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By Michael Stewart

Introduction: In my last mock draft version, I had the New York Giants making a bold move by trading their 2nd overall pick to the Denver Broncos for their 1st round pick and four others for a total of five picks. However; in my 3rd edition I will have the Giants keeping all their picks (total of 6) and picking the best player available on their board. Therefore; this mock draft has the Cleveland Browns selecting Quarterback Sam Darnold with the 1st overall pick with the Giants up next to select. Once again, some prospects may not be available in this mock draft as they were in my two previous mock drafts. With that being said; here are my six selections for the Giants in the 20108 NFL draft.

Round 1(#2)

RB-Saquon Barkley-5’11/230 (Penn State): With the 2nd overall pick the Giants select RB Saquon Barkley. Barkley has devastating quickness to hit the hole and accelerate downfield. Along with great speed, he has tremendous balance, vision, cutting ability, elusiveness and power. There is no doubt that Barkley is an elite prospect and currently  the top offensive skilled-position prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft. He is a game changer and would help take a load off Eli Manning’s shoulders.

Round 2 (#34)

OG-Isaiah Wynn-6’2/313 (Georgia): Based on the depth of many positions in this year’s draft. It’s hard to imagine that three guards will go in the 1st round. With that being said I have Wynn slipping into the 2nd round and the Giants selecting him. Wynn is very powerful as a run blocker and efficient as a pass defend. By the way, he fits the mold of GM Dave Gettlemans “hog mollies” and should compete for the starting right guard spot in 2018.


 Round 3(#66)

DT/DE-Nathan Shepherd-6’4/315 (Fort Hays State): Don’t let the fact that Shepherd is from a small unknown college program fool you. Shepherd impressed the NFL scouts in both the Senior Bowl and the combine. He has the size and strength to play at DT in a 4-3 defensive scheme and the quickness and athletic ability to play as a DE in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Shepherd could contributor as a rookie for the Giants in a rotational role along the defensive line.

 Round 3 (#69)

CB-Tarvarus McFadden-6’2/198 (Florida State): McFadden slips in this mock draft based on his combine performance and falls right into the Giants lap in round three. McFadden has all the measurements NFL teams covert at the cornerback position and all the ingredients to develop into a solid and productive cornerback in the NFL.

 Round 4 (#108)

OC-Bradley Bozman-6’5/315 (Alabama): Bozeman has good size and strength and has a mean streak with a blue collar mentality you like in a offensive lineman. Bozeman can lock down even the biggest defenders without the constant help from a double team, but he is not very mobile outside the tackles. Bozman would be better utilized as a between the tackles linemen and not asked to pull out on sweeps and screens. The Giants usually don’t employ the center on pulling out to block often, so Bozman should fit well into the Giants offensive scheme.

 Round 5 (#139)

WR-Auden Tate-6’5/220 (Florida State): Tates performance at the NFL combine pushed him to a possible day 3 selection. A 4.68 forty-yard dash, a 31-inch vertical leap and a 9’4 broad jump were subpar numbers. However; after watching him on film it’s hard to ignore his play on the field. Tate is very physical out of his breaks and is not afraid to use his strength to create separation. Tate could be a steal for the Giants on Day

Final Thoughts: GM Dave Gettleman really needs to make a statement with his 1st draft as the New York Giants GM. Having the 2nd overall pick may seem like a blessing and in most cases it would be. However; if he makes the wrong selection/selections, it could affect the Giants teams for the next several years. Only time will tell how these prospects will develop and contribute to the Giants success, however; it all starts will Gettleman’s selection at #2.