By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
The Giants finished season at 6-10 and will have the 11th overall pick in the first round with a total of six picks in the 2021 draft. In free agency, the main additions by the Giants included the re-signing Leonard Williams, wide receiver Kenny Golladay, tight end Kyle Rudolph and cornerback Adoree Jackson. This 1st edition mock draft will take into account these free agent signings and no trades. This mock draft will project who I believe the Giants will select in each round, so let’s get started with my 1st edition of the 2021 NFL mock draft for the New York Giants:
1st Round (#11)
The Pick: Micah Parsons (ILB/OLB-Penn State) 6’3/245: In this scenario all four receivers are off the board and Parsons is still available. If so, the Giants must decide between need or BPA as OL Rashawn Slater is also on the board. In this scenario, the Giants select BPA and Parsons is the pick. Parsons played mostly at ILB at Penn State, however; he was also used on the outside in various packages and was highly effective. Expect DC Patrick Graham to utilize Parsons the same way by aligning him either inside or outside to create mismatches.
2nd Round (#42)
The Pick: Wyatt Davis (OG-Ohio State) 6’4/315: The Giants invested heavily in offensive weapons in free agency for Daniel Jones, now they need to build a wall in front of him. Davis is arguably the best guard in this draft and can be a starter on day one. Davis played LG at Ohio State and can do it all in the trenches or in open space (sweeps/screens). Davis size, athleticism, strength, technique and his competitive toughness is just what the Giants need.
3rd Round (#76)
The Pick: Alim McNeil (DT-North Carolina State) 6’2/320: Giants need to replace Dalvin Tomlinson as it’s expected that Dexter Lawrence will remain on the outside. If so, then selecting McNeil makes the most sense. McNeil played mostly NT at NC State and can control the gaps on each side of the center. McNeil also possesses pass rushing ability and can collapse the pocket for TFL (tackles for losses).
4th Round (#116)
The Pick: Anthony Schwartz (WR-Auburn) 6’0/197: Schwartz was utilized at Auburn playing the slot and was a productive weapon for the Tigers. Schwartz has extreme quickness with the ability to gain yards after the catch. Schwartz is also a vertical threat with his explosive speed and the ability to catch any ball in reach. Schwartz could be groomed to replace current slot receiver Sterling Shepard possibly after the 2021 season if the Giants decide to move on from him.
************The Giants forfeited their 5th Round pick when they acquired DL Leonard Williams in a trade from the New York Jets************
6th Round (#196)
The Pick: Joshua Kaindoh (EDGE-Florida State) 6’7/261: The Giants select Joshua Kaindoh who is a developmental pick with a high ceiling. Kaindoh has excellent length and the ability to add more size & strength to his 6’7 frame. Kaindoh is rough around the edges and would need a solid season or two to refine his game to the next level, but it could be worth the wait.
**Acquired 6th Round pick from Arizona by trading OLB Markus Golden**
6th Round (#201)
The Pick: T. J Vasher (WR-Texas Tech) 6’6/215: Despite investing in two WR in free agency (Kenny Golladay and John Ross), keep in mind Ross is on a 1 year deal, Sherling Shepard and Darius Slayton will be entering their final year in 2022. It’s more likely that Slayton will return, but the same can’t be said with Shepard. Vasher is long and rangy with deceptive speed and the ability to win the one on one battle’s and he can stretch the field. Vasher is worth the selection this late in the draft as his ceiling projects well.
****Traded 7th Round pick for CB Isaac Yiadom (Denver Broncos)****
In this my first edition mock draft, I’ve got Gettleman using 3 of the 6 picks in the trenches with one offensive lineman and two defensive linemen respectfully. The remaining three picks has two wide receivers and an impact linebacker taken. At the time of this article, it’s still unclear if the Giants would consider making a trade as they do have a couple of players that have been rumored as trade bait. The most talked about player is Tight End Evan Engram, who is in his final year of his contract and could be on the trading block. Keep an eye out for my final mock draft; which will be one week before the draft as we could see a few changes.