New York Giants: Could They Trade Up in First Round?

I’m going to do my best Drew Carey impression here. Assuming the price is right, of course,

While most mock drafts are heavy on the Giants going offensive with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, I think the team should go defensive and make the bold move of trading up for USC’s Leonard Williams or University of Florida’s Dante Fowler, Jr. in the first round.

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It’s no secret that the New York Giants need help on defense. In terms of the league, Tom Coughlin’s team ranked 29th in overall defense, 30th against the run and 18th vs.t the pass last season.

This offseason, the Giants brought back Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator hoping to recapture some of the 2007 Super Bowl magic under Spags when the defense led the league with 53 sacks and would go onto knock off the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

In efforts to give Spagnuolo the proper pieces of the puzzle needed to rebuild the defensive line and develop a multi-faceted defense that overwhelms opponents, the Giants signed George Selvie, Kenrick Ellis, Josh Gordy and Ryan Jones. While these players certainly bolster the team’s defensive unit, there’s still more to be done.

With the free agency market thin with talent, the Giants have to make the most of the 2015 NFL Draft to land a young, versatile, and talented pass rusher that can breathe life into their defense and compliment veteran players Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins.

All told, Williams and Fowler are great prospects for the Giants and worth trading up for in the first round.

Leonard Williams, DT, USC

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) runs as USC Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) defends during the fourth quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Williams is a player that would make an impact in the Giants’ defensive unit almost immediately. With his ideal size, strength, speed, and athleticism, he would certainly be a force to be reckoned. Williams also has the instinctiveness that allows him know when to get his hands up to swat passes. No wonder, scouts and teams speak so highly of him.

Speaking to NJ.com’s Mark Eckel, a scout commented on William’s versatility and talent.

“He’s legit. He can play in any scheme. He can play inside or outside. He’s a great pass rusher. He’s athletic. He’s tough. He’s strong. He’s got great moves. I mean [in college] they couldn’t block him.”

Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida

Sep 21, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (6) forces Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nathan Peterman (12) to fumble the ball as he gets sacked during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dante Fowler is another versatile player that would fit well into the Giants’ defensive scheme. He is a raw pass rusher that’s extremely quick with his first step, has great force and movement skills. He also has instincts to take the opponent’s entire scheme in; he’s able to cover the ball carrier while simultaneously being aware of the quarterback.

While Fowler is still learning the nuances of the game, he possesses the work ethic and dedication required to excel in the NFL. With these characteristics and his talent, he’d fit well into the Giants’ 4-3 scheme and solidify the defensive line. And if he manages to bulk up, that’d only enhance his freakish nature.

How likely is it that the Giants will have the opportunity to trade up? And if they have the opportunity to, will they actually trade up to nab Williams or Fowler?

Well, both prospects are phenomenal players and could go at the third and fourth overall picks of the draft. However, given that the teams picking at third and fourth overall (the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders, respectively) have many holes to fill, both teams could be interested in trading down in exchange for extra draft picks.

While it’s unlikely that either will slip down to Nos. 6 or 7, anything can happen in the draft. In the event that one or both of these players slip out of the top five picks, the Giants need to sweep in and trade up to nab one. The move would come at a price but would be worth it given the tremendous long-term upside that these players present.

Should the opportunity arise, it seems that the Giants would be prepared and willing to take advantage of it. As reported by Big Blue View’s Ed Valentine, the Giants are looking for an impact player at number 9 but if the opportunity presents itself, they’d consider trading up.

The Giants’ draft strategy has been selecting the best player on the board at the time of their picks. Yet, we know that the team wouldn’t shy away from trading up for a player very high on their radar, as evidenced by their trade for Eli Manning. The Giants are said to think highly of Williams and have reportedly reached out to Fowler, Jr., according to FOXSports.com’s Alex Marvez.

The New York Giants should be just as aggressive as they want their defense to be and use their first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to select a defensive player that can make an impact from the beginning. Even if Leonard Williams or Dante Fowler, Jr. slip out of the top five picks, they will not be around at number 9. Therefore, the Giants should trade up and nab one of them.

What do you think, Giants Fans? Sound off below.

Next: New York Giants 2015 Mock Draft

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