NFL Draft 2018: New York Giants 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 4 – Pick 104
Mason Cole, C, Michigan
As previously discussed this Giants offensive line could be completely different in 2018. Flowers job security is up in the air. Justin Pugh is a free agent at guard. Weston Richburg is also a free agent. They could need to replace over 80 percent of the starters on the line. It started in the draft with Chukwuna Okorafor in the second round. Now in the fourth they get a versatile and talented offensive lineman in Michigan’s Mason Cole.
Cole is a former starter at left tackle that kicked inside to center this past season. His versatility is a huge plus but he is likely a guard or center in the NFL. He is more of a finesse player but does show solid power at times. Whoever works with him in the NFL will need to work on his hands to maximize his talent. What he does possess is excellent movement skills and incredible durability. His solid 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds frame are ideal for a center or guard. He can be an early starter should this team lose Richburg or Pugh. He may be an upgrade over John Jerry at the other guard spot should the team retain both their pending free agents.
Round 4 – Pick 137
Fred Warner, LB, BYU
The new Giants regime may do something the old regime never did, place value at the linebacker position. It may be in round four but the Giants simply did not address that position often or early in previous drafts. This is a talented and versatile linebacker class, so it would be smart for them to get in on the action. New York is set in the front four but they need athletic and skilled players behind them to maximize their talents.
Fred Warner of BYU would be an excellent pick for the Giants. He may go much earlier than this in the draft but positional value could push him down boards. Warner is the rare linebacker with safety like instincts, evident by his seven career interceptions. This type of athlete at the linebacker position is what the NFL is moving towards.
Playing behind an excellent front four will benefit Warner as he is not heaviest of hitters or best at taking on blocks. Excellent coverage linebackers lie this do not come around often and the Giants would be wise to grab someone that can help Landon Collins patrol the middle of the field.