New York Giants find impact players in 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

New York Giants 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 2, 42nd overall

It is going to be extremely interesting to see what the Giants do with their defensive line this offseason. Both Leonard Williams and Dalvin Tomlinson will hit the open market as free agents this offseason and both players will likely receive major paydays. It is difficult to imagine the New York Giants bringing back both of the players.

Williams will likely be the priority but if they lose him, they will lose 11.5 of the 40 sacks they had all of last season. However, whether they are able to bring Williams back on the interior or not, this team simply must improve their current edge rusher situation. In the second round of this 2021 NFL mock draft, the New York Giants make that improvement with the addition of Jaelan Phillips.

Phillips is a former five-star prospect who was ranked as the top overall prospect in the 2017 recruiting class by 247sports. While his career at UCLA did not exactly go according to plan, Phillips transferred to Miami this past season and was able to get his career back on track. He piled up 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks this past season, showing the ability to consistently put pressure on the quarterback and make plays in the backfield against the run.

Philips displays an impressive combination of size, speed, power and athleticism that gives him exciting upside at the next level. The New York Giants desperately lack talent at the edge rusher position and Phillips has the ability to be a star. Snagging him here in the second round would be a dream scenario for the Giants.