The New York Giants remain in need of an offensive tackle and a game-changing pass rusher, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes they could land both over the first 36 picks of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Kiper released his latest mock draft, version 4.0, on Tuesday. And just as he had in version 3.0, Kiper projects Clemson linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons to the Giants at No. 4 overall.
The Giants should take an offensive tackle with one of their first two picks, but I wouldn’t pass on Simmons, who has rare athleticism and versatility. Stick him at outside linebacker and let him chase down ball carriers, rush the passer and cover tight ends. Simmons never has to leave the field. New coach Joe Judge will love him.
Still needing an offensive tackle after the Simmons pick, Kiper has the Giants landing USC’s Austin Jackson at No. 36 overall.
I wrote earlier that the Giants needed to take an offensive tackle early, and Jackson could fall into their lap at No. 36. He played 1,680 straight snaps at left tackle for the Trojans over the past two seasons, but he is still a developmental project in my eyes. He’ll take some time to adjust, but he could be New York’s long-term starter at either tackle spot.
Jackson may not be one of the top offensive tackles in the draft, but he’s got upside and projects as a starter in the NFL. The real question is, will he slip to No. 36 or is this a bit of a pipe dream?
