Taking a look at LSU defender Patrick Queen and if the New York Giants should consider him in the 2020 NFL Draft.
There is always the chance that New York Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman selects an offensive tackle with the fourth overall pick. However, making that move would guarantee missing out on Clemson stand-out defender Isaiah Simmons. As one of the highest graded players in this draft class, Simmons would immediately upgrade the defense and give coordinator Patrick Graham a weapon to use all over the field.
Being a self-proclaimed “defender” over “linebacker,” Simmons has the speed and diversity to play slot corner, safety, and linebacker. Passing on him would be extremely difficult, but there are ways the Giants could supplement the loss of Simmons if they elect to take a tackle.
In a more creative mock scenario, the Giants could trade back and gain an additional second-round pick to use in the 2020 NFL draft. If they can manage to add that type of draft capital, they could package both second-round picks and move up to grab a defender like LSU’s Patrick Queen. Queen is projected to go in the mid/late first round, which could be a good spot for Big Blue to make a move. It’s possible he could be out of reach, but crazier things have happen in the draft.
What does Patrick Queen offer the defense?
Queen is one of the highest-ranked linebackers in the draft and is coming out of a program that has produced high-end linebackers in recent years. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein projects him as a quality year one starter. With eye-opening tape and impressive physical and mental attributes, the one-your starter for LSU has plenty of room left to develop. The Giants would be getting a semi-raw but extremely talented prospect with elite speed at the inside linebacker position. He’s like a Ryan Connelly on steroids, essentially.
With the ability to drop back in coverage and stop the run, Queen is a sideline-to-sideline defender who can make plays. Landing him would be a nice consolation prize if the Giants pass on Isaiah Simmons. Queen and the Giants virtually met last week.