Double G Sports NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants 2.0

We are exactly ten days away from the NFL Draft. There have been smokescreens aplenty, leaving New York Giants fans scratching their heads with one question.

Who is general manager Dave Gettleman going to draft with the second overall pick?

Let’s take a look at how I think their draft will turn out.

Round 1 (Pick No. 2)

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Many are clamoring for the Giants to take their quarterback of the future. USC’s Sam Darnold has been linked to New York if the Cleveland Browns select Wyoming QB Josh Allen at No. 1.

Yet, over the weekend, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports the Giants have narrowed their options to two. Penn State running back Saquon Barkley and North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb. With the Giants looking to compete in the NFC East, they need a high powered offense. Barkley could help take that offense to the next level and, in turn, take pressure off Eli Manning.

The Giants have been missing a top-tier running back since Ahmad Bradshaw. Barkley has shown to be a beast athlete who can run and catch the ball out of the backfield. More importantly, what sets him apart is his ability to block. Barkley has been called a “near perfect prospect,” as well as a better player than Ezekiel Elliott.

Let’s not forget that Gettleman selected Christian McCaffrey eighth overall when he was GM of the Carolina Panthers. He has gone on the record to say that he wants to select a top athlete at No. 2. Barkley can certainly fit that bill.

Round 2 (Pick No. 34)

Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State

The Giants have upgraded their offensive line significantly with the addition of Nate Solder.  However, the Giants shouldn’t stop there.

Billy Price was projected to be a top-to-mid first round draft pick before suffering a torn pectoral muscle prior to the start of the NFL Combine. Regardless of the freak injury, Price is still projected to be ready to go by Training Camp.

New York could get themselves a steal in the second round, as Price has shown to be a stud at center, as well as guard. He has the explosiveness and strength to give defensive linemen fits. Something that head coach Pat Shurmur will love, considering the work he did with the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line last year.

Round 3 (Pick No. 66)

Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame

Brandon Marshall is likely to be released by the Giants this offseason, so they get a fellow six-foot-five receiver in the third round.

Equanimeaous St. Brown has the footwork to separate himself from defensive coverage, and can play on the outside and in the slot. The Notre Dame product could be a great complement in the Giants receiving corps alongside Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram.

Round 3 (Pick No. 69)

Da’Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama

New York is is need of some defensive end depth after they traded Jason Pierre-Paul to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the new 3-4 defensive scheme, Pierre-Paul wasn’t an ideal fit.

With one of their third round picks, the Giants take Da’Shawn Hand, a six-foot-four prospect that has the physical traits to cause havoc on opposing offensive linemen. Hand has recorded 71 total tackles (14.5 for loss) and nine sacks through his four seasons at Alabama.

Hand could find himself in a starter’s role with Josh Mauro suspended for the first four games of the season. Not only that, but he could be a god fit in James Bettcher’s new defensive scheme.

Round 4 (Pick No. 108)

Duke Dawson, CB, Florida

Despite the signing of William Gay, there is still a void at cornerback after the release of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Duke Dawson put up impressive numbers with Florida last season, recording 34 total tackles, nine passes defended, and four interceptions. The five-foot-ten corner has exuded the strength to be a potent tackler, as well as the ability to match the opposing receiver’s footwork. Not to mention his skill to knock the ball away.

Drafting Dawson gives the Giants plenty of flexibility in their defensive backfield.

Round 5 (Pick No. 139)

Michael Dickson, P, Texas

The Giants are without a punter after the team released Brad Wing this offseason.

Gettleman uses his fifth round pick on the 2017 Ray Guy Award winner Michael Dickson, who averaged 47.4 yards per game this past season. The Giants struggled on punt due to inconsistency from Wing. Now, they get a powerful leg in Dickson, who can help New York drastically improve in special teams.