2020 NFL Draft: Grading the New York Giants draft class
By Andrew Kim
Scouting Report. S. Xavier McKinney. player. 31. Pick Analysis. Alabama. A
Round 2: Pick 36
A first-round caliber player, Xavier McKinney was not someone the Giants could pass on with his coverage ability. The 6-foot, 201-pound junior was tasked to play a bunch of defensive positions as a starter at Alabama. He played in the box as a strong safety, in the slot, and moved around as a free safety.
Julian Love converted from cornerback to free safety as a rookie but with McKinney, they should split time starting. Having versatile defensive backs offers different options on defense and how the secondary matches up with the opponent’s receivers. Pairing Jabrill Peppers with both versatile safeties, especially if the play more nickel, will pay dividends for their secondary that had trouble last year.
Matt Peart. player. 31. UConn. B+. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT
Round 3: Pick 99 (Compensatory)
Getting a developmental offensive tackle that has starting experience on both sides at the tail end of round three is pretty good value. Even though the Giants could have gotten a more impactful linebacker or edge rusher here, I do not mind this pick. The bookends with Matt Peart and Thomas paired up could end up giving the Giants some stability at offensive tackle.
The 6-foot-7, 318-pound redshirt senior out of UConn may need a year of development but he has the potential to be a future starter with his measurables and traits. I would imagine Peart could see some starting time and compete with Solder if he flips to the other side.