2019 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive line rules at start of training camp
By Randy Gurzi
8. New York Giants: Joe Jackson, Miami, EDGE
A second-straight EDGE hears his name called as Miami’s Joe Jackson joins the New York Giants. The Hurricane’s athletic defensive end has 14 sacks over his first two seasons and has developed into a strong all-around end. His ability to get after the quarterback, however, is what really attracts the Giants.
New York traded defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul this offseason to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his production will be sorely missed. They’ve converted defensive philosophies, which now has Olivier Vernon on the outside as a pass-rushing linebacker. They hope the move frees him up to make more plays, but that has yet to be seen.
As for Jackson, his addition would also require a move to linebacker, but he has the physical tools needed to make the move. At 6-5 and 258 pounds, he has ideal length and the build to hold up against NFL-level offensive linemen.
This won’t bring the Giants back to the level their defense was in 2016 when they were one of the most feared units in the league, but it will help a lot. They have a solid mixture of youth and veteran leadership and will be on the right track.