Will New York Giants go all in on defense in first round of 2019 NFL Draft?
The New York Giants need to revamp their defensive unit. Will they go all in on the defensive side of the ball in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft?
The 2019 NFL Draft is going to be an enormous one for general manager Dave Gettleman and the New York Giants. Coming off a disappointing 5-11 campaign last year, the G-Men are in dire need of revamping a dismal defensive unit that allowed 25.8 points a game in 2018. That ranked 23rd in the league. Something has to change. Immediately.
Gettleman is in a bit of a quandary though. Does he select his signal-caller of the future with either overall pick number six or 17? This coming season will probably the final one for Eli Manning in a Giants uniform. Does Gettleman draft Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins if he is still on the board with the sixth overall selection?
My feeling is that Big Blue will punt, so to speak, on drafting a premium quarterback this year and concentrate on revitalizing a pretty brutal defensive squad. With that being said, here are my predictions on who Gettleman will select with that pair of first round picks:
First Round (Sixth overall): Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan
The University of Michigan star was a two-time All-Big Ten selection for the Wolverines in 2017 and 2018. He’d give the G-Men a versatile, disruptive force on a defensive line that needs impact players.
The Plainfield, NJ native registered 38 tackles last season, including 6.5 for loss, with 3.5 sacks. The 6-4, 277-pounder is known for being explosive out of the blocks with superior power on the bull rush. He’s still a little raw but his potential is through the roof. He projects as a solid run stopper as well. Gary is an elite athlete with excellent lateral speed and a very live motor.
With Nick Bosa and Josh Allen off the board, Gettleman drafts a top prospect who should become an immediate NFL starter.
First Round (17th overall): Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
The Giants ranked 30th in the league in sacks (30) last season so Gettleman grabs the finest edge rusher left on the board. The Clemson University standout was a Consensus All-American in 2018 when he paced the National Champion Tigers with 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. The 6-4, 264-pounder is explosive off the edge with long arms and the strength to stifle the ground attack as well.
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The Ted Hendricks Award winner (2018) needs further development, especially in regards to his open-field tackling ability, shedding blockers and lateral quickness. However, midway through the initial round of the draft, the Giants welcome a player with a high ceiling that should make the starting lineup on Opening Day 2019 for Big Blue. The defensive rebuild has commenced in grand fashion.