By Michael Stewart/@golferbad
The aftermath of Day 1 in the 2019 NFL Draft is stilling lingering for many Giant fans as the thought of passing on outside linebacker Josh Allen for quarterback Daniel Jones with the 6th overall pick.
The Giants started Day 2 as observers and sat through 63 picks before their next selection at 95 (3rd round). The Giants still hadn’t drafted a Right Tackle or a pass rusher thus far; which were two needs that many believed would have been addressed within the first three picks. Instead, the Giants and Gettleman went a different direction.
3rd Round Pick:
The Giants drafted Oshane Ximines (DE/OLB) Old Dominion – 6’3 255 lbs. Ximines is the 1st player from Old Dominion drafted in NFL history. He displayed top pass rushing ability throughout his college career; however, is considered to be a bit raw and a project.
Ximines will more than likely transition to an OLB for the Giants and have more of a situational role as a rookie. Although Ximines played in a conference considered a notch below the talent level needed at the NFL level, he did display the athleticism and versatility that could translate to the NFL.
Breakdown:
Pros:
- Quick off the ball.
- Very athletic with an edge.
- Nose for the ball/playmaker.
- Great character/coachable.
- Plays hard/endless motor.
Cons:
- Didn’t dominate consistently in a weak conference.
- Overmatched against better talent during the Senior Bowl.
- Needs to get stronger to compete in the NFL.
- Extremely raw and needs time to develop.
- Lacks coverage skills/one dimensional.
Final Thoughts:
Although Ximines displayed the pass-rushing skills that the Giants desperately lack and he could develop into a solid 3 down defender, it’s a stretch.
I believe GM Dave Gettleman reached here with his selection of Ximines with more established prospects still on the board such as Tackles Bobby Evans out of Oklahoma and Yodny Cajuste out of West Virginia. Both these prospects played in more established conferences and against a higher talent level.
Gettleman should have opted for a Right Tackle in Round 3 or more quality edge rushers like Jalen Jelks out of Oregon and Joe Jackson out of Miami. However; based on the remaining Tackles still available, it looks like Gettleman will have to reach again if he intends to select one in round 4. GRADE C+