his eight years in New England. While he only registered one snap on both offense and defense over the last three seasons, he totaled 819 on special teams.
Ebner has racked up 98 tackles on special teams throughout his career, and was a member of the Patriots teams that took home the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowls XLIX, LI and LIII. He was named Second-Team All-Pro at special teams in 2016.
"That's what great teams do, play for each other," Ebner said. "Whatever I'm asked to do, I'm going to do it to the best of my ability."
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