New York Giants 7-round 2020 mock draft: Protecting Daniel Jones on day 2

Round 7

I think the Giants are giving Julian Love the nod at the starting free safety spot. The converted cornerback to safety was a bright spot for their secondary when he started and should pair nicely with Jabrill Peppers at strong safety.

Either way, depth at safety is lacking and adding David Dowell would give them an experienced defensive back that could play either position. At 6’1″ 209 pounds, the Michigan State redshirt senior had his best year in 2017, when he nabbed five interceptions. Dowell lacks deep speed but using his size, he could cover tight ends and brings some value on special teams.

Saquon Barkley should have a bounce-back 2020 season after suffering an injury last year that exposed their running back depth a bit. Lewis is the definite backup behind him but after Wayne Gallman, there is a fourth spot open. Jon Hilliman struggled when Gallman was out as well and Reggie Corbin could give the Giants a smaller but elusive type ball carrier.

The 5’10” 200 pound running back from Illinois went over 1,000 yards and had nine touchdowns in 2018. The redshirt senior can be used in rotation and profiles as a “scat back.” Corbin could stick on the roster as depth and offers quickness/ burst that makes him slippery in the open field.

Grant Haley struggled at times last year and the starting nickel position is up in the air. He will get the first crack at it this year but the Giants need more competition for that role. Bradberry, Deandre Baker, and Sam Beal make up their starters at outside cornerback.

Even though Corey Ballentine did not play in the nickel that much in college, he tried it out last year and played a few games coming off his injury. Levonta Taylor would give them more depth at nickel cornerback and safety, as he has experience playing both positions. The 5’10” 190 pounds senior battled through a few injuries the past couple years. Taylor had ten pass deflections and four interceptions during his tenure at Florida State.

If the Giants are looking for a project at quarterback to add to their practice squad, Cole McDonald could be that guy or he could replace Alex Tanney at the 3rd quarterback spot behind McCoy. With the last pick of the draft, startable traits are hard to find but if the Hawaii redshirt junior develops for a few years, the 6’3″ 215-pound quarterback may stick around. He is mobile enough and has an arm but he will have to clean up many portions of his game.

McDonald does fit the downfield passing game that offensive coordinator Jason Garrett often displays. The seventh-round is often used as a priority on potential undrafted free agents that have enough upside to take a shot on before another team does.