2019 NFL Mock Draft: Ed Oliver, Nick Bosa fight for top spot
By Randy Gurzi
7. New York Giants: Joe Jackson, Miami (FL), EDGE
Last year was one to forget for the New York Giants and they’re in the process of changing things over to a new head coach — and defensive scheme. The Giants moved to a 3-4 defense when Pat Shurmur came over and brought James Bettcher to coach the defense.
They already traded away Jason Pierre-Paul, who fits better as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. Olivier Vernon makes the transition back to a pass-rushing outside linebacker and they’ve also got Lorenzo Carter who could become a playmaker.
However, Vernon isn’t exactly cheap and they may need to look at moving on from him in the next year or two, so having someone to compliment Carter isn’t a terrible idea. That’s why they target Joe Jackson out of Miami here.
At 6-5 and 265 pounds he’s stout enough to hold up against the run and has the length defensive coordinators love. He recorded 14 sacks in his first two seasons with the Hurricanes and can climb up boards if he takes that next step in 2018.
Of course, the Giants could also go with a quarterback at this position but that depends on how they feel about the development of Kyle Lauletta. He showed flashes in the preseason and many believe he could develop into a starter one day.