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The New York Giants are reportedly considering a trade down from the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Considering the team has multiple needs, and could get a decent haul after an expected early run on quarterbacks, it’d make sense for New York to consider its options.
Here are three ideal scenarios from The Draft Network mock simulations in which the Giants could trade down in the first round and still walk away with an excellent incoming rookie class. We’ll also make mock picks from the result of the trades, including the picks New York acquired and its own selections.
Read More: New York Giants mock draft: Full 7-round 2021 NFL Draft projections with trades
1. New York Giants trade 11th pick to Patriots for 15th, 46th & 96th picks
- Giants mock draft picks: Alijah Vera-Tucker, iOL, USC; Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State; Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue; Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa; Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
The New England Patriots could very well be in the market to upgrade from QB Cam Newton, and in this simulation, Lance was still out there to be had.
Because of the premium on quarterbacks and the fact that New England was extremely aggressive in free agency, this scenario played very well into New York’s hands, allowing for the acquisition of multiple offensive linemen and other high-end playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Alijah Vera-Tucker is one of the highest-floor prospects in this year’s draft. He can play tackle or guard, but projects extremely well on the inside at the pro level. Spencer Brown is an athletic freak show who could be the team’s right tackle of the future, or fill in on the left side if Andrew Thomas turns out to be a bust or Vera-Tucker doesn’t kick out there.
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Rondale Moore is another perimeter weapon for Giants QB Daniel Jones to throw to. And speaking of other explosive athletes, Penn State edge defender Jayson Oweh is about as twitchy as they come. His ability to convert speed to power is already advanced, and with some NFL coaching, he could be an All-Pro player.
Finally, Minnesota cornerback Benjamin St-Juste is just the type of long perimeter player who could eventually start opposite James Bradberry and thrive in coordinator Patrick Graham’s defense. St-Juste is great value for the Giants if he’s there that late on Day 2.
While this is No. 1 in the Giants’ draft trade scenarios with such a good haul, the Giants have to wonder if they really want to be the team to give Bill Belichick his long-term successor to Tom Brady.
Read More: New England Patriots quarterback situation huge wildcard heading into 2021 NFL Draft
2. New York Giants trade 11th & 201st pick to Bears for 20th pick & 2022 first-rounder
- Giants mock draft pick: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The NFL Draft’s intrigue centers around what the Atlanta Falcons might do with the fourth pick. In this simulation, Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Justin Fields were the first three picks off the board, but Trey Lance and Mac Jones fell and were still available when the G-Men went on the clock.
Because the Chicago Bears are reportedly desperate to execute a trade for a quarterback, they’re willing to give up at least one future first-round pick to do it. That’s all the TDN simulation would allow, but in real life, you can bet the Bears might give up even more than that.
What makes this scenario so exciting for the Giants is the fact that reigning Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith is still on the board at 20. It’d be a no-brainer pick for New York to make as a means of ensuring Daniel Jones is set up for maximum success in Year 3.
Smith’s smaller size just might scare enough teams off from drafting him. After all, there’s a lot of depth in this wide receiver class, and Smith may be viewed as too risky to be taken in the first half of Round 1. What a coup this could be if the Giants manage to land Smith, plus gain flexibility in the 2022 draft in the event Jones doesn’t meet expectations and the team is searching for a new franchise QB.
Read More: General manager lavishes praise on DeVonta Smith ahead of 2021 NFL Draft
3. New York Giants trade 11th & 76th picks to Jaguars for 23rd, 33rd picks
- Giants mock draft picks: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue; Landon Dickerson, iOL, Alabama
The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of only two teams with two first- and two second-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. They also have the easiest selection with Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence at No. 1 overall.
With a generational QB prospect in tow and a treasure chest of assets, Jaguars coach Urban Meyer will have a lot of leverage. Meyer is accustomed to winning right away wherever he goes, and you can bet Jacksonville will be aggressive to find another blue-chip player if the price is right.
Since New York is open for business, the Jaguars don’t mind trading the first pick on Day 2 and their second first-rounder to the G-Men in exchange for the 11th overall pick.
Even after that swap, Azeez Ojulari is still on the board for Giants GM Dave Gettleman. Ojulari is the type of bendy, explosive athlete New York’s defense is missing on the edge. Having played against the SEC’s best, Ojulari is tested against stout competition and should make an instant impact as a rookie.
Sacrificing the 76th pick to move into the 33rd slot enhances Gettleman’s chances of finding another instant starter immensely.
It’s time for Jones to play winning football in 2021, or, as suggested before, else his replacement will be sought after soon. Thanks to the trade with the Jags, New York not only acquires an electrifying pass-catcher in Moore, but also lands an instant starter to upgrade the interior offensive line in Alabama’s Landon Dickerson in the second round.
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