Folks, we’re a little less than three weeks until the NFL Draft which means we’ve gotten enough clarity at this point to make some mildly educated guesses about what each team is going to do in the 2021 NFL Draft. The first team I’d like to focus on is my New York Giants.
It’s no secret that Dave Gettleman and I have some strong philosophical differences. What I’m about to put out is not necessarily what I would do but what I think the Giants will do with each of their picks. It’s also worth noting that the Giants do not have a fifth or a seventh round pick this year but they do have two picks in round 6.
Let’s get to the picks!
Round 1 (11th Overall): WR Devonta Smith, Alabama
It’s no secret that Dave Gettleman & Co. are enamored with Alabama WR Devonta Smith. In this instance, I absolutely agree with them. Smith is going to be an insane talent in the NFL who adds a new dimension to the Giants offense that they don’t have. I also think it’s likely he falls to the team at pick eleven since you can bank on at least four quarterbacks, two offensive lineman, Ja’Marr Chase, Patrick Surtain, and Kyle Pitts going in the top ten. A hunch tells me that a fifth quarterback going in the top ten is also very possible. Smith very well could be there for the Giants.
Round 2 (42nd Overall): Edge Joseph Ossai, Texas
Joe Judge is going to fall in love with Ossai’s motor and his versatility. Ossai is a converted linebacker and it shows when he plays as he has great instincts and takes great angles towards the football as a tackler. The main issue I see with him is that his block shedding is not up to snuff and that’s going to cause him to drop to the second round. He will either be a great WILL linebacker or an inconsistent edge rusher if he doesn’t improve.
Round 3 (76th Overall): OT Walker Little, Stanford
Little is a hulking 6’7″ and 309lbs. The Stanford Cardinals was a left tackle in college but could easily switch to the right side should the Giants take him. He likely would be a higher pick but he had a knee injury in 2019 and he opted out of the 2020 season. It’s been a long time since he’s played in a real game and he will likely be a bit raw. Dave Gettleman LOVES drafting projects in round 3 so this lines up with his philosophy.
Round 4 (117th Overall): WR D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan
The Giants are making it clear that they want some more weapons on offense and D’Wayne Eskridge is just that. He is a former defensive back who is an outstanding contributor on special teams. He is a track star that can beat you deep and hit home runs. He would likely be the team’s kick returner from day one.
Round 6 (197th Overall): QB Sam Ehlinger, Texas
Would I waste a draft pick on a quarterback that isn’t going to start? Absolutely not. But I can absolutely see the Giants taking a quarterback on day 3. It’s become more and more common in today’s NFL for teams with young quarterbacks to take a project type player in the later rounds of the draft. Word is also out that the Giants really like Notre Dame Quarterback Ian Book but I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s a late day 2 pick.
Round 6 (202nd Overall): DL Malik Herring, Georgia
We know two things about Dave Gettleman:
- He loves taking defensive linemen in the draft
- He loves taking Georgia players in the draft
Malik Herring checks both of those boxes. He projects as a project 3-4 DE.