With the 2021 NFL Draft just a few of days away, reports are indicating that the New York Giants may be looking to trade down. Currently the G-Men hold the 11th overall pick, and GM Dave Gettleman has never traded down in the first round before, so is now the time to do it?
The assumption out there is that the Giants are going to pick either an offensive lineman or wide receiver at #11, but right now neither of those positions are necessities. In last year’s draft they selected offensive tackles Andrew Thomas with the 4th overall selection and Matt Peart in the 3rd round. Thomas is expected to be a starter come Week 1 and Peart may also win the other starting spot during training camp. Considering that they are both really young, the team will probably want to give them a lot of playing time. In addition, Nate Solder is now back in the mix after missing last season, so the Giants clearly don’t “need” a lineman.
The Giants are already pretty deep at wide receiver too. Golden Tate was released a couple of months ago, but that was negated by the massive free agent signing of Kenny Golladay. Sterling Shepard is still a very big part of the offense. Darius Slayton, who had an outstanding rookie season in 2019, will look to take his game to the next level. College standout John Ross was recently signed and he has the potential to put up some decent numbers. Also, the Giants will be getting back one of the top running backs in the league, Saquon Barkley, who will undoubtedly be the main focal point of the whole entire offense. Yes, bringing in guys like Devonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase, or Jaylen Waddle brings a lot of talent, but the receiver core is already really strong, so the Giants don’t need a receiver either at #11.
If Big Blue is targeting a defensive player towards the top of the draft, then staying put at #11 should be the way to go. But if a receiver or lineman are the guys that are at the top of the draft board, then trading down and picking up future prized assets should be the action that is taken.
