New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has never before traded down in his career, but might that change later this month at the 2021 NFL draft?
Although there have been no indications that Gettleman will finally break that mold, there is a growing consensus that he should. With a run expected on the top quarterbacks over the first 10 picks, it will set the Giants up in prime position come No. 11.
If Gettleman & Co. wish to stock up on some additional assets, the opportunity will likely be there for them. At least it was in the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay.
McShay has the Giants trading down (with the New England Patriots) and then selecting Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah at No. 15 overall.
15. New York Giants (via mock trade with NE)
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Giants look at USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, but they just took three linemen in the first five rounds last year, including Andrew Thomas at No. 4 overall. And while the defense was stellar last season, getting defensive coordinator Patrick Graham a versatile, rangy, fast, instinctive linebacker like Owusu-Koramoah will help keep it that way.
As part of this projected trade, the Giants receive New England’s third-round pick (No. 96 overall) and then either a second- and third-rounder in 2022.
Although we don’t get to see who the Giants select with that extra third-round pick, they do nab Wake Forest defensive end Carlos Basham Jr. in Round 2.
42. New York Giants
Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest
Maybe the Giants go offensive line here — Texas’ Samuel Cosmi or Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Quinn Meinerz could fit — but their biggest need is on the edge. Basham is powerful and disruptive.
All in all, this is a solid scenario for the Giants. It’s not the best trade back projection we’ve seen over the past week, but it would still be a solid outcome nonetheless.
