The New York Giants have six picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, tied for the second-lowest in the NFL. While trading the No. 11 pick could be smart, it is not likely. Even with just six picks, there is a chance that this draft helps change the course for the Giants. Let’s take a look at a seven-round Giants mock draft.
Giants Mock Draft Predictions
Round 1, Pick 11: LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
The pick just makes sense. Pairing Micah Parsons with veteran linebacker Blake Martinez could be what propels this defense to a top-five unit. His 4.36-second 40-yard dash shows that he has the speed needed in today’s game. This speed and his ability to finish tackles will make him a terror in run defense. When needed to, he can also be sent off the edge to go after the quarterback. Parson’s pass coverage is also above-average and he can keep up with both running backs and tight ends. The potential of Parsons is too much to pass on. If he is able to live up to his potential, he can be a true generational talent.
Round 2, Pick 42: IOL Landon Dickerson, Alabama
A torn ACL in the SEC Championship could lead to Landon Dickerson dropping out of the first round. Even with an extensive injury history, he is still seen one of the best interior linemen in this class. Coming in at nearly 6-6, he would bring both size and flexibility to this offensive line. His grit would bring a flare to this line that hasn’t been there in some time. Fortifying this front unit should be a main priority for the Giants, and this will be a big addition.
Round 3, Pick 76: IOL Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Protecting Jones and giving him time to get the ball to his new weapons on offense won’t be possible without improvements to the offensive line. Going back-to-back with line selections shows that the Giants are serious about protecting their QB. The pick of Quinn Meinerz would most likely lead to knocking Dickerson to guard. His performance at the Senior Bowl has led to a boost in his stock, but playing at a small school might cause him to slip to the Giants.
Round 4, Pick 116: WR Anthony Schwartz, Auburn
The Giants finally give Jones another weapon, and it just so happens to be the fastest player in the draft. With a 4.25-second 40-yard dash, Anthony Schwartz would be an immediate deep threat that could help stretch the field even more. His big play ability makes this pick worth the gamble. Schwartz had six plays go for over 50 yards last season, and that is something the Giants offense has been lacking. While this pick may mean that he is being drafted earlier than he should be, the Giants don’t have another selection until round six, and a playmaker of this caliber will be gone by then. Schwartz’s speed paired alongside John Ross could lead to some exciting packages for this Giants offense.
Round 6, Pick 196: RB Jaret Patterson, Buffalo
The Giants running back depth chart currently lists three running backs. Going after a running back in the later rounds would make sense, and Jaret Patterson should be the pick. Known mostly for his eight-touchdown performance against Kent State this past season, Patterson showed signs of real promise at Buffalo. His field vision is one of the best of the class. He doesn’t have greatest measurables, but he’s a truly good football player who would be a good addition to the running back room in New York.
Round 6, Pick 201: EDGE Jonathon Cooper, Ohio State
Jonathan Cooper is more of a raw talent, but he has a high motor and would be a good rotational player for the defensive line. With proper coaching and refinements to his technique, he could eventually be an every down player in the NFL. Cooper would benefit heavily from learning behind someone like Leonard Williams, who has quickly turned into one of the better edge rushers in the NFL. The recent performance of Ohio State edge rushers in the NFL also makes this pick even more intriguing.
