Giants make huge jump in latest national media mock draft
Risk. It's the name of the game in the NFL Draft. The New York Giants took a big, but calculated, risk in Bruce Feldman's latest mock draft via The Athletic. New York traded up from pick 25 to pick 12 to select arguably the top cornerback in the class in Oregon's Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a […]
Risk. It's the name of the game in the NFL Draft. The New York Giants took a big, but calculated, risk in Bruce Feldman's latest mock draft via The Athletic.
New York traded up from pick 25 to pick 12 to select arguably the top cornerback in the class in Oregon's Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a lengthy, athletic CB that would step in and impact the defense immediately.
Feldman broke down why he had the team making the move for the defensive back.
In a deal to move up 13 spots, the Giants know there’s a run on top corners coming very soon, and they swap first-rounders with Houston (plus some later picks) to grab Gonzalez before Bill Belichick or Mike Tomlin. The 6 feet 1, 197-pounder, who began his career at Colorado, has ideal size and length. Gonzalez is a Freak athlete who ran a 4.38 at the combine, broad jumped 11-1 and vertical jumped 41 1/2 inches. He might not be quite as instinctive as Witherspoon but he’s much bigger, and in a division with A.J. Brown on the top team, that matters.
The jump up is a good one when you consider their need. The Giants CB depth chart is thin, and it lacks some upside.
A'doree Jackson has shown flashes recently on being a very solid CB, but he probably isn't a CB1 in the long-term. Behind him, there's very little NFL experience.
Gonzalez projects to be a top cornerback for a defense in the NFL at his peak. His play-style is aggressive, and Giants DC Wink Martindale likes that type of play for his scheme.
The trade may cost the Giants an ability to fill quite as many holes during the draft, but they will not get a player of Gonzalez's talent at the end of the first round. It isn't possible in this draft class.
If the Giants do make a move like this, expect them to attack the offensive side of the ball afterwards in the draft. Wide receiver and interior offensive line will both still be needs.
Keep an eye out for an aggressive move like this one from New York.
