The New York Giants made a splash on Day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft, coming away with three total picks that addressed various areas of need in both the immediate future and distant future.
While some may find their splash to be a little messy, there’s no denying they were big-time players. And despite a seeming lack of picks on Day 2 after surrendering several to move back up into Round 1, expect general manager Dave Gettleman to do a little more wheeling and dealing in effort to climb back up the draft order.
Should the Giants find themselves in a good place on Day 2, here’s a look at several players they may target.
Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Taylor was widely expected to go in Round 1 and was considered by many to be a top 20 prospect, but he’ll have to wait until Day 2 for his name to be called. And if the Giants can move back up into Round 2, he may very well be their target unless they view him as a guard at the next level.
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
The Giants don’t have a glaring need at wide receiver, but with a lack of big targets on the outside, the lingering presence of Metcalf may intrigue them. His fall to Day 2 wasn’t necessarily unexpected, but he still provides good value at the position for a team in need or a team just looking to add to their receiver room.
Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
Similar to Jawaan Taylor, there were some expectations that Ford could go in Round 1, but that’s not how the dominoes fell on Thursday. The good news is that with two-plus quality tackles still available, the Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman will have an opportunity to pounce if they find a trade partner. And Ford may be a better fit for Big Blue than Taylor.
Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech
The Giants failed to address their lacking pass rush on Day 1, and going into Friday that should be among their primary concerns. Lucking for Gettleman & Co., Ferguson, the NCAA’s all-time sacks leader, remains available. He could still come in and start on Day 1.
Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
There will be no shortage of offensive linemen to be had on Friday, and Risner might be the biggest sleeper of all. Not only does he have good size and a high football IQ, but can play all five positions along the offensive line, giving any team who takes him remarkable versatility. And while Risner may be better suited to play inside, the Giants should give him some consideration anyway.
Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
The Giants have done a lot of work at the safety position this offseason, but the reality is, Antoine Bethea is on borrowed time and they’ll eventually need someone to replace him. With Jabrill Peppers expected to play strong safety, the Giants will need a free safety of the future and with nine interceptions over the past two seasons, Adderley could be that guy.
David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
A running back? What? It may seem crazy, but the Giants will address their depth at running back in this draft. Rather than signing a veteran later on, the team could very well look at someone like Montgomery instead. He has drawn various comparisons to Kareem Hunt, and can excel with good quickness, nice footwork and solid hands out of the backfield.
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
The Giants addressed cornerback by trading back into the first round to snag DeAndre Baker at No. 30, but they don’t have to stop there. Janoris Jenkins isn’t long for the team, so in addition to Baker and Sam Beal, the Giants could look to land someone like Murphy, who is arguably the best corner remaining.
