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The New York Giants have been active this offseason, filling a ton of needs before the 2021 NFL Draft. With draft day finally here, head coach Joe Judge and general manager Dave Gettleman might have even bigger plans to improve the roster.
Since he first became a general manager in 2013, Gettleman has never traded back in the NFL Draft. It came as a surprise to many when he revealed that he is open to moving down this year and that the front office has had numerous conversations about potential deals.
Holding the No. 11 pick, the Giants are in an excellent spot. With five quarterbacks expected to land in the first 10 selections, one of the elite talents from the 2021 draft class will fall. As a result, with needs on both sides of the ball, New York could get a draft-day steal.
New York Giants mock draft: Full 7-round 2021 NFL Draft projections
Who will the Giants draft in 2021?
According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the prevailing thought entering the 2021 NFL Draft is that the Giants will draft an Alabama receiver with the No. 11 pick.
It comes as a bit of a surprise. For weeks leading up to draft night, NFL Draft rumors suggested New York would use its first-round pick on an edge rusher. Gettleman has a history of loving lineman and after selecting left tackle Andrew Thomas with the No. 4 pick last year, the focus at No. 11 would shift to the defensive line.
Read More: New York Giants ‘leaning towards’ specific position with No. 11 pick, potential targets
We couldn’t blame the Giants for loving Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith. Waddle has drawn comparisons to Tyreek Hill, while Smith is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and arguably the best receiver in this class at getting open.
New York would love to have its choice between the two, but that decision will be made for them. Waddle is a candidate to be taken No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins and there’s a realistic possibility another team comes up to snag Smith.
Related: 3 New York Giants trade scenarios in the 2021 NFL Draft
Interestingly, there’s another element to the Giants’ draft plans that could really shake things up.
What would it cost for the New York Giants to trade up?
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, the Giants are a sneaky candidate to trade into the top 10 picks. Specifically, they would be targeting Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Penei Sewell.
Sewell, who opted out of the 2020 season, is viewed as a generational prospect. While he isn’t as polished as Joe Thomas, many believe Sewell can be an All-Pro tackle at the next level.
There are plenty of teams willing to move down. Both the Detroit Lions (No. 7 pick) and Carolina Panthers (No. 8 overall) have engaged in trade discussions and there’s a belief at least one of them will make a deal. In terms of the potential cost, New York could afford it.
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- Detroit Lions trade: 7th overall pick
- New York Giants trade: 11th pick, 76th overall pick, 2022 fourth-round pick
The Giants are committed to Daniel Jones, putting him in the best possible position to succeed. While trading up can get expensive, the front office might believe the reward is worth it.
Related: New York Giants pick up Saquon Barkley contract option for 2022
New York reportedly held several last-minute calls with Sewell, with the organization’s interest in him growing. Sewell could start at left tackle, kicking Thomas over to the right side. Instantly, New York would have one of the best, young tackle combos in the NFL.