The New York Giants need a quarterback of the future, which has become the focal point for most experts, analysts and fans alike. However, the Giants have a plethora of more urgent immediate needs, and aside from help along the offensive line, perhaps none is more substantial than their need for a quality pass rusher.
The Giants tied for 30th in the NFL last season with 30 sacks, finishing ahead of only the lowly Oakland Raiders, who recorded 17.
Needless to say, finding an edge rusher to compliment Olivier Vernon, who appears destined to return to Big Blue in 2019, is paramount. And for that reason, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports decided to go a different route in his latest mock draft.
Instead of a quarterback, the Giants go edge rusher in Round 1.
No. 6 – Giants
Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
The Giants could conceivably move on from Olivier Vernon this offseason, which would leave a gaping hole on the edge. Ferrell is a long, athletic, and powerful pass rusher ready to blossom in the NFL.
The only real issue Ferrell would present to the Giants is his position. While he projects out as a quality pass rusher in a 4-3 system, he may not be an ideal fit in James Bettcher’s 3-4 system.
Here’s a deeper look at Ferrell from our friends over at Draft Wire.
Overall, Ferrell is a prospect that best projects as a 4-3 edge defender. Ferrell is an intelligent and powerful player, using leverage, moderate flexibility, and hand savvy to secure the edge and be equally productive versus the run and the pass. He isn’t a twitchy athlete who will capture the corner on speed alone, but his efficient pass-rush process and ball awareness will force NFL offensive tackles to prepare for his skill-set. He could be a full-time starter who has double digit sack potential by Year 2 or 3.
Ferrell is a top 20 player, so if that’s the route the Giants ultimately choose to take, there’s a possibility they could trade down, stock up and still land him.
