There’s no question the New York Giants need to upgrade multiple positions on both sides of the ball this offseason, whether it be through free agency or the draft. However, allocating resources towards the tackle position and linebacker unit must be a priority.
With $80+ million in free agency, GM Dave Gettleman has the money to spend on veteran players that have proved themselves over the long-term, but I believe the draft offers more value in terms of money-saved and potential.
How can the New York Giants land a top LB and OT in the draft?
With the 4th overall pick, the Giants have a decision to make. Do they either sit still and draft Clemson standout, Isaiah Simmons, to become their next great linebacker or do they trade back and stockpile picks to add more value?
What if I told you there was a way to land Simmons and a top offensive tackle in the draft? Are you intrigued yet? I am.
The Cincinnati Bengals have the 1st overall pick, and they will undoubtedly take Joe Burrow, but the next three picks offer an opportunity for other teams to maneuver. The Washington Redskins already have their guy in Dwayne Haskins and the Detroit Lions are still on the Matthew Stafford train, so they will likely be selecting position players. Chase Young offers too much potential for Washington to trade back and Detroit desperately needs a top cornerback to help solidify their secondary.
The Giants have a golden opportunity to trade back 1-2 slots to allow a QB needy team like the San Diego Chargers or Carolina Panthers to trade up and snag Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. The Chargers seem to be the most likely team to move up, especially with Philip Rivers on his way out.
If Gettleman can lock the Chargers into a deal that would force them to give up their second-round pick, not only could the Giants land Simmons, but they could trade up into the first round to snag a top offensive tackle as well.
According to Drafttek’s pick value chart, the 4th overall pick has an 1800 value, and the 6th has a 1600 appraisal. With the need for a QB, though, the price-tag to move up increases. Giving up a second-rounder isn’t out of the question. Two high second-rounders would open the door for the Giants to move up well into the first round, which could land them a prospect like Mekhi Becton or Tristan Wirfs (more questionable).
While this scenario is a bit optimistic, crazier things have happened in the draft. This would be an ideal result for the Giants, who would solve two huge needs without having to spend ample cap-space in free agency.