Saquon Barkley in the House
By Michael Stewart @golferbad
Introduction: The NFL draft day one was filled with so much excitement and it only increased when the Cleveland Browns were on the clock for the 1st overall pick. Speculations were flying in every direction on who the Browns would select at #1; would it be Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield or perhaps Saquon Barkley.
From the Giants perspective GM Dave Gettleman provided no evidence as well of who the Giants were targeting; would it be a quarterback or a position player. It took Cleveland nearly their entire allotted time to hand in their card. Once the commissioner revealed the selection of Baker Mayfield, I for one had a tremendous sign of relief. My projected target (Saquon Barkley) was still available. Hand in the pick sometimes feels like an eternity. Dave Gettleman was not going to pull a Jerry Reese and select a player not projected to go as early (see Eli Apple and Ereck Flowers). Finally, the football gods blessed the Giants as their selection of Saquon Barkley was made official at around 8:30 pm.
Although this was only the 1st round of the draft, the Giants have sent a message that they are not looking to wait until next season to compete, but rather to let the league and especially the NFL east that they expect to contend for the NFL east division crown. There were many trades and surprise picks in the 1st round; which really benefitted the Giants heading into day 2.
2018 NFL Draft: Day 2
There are many quality offensive linemen still available such as: Will Hernandez, James Daniels, Connor Williams, Chukwuma Okarafor, Braden Smith and Tyrell Crosby. Let’s not forget the defensive line with players like Harold Landry, Josh Sweat, Harrison Phillips and Maurice Hurst.
Final Thoughts:
Look for the Giants to address the offensive line to give Saquon Barkley every opportunity to succeed. I’m hoping they look to add either a defensive player like DT Maurice Hurst or a RB; possibly Derrius Guice. This will open the door for the Giants to select the best offensive linemen, Will Hernandez. Giant fans, keep your fingers crossed and hope the second day of the draft plays out this way.