The New York Giants have a new shot caller in the building in head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh will be trying to replicate the magic from his Ravens days, and is doing so with a supporting cast of former Ravens. From Isaiah Likely to Ar'Darius Washington and even Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Along with his own previous players, Harbaugh brought in other notable names in free agency. Greg Newsome, Tremaine Edmunds, and Darnell Mooney, just to name a few.
New York also had to get better while under a cap crunch. So the players they brought in are making less money than the ones they are trying to replace. Newsome is making nearly half of what Cordale Flott is getting from the Titans. Washington plus Jason Pinnock are making just a little more than what Dane Belton is getting from the Jets. And Mooney plus Calvin Austin III are making almost a quarter of what Wan'Dale Robinson is getting from the Titans.
While it's never easy to take over a bad and expensive team, Harbaugh comes from a world where he wants to build through the draft. And this draft gives him a great chance to do that.
Round 1 Pick 5 Overall: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
With the first pick of the Harbaugh era, the Giants take Francis Mauigoa in this mock. Harbaugh stated at the owners' meetings last month that he wanted to try to build the best offensive line in football. Two years ago, at those same meetings, his brother Jim said the offensive line was the only position on the field that impacts every other position. Then he drafted Joe Alt in the first round.
Mauigoa is a great fit for the Giants. He is widely-viewed as the best offensive lineman in this class. He is excellent in pass protection with great footwork that keeps him on balance, heavy hands, and a good punch to win reps early.
In the run game, Mauigoa can get out in space a bit, but his strength allows him to clear lanes well right at the line of scrimmage. But he doesn't always generate real push off the line.
Mauigoa can play right tackle in the NFL, and allow Jermaine Eluemunor to compete with Marcus Mbow for the right guard spot.
Round 2 Pick 37 Overall: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
New York has a lot of talent on defense, especially up front. But the defensive line hasn't yet taken over to the point of being considered the team's "identity". With Bobby Okereke out the door, this unit needs their next leader to step in and start making an impact on and off the field.
So in comes C.J. Allen out of Georgia. Allen's run defense has the potential to be his most impactful trait for the Giants, who were the 32nd-ranked run defense last year by yards-per-attempt. Despite being undersized, he's willing to take on blocks and open up tackling lanes for other players. And when it's called for, he's very good at sifting through the trash and getting after the ball carrier himself.
In the passing game, he's not a coverage savant, but he's very comfortable dropping back into zone and has a good feel for how to play passing lanes by manipulating the quarterback's eyes and getting his hands up.
Allen can get eaten up by blockers, but with big defenders surrounding him in New York's front seven, there should be plenty of open lanes for him to attack.
Round 3 Pick 69 Overall: Traded for Jaxson Dart
This pick was part of the trade package New York sent to the Houston Texans to move up for Quarterback Jackson Dart. Dart started twelve games as a rookie last year and threw 15 touchdowns and just five interceptions. But injuries and a reckless play style became the topic of conversation.
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