2018 New York Giants Mock Draft

This is the highest the New York Giants are picking in the NFL Draft since 1981, where the GMen selected Lawrence Taylor 2^nd overall. The Giants have a golden opportunity to land a once in a lifetime talent in this loaded draft class.

Round 1, Pick 2: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Passing on Saquon Barkley could be a mistake the Giants could truly regret. At 6-0 233 lb, Barkley matches the mold of other young backs that are dominating the league like Ezekiel Elliot, Le’veon Bell and Todd Gurley. This team is built around offensive weapons like Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard, so adding a dynamic back like Saquon Barkley makes this offense scary, even with an aging Eli Manning (37). The Giants don’t seem to be sold on Josh Rosen and there haven’t been many reports surrounding Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield landing with the Giants. That being said, the Giants really like Sam Darnold, but Cleveland pulling the trigger on the USC gunslinger tomorrow night is very likely. Giants fans should be ecstatic about the Bronx native in blue in 2018.

Round 2, Pick 34: Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

The second pick of the second round will bring in a top talent, and Brian O’Neill a 6-6 298 lb Tackle is exactly what the Giants are looking for. Ereck Flowers has not worked out for Giants and a new tackle is desperately needed to protect Eli Manning in the twilight of his career. O’Neill was a teammate of Giants backup QB Davis Webb at Pitt so familiarity within an offense helps, especially at two positions that communicate constantly. Giants GM Dave Gettleman is a big believer in ‘big boys’ on the offensive line so O’Neill fits that mold with his frame. The only question is if O’Neill drops down to 34.

Round 3, Pick 66: Braden Smith, G, Auburn

Braden Smith anchored the talented offensive line at Auburn. Smith started 41 straight games for the Tigers dating all the way back to his sophomore year. He fits the ‘big boy’ mold of a Gettleman offensive line at 6-6 315, but he plays a little slower at that size. While he may not come into his rookie season expected to be a starter, his strength, size and experience make for a potential home run of a pick at 66.

Round 3, Pick 69: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE/OLB, Oklahoma

With the departure of Jason Pierre-Paul, adding another edge rusher would be ideal for the Giants, Okoronkwo would be a nice choice at pick number 69. The 6-1 253 lb pass rusher had a huge redshirt senior campaign, earning himself Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The only question for Okoronkwo: is he big enough? With top pass rushers in the league today being larger than life figures, GM’s around the league will be weary on taking a guy on Okoronkwo’s stature.

Round 4, Pick 108: DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State

The second Nittany Lion taken by the Giants in the 2018 draft. While wide receiver is the Giants most talented position, it’s not very deep. The departure of Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris (both released) leave the Giants with Cody Latimer and Travis Rudolph as their only backups with experience. As Giants learned in 2017, depth is very important, and drafting Hamilton will give them another viable option out wide.

Round 5, Pick 139: Shaquem Griffin, LB, Central Florida

Griffin could go anywhere from the early second round to being undrafted. Despite his outstanding career at UCF, his limitations are clear. Without a left hand, GM’s will certainly have their question marks, and standing at only 6-0 227 lb doesn’t help him either. That being said, he’s an outstanding athlete, an outstanding competitor, and is the best story in this draft.