By Michael Stewart/@golferbad
Introduction: The New York Giants will have 10 picks in the 2020 draft; which will give GM Dave Gettleman lots of options. This will be the toughest 1st round decision by Dave Gettleman as a GM with the options available. I decided not to include trades in this final mock draft although I firmly believe that the Giants will make some moves. After using a couple mock simulators (www.thedraftnetwork.com) and www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com) nearly 200 times, I’ve taken that data along with my perso0nal notes and condensed it into this final mock draft. So let’s get started, here is my final edition of the New York Giants 2020 mock draft showing the Giants pick and my pick.
1st round (Pick #4)
The Pick: Isaiah Simmons (Clemson) OLB-6’4/235: Simmons has been compared to a Swiss-army knife due to his ability to play multiple positions well. Simmons is a play maker and that is something the Giants haven’t had on defense for a very long time. The Giants finished near the bottom defensively in 2019; Simmons is a solid pick to turn that around.
My Pick: Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) OT-6’5/320: The selection of Wirfs over the other offensive tackles was not a surprise as his stock increased immensely. Wirfs is the most athletic tackle in this draft and NFL ready to compete at a high level. His ability to play both tackle positions and also at guard made this pick easier.
2nd round (#36)
The Pick: Austin Jackson (USC) OT-6’6/310: Jackson falls to the 2nd round and GM Dave Gettleman wastes no time selecting him. Jackson can play both tackle positions and displays an overall athleticism needed in the NFL. Jackson has excellent foot and hand technique and at times possesses and mean streak.
My Pick: Jeremy Chinn (Southern Illinois) S-6’3/219: Chinn has climbed the draft board rapidly each week and could possibly seek into the 1st round on draft day. In this mock draft, I’ve got him available early in round 2 and decide to select him. Chinn is very similar to Darwin James as he can play back in centerfield and/or move into the box and be an extra linebacker in some defensive schemes.
3rd round (#99) * Compensation*
The Pick: K’Von Wallace (Clemson) S-6’0/200: Wallace is a well-rounded safety who can cover the middle of the field and also attack the box against the run. Wallace has good instincts and hardly puts himself out of position.
My Pick: Bradless Anae (Utah) Edge-6’3/265: Anae is an high effort competitor who goes 100% on each play and is often rewarded with pure hustle. Anae has a variety of pass rushing moves and has a quick first step off the edge. Anae is also effective against the run and will improve once he develops more and gets stronger.
4th Round (#110)
The Pick: Alton Robinson (Syracuse) Edge-6’3/260: Robinson has an explosive first step and is still learning the position. Robinson has all tools to become a 3-down defender, but would need a solid season or two to develop.
My Pick: Matt Hennessy (Temple) C-6’4/300: Hennessy has extreme fundamentals and a high football IQ. Hennessy plays with great leverage; which puts him in the best position nearly all the time. Hennessy is equally effective as a run blocker and/or a pass protector.
5th Round (#150)
The Pick: Nick Harris (Washington) C-6’1/305: Harris came is not about power in the trenches. Harris is more of a technician who utilizes sound fundamentals with his hands and feet. Harris is exceptional in open space (sweeps and screens) and does a great job as a pass protector as well.
My Pick: Isaiah Hodgins (Oregon State) WR-6’4/210: Hodgins has a long frame and long arms to match. Hodgins has a wide catch radius and runs crisps routes. Hodgins is not afraid to catch the ball in traffic and could add 5-10 pounds without effecting his speed.
6th round (#183)
The Pick: Amik Robertson (Louisiana Tech) CB-5’9/183: The Giants lacked a solid corner in the slot as both Ballantine and Haley stuggled in 2019. Robertson has athleticism to play in the slot and has ideal foot quickness. Robertson is a sound tackler and isn’t afraid to play physical for his size. .
My Pick: Tyre Phillips (Mississippi State) OT-6’5/345: Phillips has played both tackle positions, but will more than likely settle in as a right tackle in the NFL. Phillips is solid at both facets (run blocking/pass protection) and should have the opportunity to compete as a rookie.
7th round (#218)
The Pick: Raequan Williams (Michigan State) DT-6’4/310: Williams has a good combination of power and speed that he utilizes well. Williams is more productive as a run defender than a pass rusher, however; he goes generate plays behind the line of scrimmage.
My Pick: Azur Kamara (Kansas) OLB/ILB-6’3/245: Kamara has a high motor on every play with extreme quickness off the edge. Kamara can play multiple positions (ILB.OLB.Edge) depending on the defensive scheme (3-4/4-3). Kamara will add depth to the linebacker group and also contribute on special teams as a rookie.
7th round (#238)
The Pick: Kendrick Rogers (Texas A&M) WR-6’4/205: Rogers was the Aggies go to receiver at crush time with his high end catch radius. Rogers has above average speed for his size and should be able to get stronger/bigger without hindering his performance.
My Pick: John Penisini (Utah) DT-6’2/330: Penisini low center of gravity allows him to stabilize his gaps and is nearly impossible one on one. Penisini is not a sack machine, but he does a great job collapsing the pocket and allowing other defensive players to make plays as he often gets double team.
7th round (#247)
The Pick: Steven Gonzalez (Penn State) OG-6’4/340: Gonzalez has a powerful lower half and is a bull dozer in the running attack. Gonzalez lacks lateral movement and is purely a straight on mauler at the point of attack.
My Pick: Derrick Tuszka (North Dakota State) Edge/OLB-6’4/251: When you watch Tuszka on film, the first thing that jumps out is his endless motor that’s always in high gear. Tuszka has a quick first step and never gives up on a play. Tuszka is more suited in a 3-4 OLB position and would provide depth and solid special team play.
7th round (#255)
The Pick: Riley Neal (Vanderbilt) QB-6’6/225: Despite having Colt McCoy and Alex Tanney on the roster, Gettleman’s final pick in the draft is quarterback Riley Neal. Neal has a very strong arm and has shown accuracy throughout his college career. Neal is mobile for his size and can make the throws either in the pocket or on the run.
My Pick: Jaron Bryant (Fresno State) CB-6’1/185: Bryant has a versatile skill set with good body length and long arms. Bryant is a solid tackler and is best suited as a slot corner, but can also play on the outside.
Final Thoughts: Well Giant fans, there you have it, the 2020 New York Giants draft selections. With my 10 picks I selected six on defense and four on offense. While projecting Gettlemans picks I had him selecting five on each sides of the line of scrimmage. My next article I will be grading the picks in round 1 and round 5 and give an overall assessment of why or why not the selection will be a good fit for the Giants.