By Michael Stewart @TheTruthNYG (1st edition 2022 NFL Mock Draft)
The 2022 NFL draft is around the corner and Giants will have a total of 9 picks and it’s being reported that new GM Joe Schoen could look to move back with one of the Giants 1st round picks. With that in mind, this mock draft will be my 1st edition and will include trade/trades scenarios as the Giants current two 1st round picks (#5/#7) would have a cap hit of roughly $12M. Also, I will be wearing the GM hat for the Giants in this mock draft will solely be based on the free agent signings and what is needed on the current roster. Here we go, my 1st edition mock draft for the New York Giants for the 2022 NFL draft:
Round 1
***Trade Alert: The Seattle Seahawks and the New York Giants complete a trade/Seahawks get the 5th overall pick and select quarterback Malik Willis and the Giants receive the Seahawks #9 overall pick, 2022 2nd round (#41) and 5th round in 2023
(#7)-Ikem Ekwonu (OT) North Carolina State-6’4/325: Carolina selects Kenny Pickett at #6 after losing out on Malik Willis and Ekwonu falls into the Giants lap at #7. Ekwonu is a plug/play OT who will move to the right side and give the Giants a talented young tandem at OT.
(#9)- Jermaine Johnson (EDGE) Florida State-6’5/265: In this mock draft scenario, Travon Walker is taken in top 4, but Kayvon Thibodeaux is still on the board. Johnson’s performances in 2021, senior week and at the combine convinces me to select him over Thibodeaux. Johnson is a 3 down defender who gives you 100% effort on every play.
Round 2
(#36)- Andrew Booth (CB) Clemson-6’0/200: Andrew Booth is a projected late 1st pick, but could fall slightly and be available to the Giants in round 2. Booth blend of size, speed (4.38) and extreme athleticism would give the Giants another potential CB1 if the Giants move on from James Bradberry; which is still a possibility.
Rounds 2 (Trade w/Seattle Seahawks)
(#41)- Travis Jones (DL) UCONN-6’5’333: I wanted to keep beefing up the defensive front 7 with the extra 2nd round pick and Jones fits this criteria with his size and ability and is added insurance as the Giants could move on from Dexter Lawrence after this season.
Round 3
(#67)- Chad Muma (ILB) Wyoming-6’4/245: Muma would give the Giants a solid three down ILB that they so desperately need to play alongside Blake Martinez. Muma led the nation in tackles (142) and is a plug/play rookie that will display leadership qualities and contribute in 2022.
(#81)- Jamaree Salyer (OG) Georgia-6’4/325: Salyer is a superior run blocker and an above average pass protector at this point. Salyer is lethal between the tackles as a run blocker and isn’t too shabby in open space.
***Trade Alert: The New York Giants Trade back into round 4 with the Baltimore Ravens by trading their 2023 5th and 7th round picks for pick #139.
Round 4
(#110)- Jalani Woods (TE) Virginia Tech-6’7/255: After watching Woods during senior week and in the combine, I’m sold on him as being a productive tight end in both blocking and moving the chains. Woods is big and ran a legit 4.61; which was the 2nd fastest among the tight end prospects.
Round 4 (Trade with Baltimore Ravens)
(#139)- Luke Fortner (C) Kentucky-6’6/305: Fortner would give the Giants much needed depth at the center and guard positions and a solid value pick in round 4. With Jon Feliciano on a 1-year deal and the uncertainty of Nick Gates, the addition of Fortner would be for insurance for 2023 and beyond.
Round 5
(#146)- Hassan Haskins (RB) Michigan-6’0/220: Haskins is a power back who can gain yards after first contact. Haskins is a solid blocker who could fit in nicely as a rotational running back especially in short yardage situations.
Round 5
(#172)- Bubba Bolden (SS) Miami-6’3/206: Bolden should fit in well with Wink Martindale defensive scheme as he can line up in the box effectively and also roam the middle of the field.
Round 6
(#180)- Danny Gray (WR) SMU’6’1/185: Gray is pure speed and the Giants would certainly benefit from having more at the wide receiver position. Gray can stretch the field with the best of them and has a wide catch radius and runs crisp routes.
Every draft will have prospects rising and falling, it’s just the nature of the beast as this year’s draft has a good mixture of talent at each position and through all three days of the draft. This draft will be the first for new GM Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll and could set the groundwork for years to come. With 11 total picks in this scenario, GM Joe Schoen should have enough ammunition to add depth/talent to the 2022 roster and hopefully find a few impact prospects along the way. Keep an eye out for my 2nd mock draft as I will be wearing the GM hat again, but this time I will not include any trades.