I’ve been watching the senior bowl practices and getting a better feel for some of the talent in the 2015 draft. While there is still a ways to go and combine performances will play a decisive factor, quite a few players have stood out. Some of these standout players have already met with Giants scouts (denoted by an *). Here is my amateur attempt at a 7 round mock, which will of course evolve, as we get closer to April 30th.
In addition to providing some links to write-ups, I’ve offered two attempts at the mock, just to offer some additional observations.
My assumptions going in:
1. JPP is on the team in 2015
2. Rolle is not
3. Reese adds a vetern OG and RT in FA
Round 1:
Andrus Pete OT Stanford – 6’7” 315lbs (not in attendance): JonC has sold me on Andrus Pete. I had read a quite a few negative assessments describing the athletic OT as soft and too similar to former Miami Dolphin and current 49er Jonathan Martin. However, when you actually see the young man play you are convinced that he locks down his side of the OL and is more than a LT with good feet. He finishes run blocks well, moves well, and is an large presence. An accomplished basketball player in High School, Pete has the ability to play LT and RT, providing value and flexibility. If the Giants select Pete and #9, not only can they pencil him in at RT, but they can move him to LT once the team decides to move on from Beatty.
http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/12/05/2015-nfl-draft-prospect-andrus-peat/?utm_source=FanSided& utm_medium=Network& utm_campaign=Trending%20on%20FS
Selection: *Danny Shelton DT Washington – 6’2” 343lbs: I like Pete, but Shelton is my choice (for now). I have come full circle on Shelton. As many know, I have been pushing WR in round 1, but Amari Cooper is unlikely to drop to #9, and as much as I like Parker an Strong, they aren’t worthy of pick #9. Additionally, when I watch the senior bowl practices, I see a lot of WRs that can help the Giants, who will be available in rounds 2-5. My main reason for preferring Shelton is this write-up provided by NFL.com:
"The Giants are embarrassingly bad on defense. They can't stop the run or the pass, and they don't have an enforcer. It's sad because the Giants always prided themselves on defense. Now they have a defensive unit that has ranked in the bottom six in two of the past three years, and are headed for a smiliar ranking this season."
That hurts, but it’s true. When you take my assumptions into account, Reese will have added a veteran or two to the OL. What the Giants need to do first and foremost in 2015 in control the point of attack. No player in this draft class does that better than Danny Shelton. There are now daily comparisons to Haloti Ngata, and even if he is only 90% of Ngata, that would be a big boost for the defense.
The Giants had the 30th ranked rushing defense last year. You can bring in all the pass rushers you want (and there aren’t that many in this draft) but if you continue to give up 2,000+ yards on the ground every year then those DEs are just collecting paychecks to watch RBs run blasts, dives, inside draws, and ISOs. Shelton is an immovable object. He will command a double team, as does Jonathan Hankins, but you can’t double both DTs and leave the DEs singled up. His presence would make every player in the front 4 better.
But, we already have Hankins you say. How much money do you want to put in the DT position??! Sure, we have the very good and potentially great Jonathan Hankins, but what do the Giants actually have behind him? An aging Jenkins (a possible CAP casualty), the very large but very raw and not young Markus Kuhn, and Bromley the 2nd year player who still has a lot to prove (let’s pray he was not drafted too high, I don’t think he was). By my math, the Giants have two DTs that are slamdunks to make the 2015 roster (Hankins and Bromley) and that’s not enough. We all know the situation at DE, LB, and safety are not good, but DT is just as bad and possibly worse. Shelton fills a need, could be an all pro, and is very likely the best player available at #9.
Round 2:
Carl Davis DT Iowa – 6’ 5” 321lbs: An very large individual with 11” hands and 34.5” arms. A dominant inside force that is drawing a lot of praise. You could see him being an attractive option for the Giants as he seems to fit their preferred height and weight combination for DTs.
*Sammie Coates WR Auburn – 6’ 2” 213lbs: Going into the practices I was not a Sammie Coates fan, and I still think his route running needs significant improvement. However, you can’t coach size and speed he uses his frame and long arms to go get the ball. Though an inconsistent college player, he came up big in big games. Has a tendency to fight the ball, but is showing good hands this week. He looks like a very large Olympic sprinter.
*Clive Walford TE Miami – 6’4” 260lbs: A player the Giants met with, and is widely considered the top all around TE in the draft. A very productive college TE, had 7 TD his senior year. Can line up in the slot and as an inline TE, but is a better receiver than blocker. Could rise into the late 1st if he runs well in the combine. Likely a 4.6 40yd guy. Very impressive for a big man.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461587/article/mayock-clive-walford-most-explosive-tight-end-in-2015-draft
Za’Darius Smith DE Kentucky – 6’4 ½” 270lbs: I like this guy, but unfortunately it appears his stock is rising and rising fast. He has been unblockable at times, has a high motor, and is giving every OT fits. I like his height-weight combination. It just = NYG DE. Watch him on Saturday, I think he will stand out, much as he did last weekend at the shrine game. With a good combine performance, some team could take him in the bottom third of the first round. Would not surprise me at this point.
http://archauthority.com/2015/01/22/2015-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kentucky-de-zadarius-smith/?utm_source=FanSided& utm_medium=Network& utm_campaign=Around%20the%20Network
Selection: Denzel Perryman ILB Miami - 5’11” 242lbs: I just keep coming back to Perryman in the 2nd round. This just has to be the guy. Sure he is an inch too short, but there have been plenty of short and thickly built MLBs. The Giants have suffered at LB for too many years. Even if Beason comes back for 2015, Perryman easily projects to ROLB in the interim. A starting trio of Perryman, Beason, and Kennard with the two young guys providing added versatility makes this defense look a lot better (especially if you add Shelton to the DL).
So I agree with Patricia Traina.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2335459-why-the-ny-giants-absolutely-must-draft-ilb-denzel-perryman
http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/12/18/2015-nfl-draft-scouting-report-denzel-perryman-ilb-miamifl/
Round 3:
Laken Tomlinson OG Duke – 6’ 3” 323lbs: If anyone has watched the senior bowl practices, Tomlinson is just shutting guys down. He dominates the pass rush drills, and he came from a pass happy offense at Duke. Actually wouldn’t surprise me if goes in the mid-to-late 2nd.
*Devin Smith WR Ohio State – 6’0” 190lbs: Rumors are the Giants have a great deal of interest in this explosive WR. I’m not sure if it’s the coaches or him, but he has been working on demonstrating the ability to run the route tree. From what I saw today, he is very strong after the catch, and good vertically. Not convinced he has the precision and internal processing to read the coverage, adjust on the fly, or use his leverage to create space. Seems like a speed guy. But you can’t argue with 28ypc average at Ohio State. I think there is great potential here, but I want to see what he does in the game on slants, drags, curls, and working through coverage.
Selection: Tyler Lockett WR Kansas State – 5’9” 175lbs: Tyler Lockett is simply a football player. Knocked for his size, he makes up for it with speed, route running, and versatility. His route running has stood out this week. Much like Beckham, he knows how to set up the DB within the first few steps of his route. He juked a DB out his jock in redzone patterns today. Easy TD. Can easily be considered Kansas State’s MVP (not sure if he was) this year. Lockett, who returns punts ,is dangerous with the ball in his hands and shows great YAC ability. I could see him as the 4th WR, backing up Cruz in the slot, and contributing on special teams.
http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/01/21/senior-bowl-day-2-notebook-tyler-lockett-lael-collins
Jamison Crowder WR Duke – 5’ 8” 175lbs: This was tough, as I considered Lockett 1A for WRs in round 3 and Crowder 1B. I am sure just as many people have it exactly the other way around, because you can’t argue with Crowder’s production, versatility, and the fact that he is flat out uncoverable in practice this week. I picked Lockett, but I would be equally happy with Crowder. Aside from the one inch height difference, I can’t find much separation between the two, except that Lockett appears to have some ability to operate outside the numbers at the next level and I’m not sure Crowder does.
http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/12/04/2015-nfl-draft-scouting-report-jamison-crowder-wr-duke/
Round 4:
Selection: *Jaquiski Tartt S Samford – 6’ 1” 220lbs: I continue to restock the defense. Tartt, the small school prospect, is regarded as having “SEC like ability” (All hail SEC I guess). NFL network analysts have called him a “missile.” And the Giants have shown interest. He may not be considered the best safety in the draft, but he has the skillset. Reportedly runs in the 4.5s and is a solid tackler.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461434/article/samford-safety-jaquiski-tartt-said-to-have-sec-skills
Jesse James TE Penn State – 6’6” 260lbs: This guy is part legend, part enigma. He has the measurables (some say 6’7” 272) and is considered to be a fluid athlete. However, while he’s not slow, he’s not necessarily fast. I think James has the frame teams want in a TE, and his is a good athlete, but I think he is a player who will rely on his height advantage to be a productive option in the passing game. I’m thinking a slightly more athletic Scott Chandler. I don’t like not getting a TE in the draft, but Tartt seems to good to pass up.
http://withthefirstpick.com/2015/01/16/jesse-james-freak-2015-nfl-draft/
Round 5:
Shaq Mason OG Georgia Tech – 6’ 1” 310lbs: Another guy who is flat out getting it done this week. Everyone expected the GA Tech OG to be an accomplished puler and run blocker, but questions remained about his pass blocking ability given that GA Tech passes about 5-10 times per game. Well, he is rapidly erasing doubts. Very strong and keeps a low center of gravity. I’m looking forward to seeing him pull on Saturday.
Selection: Rob Havenstein OT Wisconsin – 6’ 7” 335 lbs: A big man! He honestly looks like a giant (no pun intened). He is not a LT, strictly a RT. But I can live with that in the 5th round. He uses his arms well, has good balance, and precisely uses his less than swift feet to keep himself in perfect position and avoid mistakes. It’s hard to see him not having problems with speed rushers, but it appears that once he locks onto you, you’re done. I have not seen it yet, but I also assume that since he is a Wisconsin OT, he gets it done in the run game. Based on my assumption that Reese has brought in a FA OT, a guy like Havenstein makes complete sense as a back-up RT for 3 years, with a chance at starting in the future.
Round 6:
Selection: *David Johnson RB Northern Iowa – 6’ 1” 229lbs: Ok so my cupboard is running bare. Feel free to offer some other 6th round suggestions. The Giants met with Johnson this week, and I can see why. He is not a “burner” but has good speed, reportedly in the mid to high 4.4s. Plenty fast in my view. He is a long legged player, whose ankles might be a little stiff; however, he was a highly productive player and decisive runner who cannot be arm tackled. More importantly, his football IQ is believed to be off the charts, he has very good hands, and is a flawless blocker. I see him as the 3rd down back on this team that can chip block and turn a 3-yard pass into more yards. He may not break many TDs, but he’ll move the chains and protect Eli—and that’s the name of the game. I loved David Wilson, a very exciting player, but in all fairness Wilson was like having a Lamborghini for a car when you live in Alaska. It may be an awesome high-speed machine, but it can’t function in your environment. Wilson’s less than average blitz pick-up and fumbles diminished his value. Johnson may not have Wilson’s break away speed, but he can block and he doesn’t fumble.
http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/12/01/2015-nfl-draft-scouting-report-david-johnson-rb-northern-iowa/
http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/1/22/7866483/2015-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-david-johnson-rb-northern-iowa
Round 7 (2 picks):
Selection: Tyler Varga RB/FB Yale – 5’10” 227lbs: Ok so who is this guy. He is actually from Canada and is listed as a FB. However, he didn’t really play traditional FB for Yale. He was the primary ball carrier and is a good receiver. Varga is also a physical specimen. His body fat is probably in single digits. Watching him in practice, he has a high motor, is a very good blocker, not giving an inch to much bigger pass rushers, and he has good burst through the line. I see Varga as primarily a special teams player in the NFL who could moonlight as a third down back or execute some specifically designed plays.
Selection: *Lynden Trail DE Norfolk State – 6’5” 260lbs: Yesterday it was reported the Giants meet with Trail and were probably intrigued by his size (35” arms…again screams NYG DE) and the ease at which he moved during practices. But can he do backflips? He is practicing as both a DE and rush OLB. Trail has some significant deficiencies in his game. As posted on BBI, he has trouble powering through contact during a pass rush, and doesn’t convert his speed to power well. Trail would be an investment project for the Giants, and I would expect he would land on the practice squad his rookie year. He has the raw tools, but needs refinement with hand-to-hand combat in the trenches, rush moves, and leverage. He could develop into a situational pass rusher. I think most teams will avoid him until at least the 6th.
http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/1/22/7870819/ny-giants-morning-report-rumors-news-senior-bowl-lynden-trail
Recap:
Round 1 – Danny Shelton DT Washington
Round 2 – Denzel Perryman ILB Miami
Round 3 – Tyler Lockett WR Kansas State
Round 4 – Jaquiski Tartt S Samford
Round 5 - Rob Havenstein RT Wisconsin
Round 6 - David Johnson RB Northern Iowa
Round 7 - Tyler Varga RB/FB Yale
Round 8 - Lynden Trail DE Norfolk State
This is all amateur hour of course, but this mock significantly improves the defense, and adds two role players to the offense, with some projects in round 7. You could also very easily go Pete over Shelton and still improve the Defense.
My apologies for the length, but thanks for reading.
Reese has not shown he can find even capable offensive lineman after the 2nd round.
Then they have to fix the defense and they can't do it all with vet FAs, so two more RBs and another effing undersized WR seem unlikely.
So I just don't see it playing out like that at all.
Reese has not shown he can find even capable offensive lineman after the 2nd round.
After watching Finding the Giants, Reese has little input after the first two selections. That seems to be where scouts and position coaches come in. Ross is at the board with Chris Mara reading the scouting notes and Coughlin with his coaching reports. Where coaches and scouts are lobbying for guys they want. So the question is why isn't Flaherty capable of coaching up guys that he clearly wants and gets in later rounds.
I see a very good DT in Hankins hopefully, there is still plenty of work to be done with him (body and conditioning). However I don't expect him to provide more than 4-7 sacks a year that's not his role in our defense. Should he get even more sacks that's just icing on the cake but not something to look forward to. If you then put another guy next to him with even less real sack capability that's just not wise. We lack depth at DT and have to hope Bromley takes a big step forward this season but Shelton just does not fit our needs.
I agree that the rest of the DT's on this team are far from anything close to starters or even solid role guys going forward. Now if Leonard Williams is there you are talking about a player that meets all the requirements to play beside Hankins and create havoc inside, "one can dream right".
Amen.
Phil, I only selected 1 DT
I see a very good DT in Hankins hopefully, there is still plenty of work to be done with him (body and conditioning). However I don't expect him to provide more than 4-7 sacks a year that's not his role in our defense. Should he get even more sacks that's just icing on the cake but not something to look forward to. If you then put another guy next to him with even less real sack capability that's just not wise. We lack depth at DT and have to hope Bromley takes a big step forward this season but Shelton just does not fit our needs.
I agree that the rest of the DT's on this team are far from anything close to starters or even solid role guys going forward. Now if Leonard Williams is there you are talking about a player that meets all the requirements to play beside Hankins and create havoc inside, "one can dream right".
I wouldn't say Shelton and Hankins are the same type of DT at all. I think Hankins does have more versatility, though he is primarily a run stuffer. He did have 7 sacks this year, which is very good for a DT. Shelton may be run stuffer, but he racked up 9 sacks in 2014, and showed a great deal of stamina playing against spread offenses. I think you're looking at two very dynamic DTs. I have confidence in Bromley too, but you need a DT rotation and a rotation of Hankins, Shelton, and Bromley, looks a lot better than Hankins, Bromely, and Kuhn.
I do agree with you on Leonard Williams though. That guy is a flat out stud.
I don't see us not going OL until day three. I also don't think Perryman fits what the Giants look for in LBs from a size perspective, although I hope I'm wrong. And I think they'll go for a bigger WR than Lockett.
Only way I go DT that high is if the player can be a top pass rusher - just not 100% sure I see that from Shelton. I liked Donald better as a pass rusher a year ego.
If they're starters then no they shouldn't take an OL in the first two rounds "because they have to" they should only do that if there isn't a better payer available at a position of similar or greater need.
Because it means that your first or second round pick are sitting on the bench mostly and for a lot of the league and the advent of the 4-year rookie deal - those days are over.
Your first round pick definitely and second round pick probably (less so, but still probably) NEED to contribute as rookies.
2. You can probably get Rutgers FB Michael Burton as an UDFA as a larger version of Varga. 6'0" and 235, a RB in HS who's a great blocker and good receiver.
Thanks, and I don't think Mook is wrong. I just think of Perryman is too good to pass up in the 2nd, which is where most analysts think he will go.
Would be very happy with OT and DL in rounds 1 and 2. Could be a combination of Peat - Collins or Shelton - Cory Robinson (OT SC), which would be a solid two rounds.
The 1st two rounds are what I'm leaning. Let's get big and nasty on the defensive line. Hankins and Shelton would command double teams and wear out the interior. This frees up our defensive ends and also makes the 4 aces packages more effective (as they would be used more sparingly).
Perryman becomes an instant started if they don't get a free agent at line backer. A healthy Beason would groom him pretty well and would be a solid trio of those two and Kennard. Kennard, McClain and Perryman would also be a big improvement over what we had last year.
I also think that they will go the free agency route for OL so it isn't as urgent as people make it out to be. What I like about your pick there is that it is truly a large man instead of a bulked up player like Mosely and Petrus were. Brewer was very large also but I think that is the way to go - subscribe to the planet theory.
2. You can probably get Rutgers FB Michael Burton as an UDFA as a larger version of Varga. 6'0" and 235, a RB in HS who's a great blocker and good receiver.
Good points. I had no considered Williams, who I think is a very good prospect. I do think one of the top TEs will sneak into the bottom of the 1st round. Could be Williams or Walford. Walford just happens to be generating the buzz right now. Combine will be the equalizer.
Might as well be Jernigan or Sinorce Moss all over again. Cruz and Beckham are 6' 0", Randle is 6' 2", but I think they need a Plaxico type more than another small-ish WR. Maybe that's Washington, or maybe not, but a taller red zone target, possession guy would help the offense more immediately than a smaller slot/quick guy does.
I don't see us not going OL until day three. I also don't think Perryman fits what the Giants look for in LBs from a size perspective, although I hope I'm wrong. And I think they'll go for a bigger WR than Lockett.
The Giants very well could go with a bigger WR than Lockett, but I don't think size will be their ultimate determiner. I mean Lockett is not that much shorter than OBJ. Lockett also plays bigger than his size.
The Giants have shown interest in Devin Smith, likely for his explosive big play potential on the outside. The problem with Smith is that he may not be effective running the full route tree at this point. I just think Lockett presents a lot of value.
Really? None of them. Do you mean players I ended up selecting or all those players listed? There is some good talent in there.
All the rounds are where most draft sites expect the players to go. Sure some could slip a bit or move up, but generally I think it's a good estimation.
Might as well be Jernigan or Sinorce Moss all over again. Cruz and Beckham are 6' 0", Randle is 6' 2", but I think they need a Plaxico type more than another small-ish WR. Maybe that's Washington, or maybe not, but a taller red zone target, possession guy would help the offense more immediately than a smaller slot/quick guy does.
I'd agree with the first half of that. If the Giants WR in rounds 1 or even 2, no way they look at a 5'9" slot/KR type in the later rounds. Also, Beckham is just under 6ft. I think we can pay a little too much attention to height. Randal Cobb was knocked down by many clubs for not being tall enough, but he has certainly blossomed into a top playmaker. If a WR has the skill, route running ability, and the hands he has a shot to make it regardless of size.
I agree...and it could happen. At least I think both players will be available when the Giants pick.
I do think though that Bromley and Hankins were the two different type defensive tackles that the Giants felt would compliment each other nicely. Certainly the Giants need a higher quality 3rd defensive tackle, but when you draft that 3rd defensive tackle is certainly not in the first couple of rounds. It probably is better if you sign one before the draft, because there is a beter chance that you will know in advance what you have.
The thing that bugs me about chosing a left offensive tackle this year is the lack of continuity that exists between the different mock drafts rankings. Sometimes Peat is a number 9 selection, and sometimes I rub my eyes as he is draft arund number 25. In other drafts there was much closer agreement on who the top offensive tackles were. But it is true that hopefully this is our last chance to get a high enough pick to solve that problem successfully. It seems like we have hope that the Giants bet on the right horse, which in the first round they usually do.
It seems to me that the Giants will want to draft a pass rushing DE in this draft. Maybe it will be a 2nd round pick, maybe even the 3rd or even 4rth rounds. Its a bet on whether or not you will be able to turn the talents the prospects have into a successful pass rusher at the next level. If the Giants DE prospect is in the 3rd round. I too would draft a linebacker in the 2nd round and I like your choice. The Giants may have guidelines for who they select, but I do think if they see a very attractive player who solves their problem amking tackles from sideline to sideline, they would make exceptions. Also the ability to defend agains Tight Ends in the passing game means that speed is increasingly more attractive than bigger bodies.
Excellent job overall
If you picked Peat and a WR or DT in the first two rounds, I'd wager you'd be on the right track in terms of what NYG will do.
Round 1 – Danny Shelton DT Washington
Round 2 – Denzel Perryman ILB Miami
Round 3 – Tyler Lockett WR Kansas State
Round 4 – Jaquiski Tartt S Samford
Round 5 - Rob Havenstein RT Wisconsin
Round 6 - David Johnson RB Northern Iowa
Round 7 - Tyler Varga RB/FB Yale
Round 8 - Lynden Trail DE Norfolk State
Doesn't make me feel that fuzzy. I would rather:
1 Andrus Peat OT
2 Arik Armstead DE
3 Denzel Perriman ILB
4 Clayton Geathers SS
5 Eric Rowe CB
6 Christian Lombard OG
7 Marcus Murphy RB
Regardless how you view it, we need another premier player on the OL. We may or may not have adequate DE's (JPP,Moore,Ayers,Wynn) but, JPP may prove too expensive and be gone next year. We can't be sure of what we have at DT with Bromley but I expect good things in his second year. We appear to have good depth there. I agree on an ILB and am hoping Perryman is there at, I believe we pick, #71 in the 3rd. Who can say Cooper Taylor will be or can stay healthy, we need SS depth as I don't think Rolle is coming back. We appear to need more depth at CB, can address a longer shot OG and RB while I will give you Lyndon Trail whom I know very little about.
I am comfortable at RB with Jennings possible along with Williams, Cox and Darkwa. WR with Cruz coming back, OBJ, Parker, Harris and Washington leaves me little concern. We also made some moves already by signing futures contracts with several intriguing prospects and, FA moves to come. JMHO.