Chase Young a New York Giant? Sounds good, right? It probably won’t happen, but in Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft, that is exactly what they predict happening this Thursday night at the 2020 NFL Draft.
PFF analyst Steve Palazzolo sees the Ohio State EDGE rusher dropping to the fourth overall slot and into the waiting arms of Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman.
So, what happened at the top of the draft order to shake Young loose? Palazzolo sees the Cincinnati Bengals staying the course and drafting LSU QB Joe Burrow with the top pick but predicts the Washington Redskins, under new personnel director Kyle Smith and head coach Ron Rivera, will trade out of the second spot where many had cemented in for months in mock drafts.
In this scenario, the Miami Dolphins move up from the fifth spot and throw in the 18th and 39th overall selection to take Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa.
At No. 3, the Detroit Lions bypass Young for his college teammate, cornerback Jeff Okudah. Both players are fantastic prospects so it’s very possible. This is a bit sketchy as the Lions are rumored to be open for business with this pick. I can see a team trading up to grab Young or Oregon QB Justin Herbert here, but every team has their own board and Okudah makes sense since the Lions traded Darius Slay to the Eagles this offseason.
The Giants jump all over Young at No. 4 and Giant Nation goes berserk.
“The Giants need playmakers all over the defensive side of the ball, so they’re happy to take Young, whose 96.1 overall grade last season is the highest we’ve seen since college grading started in 2014. Young wins with athleticism and technique, a combination that translates well to the next level. He had a ridiculous 56 pressures (18 sacks, seven quarterback hits, 31 hurries) on just 320 rushes last season.”
I know we shouldn’t get the Giant fans hopes up too high with this stuff but I’ve been covering the draft for 20 years and stranger things have happened.