New York Giants ready Daniel Jones for push in 7-round mock draft
What New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman plans to do in the 2021 NFL Draft is anyone’s guess but it’s an important draft as the franchise builds around Daniel Jones. e
Don’t expect movement early in the 2021 NFL Draft from the New York Giants, Dave Gettleman isn’t known for trading up or down the draft board. New York currently has three picks inside the first 80 selections and, more than likely, is going to stay put.
Though Gettleman says it’s a myth that he’s opposed to trading on draft day. Still, most of us expect them to sit back and wait for a player to fall to them. Which direction they’ll go depends on the value and who the best player available is.
Gettleman should consider doing everything he can to ensure the success of young quarterback Daniel Jones. Ask Giants fans and you’ll get a feel for the divisiveness that exists among fans when talking about Jones. Fans, nor teams aren’t as patient with quarterbacks as they once were. If they want to know what they have in Jones, this is the year.
The No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft could mean taking a wideout or offensive lineman. There’s no doubt one of the top wide receivers will fall to them. And they’ll likely have a great option to pick one of the best offensive linemen. Or they can wait until later given their other needs.
Defensively, they need players at edge and linebacker. They could use some help at corner, this draft isn’t deep so taking one early is a possibility. It all starts at the No. 11 pick in this 7-round mock draft for the Giants.
New York Giants 2021 mock draft over full 7 rounds
Round 1, Pick 11: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
This isn’t a Dave Gettleman pick at first glance. Historically he’s taken linebackers, defensive linemen and big wideouts in the first round. Despite his history, one can imagine Gettleman understands that evolving will wield the best results.
Currently, the Giants expect Kenny Golladay to be their No. 1 wideout on the boundary. Sterling Shepard is locked in as the slot guy but he’s played a full season just one time in his NFL career. Meanwhile, Darius Slayton didn’t follow up his impressive rookie season. He dropped too many passes and disappeared too often. He’s better suited as a rotational player or spread sets.
DeVonta Smith falling outside the top 10 is a real possibility given the negative press about his weight. Smith fluctuates between 165 and 170 pounds, which, is concerning to some — understandably so. For the Giants, he’s just what the doctor ordered. Jason Garrett’s offense will maximize his strengths. With Saquon Barkley coming back, it’s a play-action, read-option offense that Smith will excel in.
An underrated aspect about Smith is his YAC ability. He’ll come in as the best route runner on the roster with a high IQ and sure hands. His explosiveness isn’t the same as Wadle’s but he can make big plays when needed. Jones will have a reliable target in the Heisman Trophy winner who could dominate year one.