John Schmeelk: This is an impossible question to answer now given we don’t know what the Giants plan to do in free agency. I will also pass on what the Giants may do with the fifth overall pick and leave that to Dan and Matt. Given those parameters, I’ll throw some positions and names against the wall that could be in the cards when the Giants select on Day 2 of the draft.
I’ll start at wide receiver, where the Giants might be looking to add young talent on Day 2 depending on what they do with the fifth overall pick and what happens with Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency. This draft class has strong depth at wide receiver. Odds are some of these players won’t be available when the Giants select at 37, but I’ll be liberal given how far away we are from draft day. There are a number of good route runners that could be had at the top of the second round, such as KC Concepcion, Omar Cooper Jr., Zachariah Branch and Germie Bernard. If the Giants are interested in a bigger wide receiver, they can pray Denzel Boston falls out of the first round (extremely unlikely), but more likely targets are Chris Brazzell II and Malachi Fields. In the third round, keep an eye on developmental players Chris Bell (coming off a late season ACL tear) and Ted Hurst. Clemson’s Antonio Williams is also someone to consider.
If the Giants want to add a defensive tackle at pick 37, they might be looking at a scarce board. It is doubtful Florida’s Caleb Banks, Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, or Clemson’s Peter Woods last that long. Georgia’s Christen Miller, Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter, Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr, and Iowa State’s Dom Orange could all be options on Day 2.
For the first time in a long time, the linebacker class is strong. Georgia’s CJ Allen, Cincinnati’s Jake Golday, Texas’ Anthony Hill, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez, and Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis could all be Day 3 options. At cornerback, Colton Hood, Brandon Cisse and Chris Johnson could be second round options, with Ohio State’s Davis Igbinosun an intriguing option in the third round based on his traits.
Finally on the offensive line, Caleb Lomu has a chance to get to pick 37, while Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor and Clemson’s Blake Miller are more realistic targets. If you want to target a guard, someone like Chase Bisontis from Texas A&M in the second round or Emmanuel Pregnon, Jalen Farmer or Gennings Dunker are possibilities in the third round.
It is not a top heavy draft with a lot of true, blue chip prospects, but there is depth. The Giants should be able to find good players on Day 2 of the draft.