Dave Gettleman may not be loved by all Giants fans because of decisions regarding trades and free agency, but one thing that is for sure is that he has become a reliable drafter.
In the last two drafts he has set up the Giants for the future.
In 2018 he selected a generational talent in Saquon Barkley who is keen to handle the rock for years to come. In the second round, Will Hernandez was a key addition at left guard to support an unreliable offensive line. In the later rounds he called up Lorenzo Carter and B.J. Hill who both have showed to be key future pieces for the young defense.
Last year in the 2019 NFL draft, Gettleman had to make a very difficult decision to pick his franchise quarterback in Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick. He took a lot of heat from many Giants fans — including myself — but Jones showed potential as a rookie taking over for Eli Manning.
With the 17th pick he selected Dexter Lawrence another defensive player who made the PFF (Pro Football Focus) All-Rookie team. Gettleman then traded back up into the first round to select corner Deandre Baker with the 30th overall pick. In the fifth round, he drafted a diamond in the rough by selecting Darius Slayton who had eight receiving touchdowns and 740 yards.
Personally, I agree with the way Dave Gettleman has handled the past few drafts; but one thing for sure, is that this draft is the most important.
Many fans want the do-it-all linebacker from Clemson, Isaiah Simmons. With the defense never being able to close games or shut down offenses someone like Simmons could change the defense with his blazing speed and coverage skills.
Even though this would be the flashy pick most Giant fans want, they need to go Offensive Line. They need to protect their young weapons so they can have the opportunity to develop and thrive.
The Giants always go with the “best player available”, but in this case, similar to last year, they need to pick a need.
In Mock Drafts by NFL analysts, Jedrick Wills out of Alabama is the pick, but I don’t think they will go his direction. I believe that Gettleman will try and trade down a few spots because he is targeting a Andrew Thomas or Mekhi Becton.
Without a stable Offensive Line, you don’t have a solid team, and protecting the franchise players is going to be critical for the future.
Photo: Forbes
