6 Top Draft Picks that Could Help the New York Giants
The New York Giants recently ended a rough 2021 season, but the good news is they have two top choices in the first round of the upcoming 2022 NFL draft. With a season-ending loss to the Washington football team, the Giants secured the number 5 pick, and they acquired the seventh pick through a trade with the Chicago Bears.
Although the Giants must deal with extremely tight salary cap issues, they have plenty of draft funds available to improve their team. They rank second in draft power with picks 5, 7, 36, 67, 80, 109, 145, 170, and 182. Also, the Giants have the fourth overall pick in the second round. So, the Giants’ choices will significantly impact the outcome of this year’s draft. Let’s examine the top college prospects who could make the Giants a better team in key positions of need.
Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, North Carolina State
The Giants’ offensive line struggled this past season. Ikem Ekwonu could add a significant upgrade in pass protection and provide daylight for the run game. As a left tackle for North Carolina State in 2021, Ekwonu demonstrated his dominance by posting one of the lowest pressure rates in the Power 5 conferences. He is also an All-ACC First Team member and an AP All-American.
At 6-foot-4 inches and 320 pounds, Ekwonu has exceptional technique, size, and tremendous power. As a true freshman, he earned the starting left tackle spot in 2019 and became a driving force on the Wolfpack offensive line. Scouts believe he has the football intelligence, toughness, and agility to start and excel in the NFL right away. Plus, his experience at playing guard would be helpful for the injury-plagued Giants offensive lineman squad. Ekwonu is a solid fifth pick because it would be hard to justify the risk of passing over him.
George Karlaftis, Defensive End, Purdue
This 6-foot-4-inch, 275-pound prospect is a versatile edge rusher capable of being a valuable addition to the Giants’ defense. Whether inside or outside, Karlaftis uses his stellar athletic ability, durability, and 4.69 40-yard-dash speed to provide constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He also has a strong work ethic.
Karlaftis’s 2021 season stats include 25 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, four-and-a-half sacks, and two forced fumbles. With a good showing at the combine, he would be a great seventh pick for the Giants.
Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame
While the Giants’ greatest need is strengthening the offensive line, no one could fault them for selecting arguably the best prospect in this draft class. Six-foot-four-inch, 220-pound Kyle Hamilton didn’t play the entire 2021 season because of a knee injury. But he still had three pass interceptions and 19 solo tackles.
With a linebacker’s build and the mobility of a defensive back, Hamilton uses his long stride to blanket a lot of area in the secondary. He also excels in deep coverage and battling in the trenches. However, his primary asset is dropping into underneath coverage. He combines these abilities with great vision, strength, and reflexes to cover tight ends and slot receivers alike. In any event, Hamilton will not wait long to hear his name in the first round.
Tyler Linderbaum, Center, University of Iowa
Chances are, Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley would be happy to see the Giants take Tyler Linderbaum in the first round. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman has collected impressive hardware over his college career, including the 2021 Rimington Trophy (best center), 2020–21 First Team All-American, and First Team All-Big Ten. Plus, he can run a 5.15 40-yard-dash.
Scouts consider Linderbaum a center-only prospect with exceptionally polished technique and keen football intelligence. In choosing him, the Giants could add a stabilizing force to the offensive line.
Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
This 6-foot-5, 310-pound All American offensive tackle is ESPN’s second-highest-rated tackle eligible for the 2020 draft. Undoubtedly, the number one ranked tackle Evan Neal of Alabama will be long gone before the Giants’ turn to pick. But Charles Cross is no consolation prize. In 2021, Cross protected the Mississippi State quarterbacks 719 times and allowed only 16 pressures and two sacks.
Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, University of Georgia
The Giants’ defense could become more effective at preventing 3-yard runs from turning into 20-yard gains with Nakobe Dean at linebacker. The 6-foot, 220-pound Bulldog has a knack for stalking ball carriers and destroying opposing offensive plays.
Dean’s 4.52 40 speed makes him a great sideline to sideline defender. In 13 games during the 2021 season, he made two forced fumbles, five sacks, eight tackles for a loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, 62 tackles, and one touchdown.
Making the Best of It
With some wise selections, the Giants can make their 2021 season amount to something promising. There is a lot of good talent at the top of the ratings and scattered throughout. Once onboard, the Giants’ new general manager could make a definitive statement with any of these top picks.
