The New York Giants have already addressed both the wide receiver position and bolstering the tight end spot in free agency, and because of that, we’re seeing mock drafts shift away from previous ideas. It was though the Giants would have playmakers as their top need going into the draft, but it’s less clear now which direction they intend to go after signing Kenny Golladay. Or if the Giants will even stay at number eleven at all.
The Athletic, at least, does see them not trading the pick. Their new beat writer mock draft has the Giants remaining at eleven and taking a player on the opposite side of the ball from their new offensive additions.
Giants will take a promising Alabama cornerback?
The player linked with the Giants in this mock draft is Patrick Surtain II, one of the top cornerbacks coming out this year. Surtain, interestingly enough, played his college ball at Alabama – it’s a system that Joe Judge has been a part of himself before, and based on what other players have said, Judge has already brought plenty of Crimson Tide energy to the Giants.
Surtain could be the next player to further the connection if the Giants choose to target improving the secondary and finding their elusive second cornerback to play next to James Bradberry. This is what The Athletic had to say about their prediction.
Signing Kenny Golladay makes it a lot easier to stomach all of the top receiving options being off the board. Though the Giants agreed to a deal with former first-round cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, the first round is about finding a player for the next 10 years, not just the upcoming season. James Bradberry only has two years left on his contract. Teams can never have enough cornerbacks, especially one with the pedigree of Surtain, who could become a Pro Bowler like his father. It was tempting to take Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, but Surtain’s upside was too much to pass up.
The Giants could have a majorly improved secondary in 2021 if they go this route due to bringing back their major playmakers but also adding Adoree’ Jackson, giving them more depth at their thinnest spot – the second and third cornerback positions.
However, that could also be an argument against the Giants drafting a corner here. We might just see the Giants address another area and stick with Bradberry and Jackson for this season. It remains to be seen still. But with free agency adding a lot to the offense already, a defensive pick is starting to look likely.