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By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG        

This will be my 2nd mock draft edition and in my 1st mock draft I allowed trade/trades to be included and had some fun wearing the GM hat. In this 2nd edition mock draft I will once again wear the GM hat, but will not allow any trades at all. This draft will have 9 picks and I try to be as realistic as possible with my selections based on prospects projections. Also, in this mock draft I have the first four picks as follows: Aiden Hutchinson, Travon Walker, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Ickey Ekwonu. Here we go, my 2nd edition mock draft for the New York Giants for the 2022 NFL draft:

Round 1       

 (#5)- Evan Neal (OT) Alabama-6’7/360:  I believe one of the top two offensive tackles will be available at #5 for the Giants and my guess it’s going to be Evan Neal as the New York Jets take Ickey Ekwonu. Neal will be a plug/play OT and will move to Right Tackle to join LT Andrew Thomas and give the Giants a solid young pair of OT for the next decade.

 (#7)- Jermaine Johnson (EDGE) Florida State-6’5/265: Johnson’s performance in 2021, senior week and at the combine catapulted him into the top 10. Johnson is a 3 down defender who gives you 100% effort on every play. In pass coverage Johnson has displayed the ability to cover Tight Ends and running backs while also stuffing the run and being a lethal pass rusher.

Round 2

(#36)- Andrew Booth (CB) Clemson-6’0/200: Booth is still on board for my 2nd mock draft and I waste no time and make him my pick in RD2. Booth blazing speed (4.38) and solid coverage skills gives me a solid CB who can step in if the Giants trade James Bradberry; which is projected to happen on draft night.

(#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)- Jalani Woods (TE) Virginia Tech-6’7/255: Woods value is rising as I had him projected in RD4 in my 1st mock draft. This time I select him late in RD3 as I’m sold that Woods can be 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

 (#110)- Luke Fortner (OL) Kentucky-6’6/305: Fortner can play multiple positions on the offensive line (Center/Guard) and would be the Ideal pick here for the Giants as he can develop at his own pace and see snaps at the interior line spots 2022 if needed; while adding more strength and size to his frame for 2023 to compete for a starting spot.  

Round 5

 (#146)- Nick Cross (S) Maryland-6’1/210: Cross is a banger who happens to have blazing speed (4.34) to go along with his solid instincts for the ball. Cross is comfortable playing middle deep or in the box and would be ideal in DC Wink Martindale’s defense. Cross would need a little time to develop his skills and should see enough snaps as a rookie to contribute in 2022.

 (#172)- Marquan McCall (DT) Kentucky-6’3/345: Justin Ellis is on a 1-year deal and Dexter Lawrence future beyond 2022 is unclear, so I decided to use my second RD5 pick on Marquan McCall. McCall is massive, yet extremely quick off ball as he is primarily an effective run stuffer and collapsing the pocket at this time. McCall has enough upside to improve as an inside pass rusher with an occasional sack and give the Giants solid run support.

Round 6

(#180)- Pierre Strong Jr (RB) South Dakota State-5’11/205: In my 1st mock I selected Danny Gray(WR)but decided to address the running back position with the uncertainty of Saquan Barkley’s future as a Giant. Strong is well built and can be effective between the tackles and on the edge with his elite speed (4.37). Strong is also a reliable receiver out of the backfield and would pose a difficult matchup for many linebackers.

Wearing the GM Hat over these two mock drafts was fun, but I don’t envy Schoen, in reality he is going to make some real tough decisions. Currently he will have 9 picks in this draft and must select the right blend of talent to point the New York Giants future in the right direction.  Keep an eye out for my final mock draft, which will be selections that I believe Joe Schoen will make.