By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG
This will my 3rd and final mock draft as I will take off my GM hat and hand it back over to the rightful owner Joe Schoen and let him make the selections. In this final mock draft, I will not include any trades, although the possibility is there for the Giants to trade back or up or trading away CB James Bradberry. Here we go, my final mock draft projecting what Joe Schoen would do for the New York Giants in 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 select 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)- Ahmad Gardner (CB) Cincinnati-6’2/188: In this mock draft scenario, James Bradberry has been traded moments before Day 1 of the draft began and the selection by Schoen ushers in a new CB1 for the Giants in 2022. Gardner was a blanket in man-to-man coverage and didn’t allow a single touchdown against him during his college career. Final note: Wouldn’t be totally shocked if Stingley is the pick here.
Round 2
(#36)- Lewis Cline (S) Georgia-6’1/200: Cline great combination of physicality and speed all rolled up in one. Cline can line up in the box or patrol centerfield and be an elite pairing with Xavier McKinney.
Round 3
(#67)- Leo Chenal (ILB) Wisconsin-6’2/255: Schoen misses out on Chad Muma who was taken a few spots before the Giants selection in this mock draft scenario. Chenal is not a bad consolation prize as he will fit in nicely in Don (Wink) Martindale’s defensive scheme.
(#81)- Sam Williams (Edge/OLB) Ole Miss-6’4/265: Williams notched 12.5 sacks in 2021 and was often double teamed by opposing teams at Ole Miss. Williams can lineup with his hand in the dirt or in a two-point stance and could be a day 1 starter in 2022 or be a solid rotational piece along with Ojulari and Roche.
Round 4
(#110)- Charlie Kolar (TE) Iowa State-6’5/257: GM Joe Schoen finally gets a tight end here on the Giants 1st pick on Day 3. Kolar is a versatile tight end who can block in the running game and also line up in the slot and move the chains with his reliable catch radius.
Round 5
(#146)-James Cook (RB) Georgia-5’11/195: Cook possesses a quick start off the snap and can take it to the house with his speed. Cook is more of a 3rd down running back at this point who can give you that needed yardage as a receiver out of the backfield or run the ball off tackle on 3rd down conversions.
(#172)- Lecitus Smith (OG) Virginia Tech-6’3/321: Smith has excellent mobility and is an efficient blocker in the trenches as well as in open space. Smith is a notch below his pass protection at this point compared to his run blocking skills, but can improve to the point of competing for a starting spot as a rookie at left guard during the 2022 season.
Round 6
(#180)- Isaiah Weston (WR) UNI=6’4/210: The Giants final pick can go in many different directions as I believe Schoen will look for a wide receiver with speed here. Weston has good size and speed and can stretch the field vertically and would give the Giants a much-needed deep threat option.
I firmly believe we will see a trade by the Giants on Day 1 of the draft involving CB James Bradberry, which prompted the selection of CB Ahmed Gardner in RD1 at #7. The rumor is still projecting the Kansas City Chiefs as the leader for Bradberry’s services, so this will or should be finalized before the Giants make their first pick in round 1.
Keep an eye out for my next article showcasing my top 10 offensive and defensive UDFA prospects for 2022.