New York Giants 7-Round Mock Draft: OLine, Linebacker Overhaul
By Hunter Haas
Round 1, Pick 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State
This is becoming a “boring” pairing because it happens in mocks so often. But, Ikem Ekwonu and boring do not belong in the same sentence. Ekwonu is the top-rated player on my big board and profiles as an all-pro wherever he winds up on the offensive line. Considering Andrew Thomas showed vast improvement on the left side, I’d expect the New York Giants to put Ekwonu at right tackle to serve as a fierce bookend to the offensive line. He has a unrelenting mentality that can elevate the entire group.
Round 1, Pick 7: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Double-dipping on the offensive line was tempting, but instead general manager Joe Schoen goes with the best player available approach and lands a potential James Bradberry replacement. The former LSU Tiger has become the most polarizing player in the early portion of the draft, but after a showcase performance at his school’s pro-day, the Stingley hype is ramping up again. With Gardner already off the board and a run on edge rushers in the top-five, it comes down to Kyle Hamilton or Stingley. Due to safety having better depth in the later rounds, and Stingley’s sheer upside, the cornerback comes off the board here.
Round 2, Pick 36: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
To pass on the edge rusher position on day one and still come away with Boye Mafe early in round two is a dream scenario for the New York Giants. Last year, they benefitted greatly by nabbing Azeez Ojulari after he undeservingly fell to the second round, and here they do it again with Mafe. Mafe looked unblockable for a large chunk of Senior Bowl week by flexing incredible strength and looking spry when in pursuit of the quarterback. New defensive coordinator Wink Martindale thrives on creating pressure, so Mafe will be a welcomed addition to the unit.