Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New York Giants Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Giants from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Giants:
EDSFootball - Hanson (1/1)
8. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Giants' fans may prefer to add a weapon like Jaylen Waddle here, but I see Dave Gettleman using this pick on the pass rush. Not only is the team's top pass-rusher (Leonard Williams, 8.5 sacks) a free agent-to-be, but nose tackle Dexter Williams ranked second on the team in sacks (four).
Unlike last year with Chase Young, there isn't a slam-dunk top edge defender in this draft. Both Rousseau and Michigan's Kwity Paye will fight for that honor, but Rousseau has outstanding length and burst and was second in the nation in sacks (15.5) in 2019 behind only Ohio State's Young (16.5) before opting out in 2020.
Unlike last year with Chase Young, there isn't a slam-dunk top edge defender in this draft. Both Rousseau and Michigan's Kwity Paye will fight for that honor, but Rousseau has outstanding length and burst and was second in the nation in sacks (15.5) in 2019 behind only Ohio State's Young (16.5) before opting out in 2020.
San Diego Union Tribune (12/31)
8. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Giants' pass rush has been non-existent the last three weeks. It's been almost two decades since a Hurricane defensive end was taken in the first round (Jerome McDougle in 2003). Rousseau finished with 15.5 sacks in 13 games as a redshirt freshman, but opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.
Touchdown Wire - Schofield (12/31)
8. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The New York Giants put together a solid defense this season, aided by Patrick Graham's creativity. This season the Giants were able to use sub packages, combined with some athleticism on the second and third levels, to get pressure at times on opposing quarterbacks.
But they lack the premier edge player that can simply win in a one-on-one situation or command double teams from the opposition. They can get that in Gregory Rousseau. After a monster season in 2019 in which he posted 15.5 sacks, many expected Rousseau to take a huge leap forward in 2020. But he chose to opt out of the season and focus on the NFL draft. Despite the time off, the production and the raw traits make him a solid option off the edge for the Giants.
But they lack the premier edge player that can simply win in a one-on-one situation or command double teams from the opposition. They can get that in Gregory Rousseau. After a monster season in 2019 in which he posted 15.5 sacks, many expected Rousseau to take a huge leap forward in 2020. But he chose to opt out of the season and focus on the NFL draft. Despite the time off, the production and the raw traits make him a solid option off the edge for the Giants.
PFF - Gayle (12/29)
8. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
New York has needs nearly across the board, including offensive line, edge defender, wide receiver and off-ball linebacker. Paye is a rare athlete that won't last deep into the first round if he does test as well as expected at the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine. He also has the fourth-best PFF pass-rush win rate (26%) of any Power 5 edge defender in the country.
CBS Sports - Wilson (12/29)
8. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Giants defense showed signs of life earlier this month but the unit (and the entire team, in fact) has come crashing back to earth the last two weeks. Finding a pass rush is at the top of the offseason to-do list and Paye, who is an athletic marvel, fits exactly what the team needs along the D-line.
Pro Football Network - Miller (12/26)
8. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Smith is the best receiver in college football, and it is not particularly close. But that still doesn't make him the best prospect of the bunch. Personally, I believe he will dominate at the NFL level. However, he will be a physical outlier because of his body composition.
There have not been many receivers over 6-feet-0 and under 180 pounds that survive in the league. They simply do not happen.
Now, we can watch Smith play and see the physicality he brings. We can see him fight through contact and finish impossibly difficult catches through contact. However, his lack of size might make it so teams are just a bit more cautious with him.
There have not been many receivers over 6-feet-0 and under 180 pounds that survive in the league. They simply do not happen.
Now, we can watch Smith play and see the physicality he brings. We can see him fight through contact and finish impossibly difficult catches through contact. However, his lack of size might make it so teams are just a bit more cautious with him.
PFF - Renner (12/23)
10. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Rousseau has the type of frame that allows him to do anything you ask along the defensive line. At 6-foot-6, Rousseau has rare height and length for the position that will make getting after the passer much easier at the NFL level. It's a shame we didn't get to see him on that talented Miami front this year to see what he could have done for an encore to his 16-sack sophomore campaign.
Bleacher Report - Miller (12/22)
10. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Giants offensive line has come together to a point that a first-round selection there isn't automatic. What should be is ensuring that Daniel Jones (or Colt McCoy) has weapons at receiver. Waddle is a home run hitter with elite speed and excellent field vision.
Previous update: New York Giants Mock Draft Roundup 2.0
MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups
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