The New York Giants only had one pick on day two of the 2019 NFL Draft after trading back into Round 1, but did they make the best of it?
New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman shocked the NFL world with an aggressive (and some would say questionable) trio of picks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Day 2 was a little bit more quiet for the Giants, especially after they traded their second-round pick to move back into the end of the first round for Deandre Baker.
Instead, the Giants sat comfortably at the 95th pick and filled a need. Gettleman drafted small school star, Oshane Ximines out of Old Dominion, to help with the pass rush. Ximines is 6-3, 247 pounds with great length, violent hands and a great understanding of how to keep himself clean coming off the edge.
Ximines doesn’t have an elite burst, but he has good anticipation and some bounce in his step. As a run defender, he sets the edge and does a good job keeping his eyes in the backfield.
He’ll work well as a situational pass rusher. Because he comes from a small school, it’ll take some time for him to adjust to the speed and play-strength in the NFL. With that said, Ximines could flourish in James Bettcher’s defense even if he’s not an elite athlete.
According to The Draft Network Ximines is an ideal fit as a stand-up linebacker:
"“Oshane Ximines projects most favorably as a stand-up OLB in an odd front… effective inside counters can be highlighted and manufactured more consistently. A developmental prospect, Ximines does have promise.”"
Kareem Martin and Lorenzo Carter currently penciled in as starters with Markus Golden as a backup. Ximines fills a need and could earn some meaningful snaps in his rookie season.
Grade: B