Giants add two skill players in ESPN's two-round mock draft
The Giants are approaching the draft with needs on both the offensive and defensive perimeter. A team that lacks a true number one wideout on one side of the ball, and a shutdown corner on the other, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that New York uses picks 25 and 57 to bolster […]
The Giants are approaching the draft with needs on both the offensive and defensive perimeter.
A team that lacks a true number one wideout on one side of the ball, and a shutdown corner on the other, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that New York uses picks 25 and 57 to bolster these two positions.
Well, in Todd McShay's latest mock for ESPN, he has them doing just that. Let's dive into the selections.
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Forbes is a spindly corner but he has some of, if not the best ball skills of any defensive back in the 2023 class.
His instincts, click and close, and fearless demeanor have him graded as a considerable prospect.
But at a confirmed 6'1 and 166 pounds, team's may be concerned about his durability and ability to hold up if needed to provide run support.
"Expected a receiver? I nearly went with Addison here. But there are other needs, including cornerback, and receiver can be addressed later," Said Mcshay. "Adoree' Jackson, Darnay Holmes, Amani Oruwariye and Bobby McCain are only under contract through 2023, and the Giants tied the Raiders for fewest interceptions in the NFL last season with six. That's how many Forbes had on his own at Mississippi State in 2022! And he picked off 14 passes over three seasons, including six returned for touchdowns."
"Forbes is lean at 6-foot-1 and 166 pounds, but he has great speed and fantastic instincts in coverage, "McShay added. "The Giants blitzed more than any other team last season (42.0%) but didn't have many ballhawks in the secondary to take advantage. Forbes would feast on mistakes forced by that pressure."
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Like many of the current receivers on the Giants depth chart, Down's diminutive size by NFL wide receiver standards may turn some fans off, but his play on the field shouldn't.
While he's not as explosive as a typical wide receiver one, he is a smooth strider with an excellent ability to drop his frame and run sharp routes.
And just because his size (5'9 and 171 pounds) and explosiveness (4.48 40) aren't amongst the elite doesn't mean he can't be a productive receiver in the league.
"The Giants went another route in Round 1, but they aren't bypassing the receiver need here," said Mcshay. "Downs is undersized at 5-foot-9 and plays out of the slot, where New York already has plenty of options. But he plays with explosion and changes directions really well in the open field. Downs put together back-to-back seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards and can help Daniel Jones right out of the gate."
