Patricia Traina's 7-Round Giants Only Mock Draft

And this one has a trade.

Author:
Patricia Traina
Publish date:
Apr 11, 2023 12:00 PM EDT

In this story:

In less than three weeks, the NFL mock draft season ends, and the world will soon find out what the various NFL teams think about the various prospects and position groups that have any football fans dreaming of better days ahead for their franchise.

Over here on Giants Country, we continue bringing you our mock draft series in which every writer, including yours truly, was tasked with putting together a seven-round, Giants-only mock draft. These drafts are never easy to do, but they are fun to try.

For my mock, I used Pro Football Focus's simulator, the same tool I used for my Locked On Giants mock draft a couple of weeks ago. Suffice it to say, this mock you're about to read is a lot different in that I even threw caution to the wind and engaged in a trade.

So without any further delay, mock away!

R1, No. 28 (via CIN): CB Emmanuel Forbes

Trade Details: Giants send No. 25 to the Bengals in exchange for No. 28 and No. 131.

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 166 lbs. | Class: Junior | Age: 22 | School: Mississippi State

On the Board: S Brian Branch (Alabama), IDL Bryan Bresee (Clemson), LB Trenton Simpson (Clemson), IOL Luke Wypler (Ohio State), LB Jack Campbell (Iowa)

The Bengals need a tight end and defensive line help. With many of the big-name receivers (Quentin Johnston, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Zay Flowers) off the board as well as some of the top cornerbacks (Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon, Deonte Banks) off the board as well, I took a gamble with dropping a few spots to gain an extra pick that maybe I’ll use later in this draft.

With the No. 25 pick, the Bengals selected edge Nolan Smith out of Georgia. Dallas predictably took tight end Michael Mayer out of Notre Dame, and the Bills grabbed receiver Jordan Addison at No. 25.

The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced the Giants are going cornerback at this spot. Yes, it’s a deep class for corners to where the team can potentially get a starter later in the draft. Still, after watching how the team struggled last year when Aaron Robinson and Adoree Jackson had to miss time due to injuries, I’m 100 percent sold on the idea that the team will go cornerback early—and perhaps even often—in this draft.

So why a cornerback, and why Forbes?

Last year, interceptions were as rare as rain in the desert for the Giants cornerbacks, who combined for just one pick (by Rodarius Williams).

Forbes not only has decent height and length at 6-foot-1, but he also has 13 career interceptions over his three-year college career, four more since the next closest Power Five cornerback since 2020, per Pro Football Focus’s draft guide. Forbes was also a stud in man coverage, allowing just three receptions last season while coming down with three of his interceptions last year.

Forbes tips the scales at 166 pounds, which is a concern, particularly about how well he might hold up in run support. And he also has an occasional practice of freelancing. Still, the appeal is Forbes’ ball-hawking ability for a defense that last year was tied for last with the Raiders in total interceptions (six).

R2, No. 57: C Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 313 lbs. | Class: Junior | Age: 22 | School: Wisconsin

On the Board: C John Michael-Schmitz (Minnesota), HB Tyjaw Spears (Tulane), WR Cedric Tillman (Tennessee), WR Marvin Mims (Oklahoma)

Yes, the Giants just agreed to terms with former Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer. But without having seen the contract terms (as of this writing, at least), I'd be willing to bet it's for a one-year deal, meaning the Giants still don't have a long-term answer at center.

It's time they end the revolving door at the position, which has seen a different starting center on opening day every year since 2017.

While the Giants might be eyeing having Hassenauer start the season at center before ultimately yielding to a rookie, that doesn't mean that Tippman, who does have a little experience at guard, has to sit idly by as his athleticism could be deployed on power/counter plays if he's rotated in at guard.

That athleticism is one of Tippmann'a biggest appeals. The big appeal with Tippman is his athleticism, which can be deployed as a weapon on pulls and traps, and his ability to fire into the second level before defenders know what hit them is, at times, breathtaking.

He needs to improve most in stunt recognition and in playing with tighter hands while engaging. But there is a lot more to love about Tippmann as a prospect beyond his athleticism, such as his combination of size and strength (yes, he's taller than average for a center, but that doesn't seem to be that much of an issue in his bend), his football IQ and his play strength.

For those wondering why I didn't select John Michael Schmitz, Tippmann got the nod because he looks to be the better athlete on tape, which, as I previously noted, can be worked into the offense as an intriguing wrinkle this team didn't have last year.

R3, No. 89: DI Kobie Turner, Wake Forest

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 290 lbs. | Class RS-Senior | Age: 23 | School Wake Forest

On the Board: HB Tank Bigsby (Auburn), S Sydney Brown (Illinois), TE Luke Schoonmaker (Michigan), CB Darius Rush (South Carolina)

In case you missed it, Giants general manager Joe Schoen made beefing up the NFL's 27th-ranked run defense last season a top off-season priority by adding interior defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches and inside linebacker Bobby Okereke.

But there is always room for more improvement, especially if one considers that, as of right now, Leonard Williams isn't signed beyond this year and that D.J. Davidson, a draft pick last year, is coming back from a torn ACL. With that said, I have the Giants continuing to focus on beefing up their defensive front with Wake Forest's Kobie Turner.

Turner, who transferred from Richmond last year, was a dominant run-stopper for the Demon Deacons, who also happened to flash signs of a strong prowess as a pass rusher. Turner, who did not receive an invitation to the combine, has natural-looking and fluid footwork.

He usually wins with his leverage. Possessing average athleticism, he moves well enough. He uses his hands well to strike a blow and win at the point of attack. While he's not particularly explosive, he does get out of his stance in a timely manner against opponents. As a pass rusher, he seems to favor the bull rush, his 34 pressures putting him sixth among interior defenders in this draft class.

But again, Turner's bread and butter is his run defense, where he recorded a run stop on 11.5% of his run defense snaps, second behind Michigan’s Mazi Smith (11.6%). If he lasts this long in the draft, the value might be too good to pass up by a team that saw a notable drop-off in the run defense when Dexter Lawerence and/or Williams were not on the field.

Round 4, No. 128: Edge Viliami Fehoko

Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 276 | Class: Junior | Age: 22 | School: San Jose State

On the Board: CB Corey Trice (Purdue), S JL Skinner (Boise State), RB Roschon Johnson (Texas), CB Kyu Blu Kelly (Stanford), LB Henry To'oTo'o (Alabama)

I've said this before and will say it again: Edge rusher is a sneaky need for this Giants team. Last year, the Giants' edge rushers combined for 14 sacks, two less than HAason Reddick of the Eagles logged all by his lonesome. And while one might argue that sacks, while nice to have, aren't the be-all-end-all, any time a defense can force a play for negative yardage is a good thing.

The Giants' projected starters are Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, the "Batman and Robin" duo. Then there is Jihad Ward, signed for another year, and Elerson Smith, a prospect who hasn't been able to stay on the field much since being drafted two years ago, and Tomon Fox, who has flashed.

The Giants decided to move on from Oshane Ximines, and of course, they lost Quincy Roche last year. Their sack leader was defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (7.5), followed by Ojulari (5.50 and Thibodeaux (4.0). Regardless, the Giants would probably welcome some additional production from their edge rushers, especially if they want to go with a NASCAR package down the line.

Fehoko, a second cousin of the Bucs defensive lineman Vita Vea, earned Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors last season, accumulating 19 tackles for loss (tied for sixth in the FBS), 9.0 sacks, 69 tackles, and two forced fumbles.

A versatile player--he lined up everywhere except at the nose and 1-tech, Fehoko is a moveable chess piece that can give a defensive coordinator some options, and he has more than adequate functional strength to go along with a non-stop motor and power that gives him an edge against offensive linemen.

Fehoko's versatility and production might be too good to pass up here as a rotational depth piece.

Round 4, No. 131 (from CIN): SAF J.L. Skinner

Height: 6-foot-0 | Weight: 191| Class: Senior | Age: 21 | School: Stanford

On the Board: CB Corey Trice (Purdue), S JL Skinner (Boise State), RB Roschon Johnson (Texas), CB Kyu Blu Kelly (Stanford)

I won't go so far as to say that safety is another "sneaky need" for the Giants, but since I tend to approach mock drafts with an eye on the roster down the road, let's just say there are enough questions at this position to where I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea to add to the unit.

For starters, Bobby McCain is signed to one year. Xavier McKinney, who is still rehabbing from his bye-week hand accident, is also signed through this year, though it's expected that he'll get an extension. The team also has Dane Belton, a draft pick last year, and Jason Pinnock, two promising young players.

What I like about Skinner is his combination of size and athleticism. He's big enough to play in the box as a nickel linebacker, or he can even line up in the slot, where his physicality often wins against the smaller receivers and matches up well enough against the bigger guys. He's had plenty of experience lining up in the box, in the slot, and deep.

He has 70 career stops and has allowed 56.8 percent of the pass targets against him in his career to be complete, giving up just one touchdown last year and three touchdowns in the last two seasons.

Skinner has an aggressive demeanor and is not afraid of a challenge--he might not always win as his play strength could use some improvement, but he has a knack for finding the football and making plays. Possessing a high football IQ, he has good explosiveness off the snap, is fluid in his movement, and his versatility could allow for defensive coordinator WInk Martindale to do a bunch of different things with various personnel packages.

R5, No. 160: RB Keaton Mitchell

Height: 5-foot-8 | Weight: 179 lbs.| Class: Sophomore | Age: 21 | School: E. Carolina

On the Board: IOL Jaxson Kirkland (Washington), QB Stetson Bennett (Georgia), LB Troy Brown (Mississippi), WR Charlie Jones (Purdue)

As of this writing, the long-term future of running back Saquon Barkley remains uncertain. Thus with Barkley only expected to be signed through 2023 and Matt Breida signed through 2023, there could be a developing need for a running back on this team.

Fortunately, the running back class is deep this year. A guy who caught my eye is East Carolina's Keaton Mitchell because of his versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

Mitchell is a blazing fast runner (4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash) coming off two straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Although not very big, Mitchell, who conjures up memories of Darren Sproles, packs a punch. He averaged a healthy 3.29 yards after contact and has a second gear that often left defenders grasping at air as he whizzed by them.

Mitchell, who led the FBS in big play runs (10+ yards) with 54 in 2022 per PFF, can change direction on a dime and isn't afraid to lower his shoulder to push a pile. His mental processing is above average, as he makes quick decisions with the ball in his hand and shows good vision in finding the creases and hitting them with a burst.

His speed also helps him as a receiver--he has a 99.1 elusiveness rating from Pro Football Focus, which begs the question as to whether he might make for a better option as a kickoff returner--he didn't do that much in college, but he does have some experience--instead of Gary Brightwell, who held the job last year.

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R5, No. 172: LB Troy Brown

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 220 lbs.| Class: Senior | Age: 21 | School: Ole Miss

On the Board: SAF Anthony Johnson Jr (Iowa State), OT Carter Warren (Pittsburgh), OT Jordan McFadden (Clemson), S Trey Dean III (Florida)

I debated whether to go linebacker at this spot, as the addition of Bobby Okereke, the anticipated return of Darrian Beavers, the return of Jarrad Davis, and the pending competition between Micah McFadden, Carter Coughlin, and Cam Brown should make for an interesting group.

But it's also a group with questions. Beavers is coming off a torn ACL, so it remains to be seen if he's lost anything off his game which last year looked so promising in his role as a downhill thumper.

McFadden and Coughlin are likely battling for one roster spot, while Brown is more of a special teams player. Davis, who got thrown into the fire late last year after coming over from the Lions, is a player the Giants were reportedly after for weeks before finally signing him. Hopefully, with a full off-season in the Giants program, his game will be much less choppy.

There is still room, however, to add upgrades to this position, hence the selection of Brown, who played one season with the Rebels as a graduate after logging the bulk of his career at Central Michigan. Brown finished as the Rebels' team leader in tackles last season (93) and finished second in the team in pass breakups (five).

Brown plays with a non-stop motor and flashes solid instincts. He has the requisite sideline-to-sideline speed and takes smart, compact angles to the ball carrier. He's quick off the snap to shoot gaps, the strength of his game being run defense. Brown can also be lined up off the edge, but that isn't where his full-time role is. He is also adequate in coverage.

R6, No. 209: WR Dontay Demus, Jr

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 212 lbs.| Class: Senior | Age: 22 | School: Maryland

On the Board: S Jason Taylor II (Oklahoma State), OT Jordan McFadden (Clemson), Edge Lonnie Phelps, CB Jay Ward (LSU)

In this round, I took a flier on a tallish receiver, Dontay Demus Jr, who appeared in all 12 games (one start) as a true freshman for Maryland. He did suffer a season-ending right knee injury in 2021 but was right back on the field the following year, in which he finished with 22 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown in his final college campaign.

Before getting into what I like and don't like about Demus, you're probably wondering why I waited this long to take a receiver. Other than for value, I continue to pick up vibes that the Giants are going to roll with what they have from a group that includes Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, Wan'Dale Robinson (once healthy), Collin Johnson, and one of Sterling Shepard (once healthy) or Jamison Crowder, with David Sills having an outside chance of cracking into that group.

As I've noted previously, I believe tight end Darren Waller will be the "featured" receiver in this offense, the guy who will hopefully open things up for the others underneath. Naturally, all this depends on Waller's health, but I think that's the direction this offense is headed.

Demus has a wide catch radius thanks to his length and wingspan, and he has soft hands--only 14 career drops, most of those coming in the 2019 campaign (six). He has the moves to shake defenders and gain yards after the catch--he finished his college career having averaged seven YAC. He has improved his route running, particularly in his last two seasons, being where he's supposed to be. A long-strider who can build up speed, Demus has some explosiveness that aids him in winning the jump balls.

Demus does tend to struggle against press coverage, and he's not particularly fast in getting in and out of his breaks, but as a developmental receiver, there might be some tools there with which to work.

R7, No. 240: OT Trevor Reid

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 307 lbs.| Class: Senior | Age: 22 | School: Louisville

On the Board: EDGE Durell Nchami (Maryland), WR Keytaon Thomson (Virginia), WR Puka Nacua (BYU)

Although interior offensive line is the greater need, I still question if the Giants might look to add a tackle prospect that can serve as the swingman behind starters Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal.

Currently, they have Tyre Phillips, Korey Cunningham, and Matt Peart on the roster to compete for that role. Just as I could see them adding a developmental quarterback who might end up sitting on the practice squad (more on that in a bit), I could see them picking up a rookie tackle to develop for down the line while rolling with one of the veterans they have from the three names already mentioned.

Let's talk a bit about Reid, who ranked 22nd on Bruce Feldman's "Freak List" for his ability to do box jumps from 48-52 inches and move at speeds up to 19 mph, both incredible accomplishments for a man that big.

Reid, who began his college career at Georgia Military College, is raw like most rookies projected this late in the draft, but there is a lot with which to work. He moves well, is light and quick on his feet, has good balance, and uses his hands well. He's strong enough to handle the bullrush and delivers a forceful punch.

He needs to improve his upper body strength so he can sustain blocks and with his anchor so he's not routinely pushed back into the quarterback's lap in pass-pro scenarios.

Reid played all his snaps at left tackle for the Cardinals, so he'd also have to learn the nuances of playing on the right side and develop a comfortable stance which can take time (just ask Evan Neal about that) if he aspires to increase his versatility and stick on an NFL roster. But again, there is quite a bit there with which to work if the Giants decide to roll the dice on him as a future swing tackle.

R7, No. 243: QB Max Duggan

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 207 lbs.| Class: Senior | Age: 22 | School: TCU

On the Board: EDGE Durell Nchami (Maryland), WR Keytaon Thomson (Virginia), WR Puka Nacua (BYU), Mohamed Ibrahim (Minnesota)

Whether it's a late-Day 3 pick or an undrafted free agent, the Giants will add another quarterback to their training camp roster to replace the recently retired Davis Webb. That quarterback will likely end up on the practice squad, with the team having an eye toward promoting him in the future should they decide to move on from Tyrod Taylor as the primary backup to starter Daniel Jones.

In this scenario, I have them going with TCU's Max Duggan, the best quarterback left on the board. Duggan capped a playoff-bound season last year, throwing for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns while only tossing eight interceptions.

He was voted the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year and as a second-team Associated Press All-American. He was also named the winner of the Davey O'Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards while finishing as a runner-up for The Heisman Trophy.

Duggan lacks ideal arm strength, but he is a tough customer who isn't afraid to make plays with his legs as much as with his arm. If a team needs a game manager at the next level, Duggan can fill that role, but if you're looking for a guy to lead a downfield passing attack, he's probably not the best fit at this point in his career--he completed just 48.1 percent of his deep pass attempts of 20+ yards last season.

R7, No. 254: Edge Tavius Robinson

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 257 lbs.| Class: Senior | Age: 22 | School: Mississippi

On the Board: EDGE Durell Nchami (Maryland), WR Keytaon Thomson (Virginia), WR Puka Nacua (BYU), Mohamed Ibrahim (Minnesota)

Like cornerbacks, a team can never have too many edge rushers. And so, with the final pick in my 2023 Giants mock draft, I have the Giants double-dipping into the edge rusher pool with Mississippi's Tavius Robinson, a Canadian native with some intriguing upside.

Robinson's five forced fumbles tied him for second in the FBS with Houston's D'Anthony Jones. Robinson generated 68 quarterback pressures in three seasons, 13 sacks, and 35 stops, capping a productive college career.

His best season was in 2022 when he logged 40 of his career pressures, eight sacks, and 18 stops. A pass rusher with a plan, Robinson has decent agility and foot quickness and relies on various pass-rush moves in his toolbox.

He's still a little slight of frame, but some work in an NFL strength and conditioning program should help him fill out a bit more and help him to become more effective when going up against stronger foes, particularly in the run game where sometimes he's too easily washed out.