Let’s see what one of the pre-eminent draft analysts does for the Giants
Another day, another mock draft. Only, this one is a seven-round monster from Dane Brugler of The Athletic, author of ‘The Beast’ draft. Let’s get into how this falls for the New York Giants.
Round 1 (No. 3) — Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State
Brugler says:
Like Cleveland, the Giants are looking for the “right” quarterback — but with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the roster, they also don’t need to force anything. Pass rusher might not be a screaming need, but you draft players not positions in the top three, and Carter is a true impact player.
Valentine’s View: Despite the quarterback hysteria caused by the private workouts for Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough, this is the right thing to do in this spot.
Round 2 (No. 34) — Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Sanders was taken No. 21 by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Brugler’s draft. The Cleveland Browns at No. 33 took Jaxson art.
Brugler says:
As I reported last week, Milroe has accepted his invitation to the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, creating even more intrigue about when he will hear his name called. I like this fit for both sides — a young, dynamic quarterback for the Giants to develop, and a landing spot for Milroe where he won’t be thrust onto the field before he’s ready.
Valentine’s View: I like the fit, too. It’s a risky pick for both sides. Milroe’s a long-term project who may never pan out. As for Milroe, he would be landing in a spot where a year from now there could be a new GM and head coach, complicating his development. As much as I like Louisville’s Tyler Shough I would be OK with this swing for the fences.
Round 3 (No. 65) — Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Brugler says:
Johnson spent time with the Giants on a top-30 visit earlier this month and would pair nicely with Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the backfield. It also would be a fun reunion for Johnson with Giants running backs coach Ladell Betts, his position coach for the Hawkeyes the past three seasons.Johnson spent time with the Giants on a top-30 visit earlier this month and would pair nicely with Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the backfield. It also would be a fun reunion for Johnson with Giants running backs coach Ladell Betts, his position coach for the Hawkeyes the past three seasons.
Valentine’s View: Like many of you did when I took wide receiver Jayden Higgins of Iowa State in this spot a few days ago, I can hear you screaming that this pick has to come from the trenches.
The Giants have paid a lot of attention to the running back spot during the pre-draft process, and Johnson’s connection to Betts makes this a logical choice.
Just to annoy you, defensive tackle Alfred Collins and offensive tackle Ozz Trapilo were the next two picks.
The rest of the draft
Brugler presented the following picks without comment.
Round 3 (No. 99) — Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Round 4 (No. 105) — Jalen Rivers, OT/G, Miami
Valentine’s View: There are the offensive and defensive linemen you have been waiting for, and that the Giants need. Not players we have discussed in any of the mock drafts I have done, but Brugler knows far more about these players than I do. Caldwell is a 6’2⅛, 332-pound player who could help the Giants when Dexter Lawrence is off the field. Rivers, per Brugler, is likely a guard in the NFL.
Round 5 (No. 154) — Arian Smith, WR, Georgia
Valentine’s View: I would be surprised if the Giants don’t add wide receiver depth on Day 3. Smith is a 6’¾-inch, 179-pound speedster who averaged 19.94 yards receiving for his career at Georgia. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the Combine.
Round 7 (No. 219) — Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
Round 7 (No. 246) — Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon
Valentine’s View: I could do without the addition of yet another backup linebacker who would probably contribute mostly on special teams. I am always fine with a swing at a developmental offensive lineman this late.
