2019 NFL Draft: New York Giants full mock draft

Round 5 – Pick 142

David Long, LB, West Virginia

The linebacker position is another apple of Gettleman’s eye. It was a strong spot for his best defenses in Carolina. In fact, one of his first moves as GM of the Giants was to acquire linebacker Alec Oglretree from the Rams. This is a far cry from former GM Jerry Reese never prioritized the position.

David Long of West Virginia is an excellent athlete at the linebacker position. He’s a smaller player who needs to grow into a role but provides an exciting skill set for the modern NFL. Ogletree is a slower more plodding linebacker at this point in his career. His running mate B.J. Goodson is the better athlete but nothing to write home about. Long could step in and provide them with range and a passing down threat. Starting off his career as a sub-package and special team player would do wonders. He’s got the requisite skills and traits to shine in the right role, and it is a role the Giants are lacking.

Round 5 – Pick 143

Mike Edwards, S, Kentucky

New York will have two new safeties in Antoine Bethea and Jabrill Peppers. Both bring a different skill set to the team and provide value. Peppers is intriguing only two years removed from being a first round pick. What they could use is a third safety to give them increased versatility for their defense.

Kentucky’s Mike Edwards is that type of player. A leader and experienced member of the talented Wildcats’ secondary, Edwards has played all over the defense. His best role in the NFL is as that third safety who can play in the slot and help along the run. He’s excellent in man coverage and gives the Giants a slot corner at times. With the pass happy NFL not slowing down anytime soon, players that can cover are increasingly important. Edwards is a great coverage safety who is not shy about mixing it up in the run game.

Round 5 – Pick 171

Alex Bars, G, Notre Dame

Even though the Giants have their guards set with Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler, grabbing depth would make sense. Alex Bars is a veteran offensive lineman who has the traits to be a starter in the NFL. His injury history pushes him down boards. With a clean bill of health this is a starting level guard. For New York he can provide depth. There is a chance one of the three are able to jump to center at some point, giving the Giants a young dominant interior offensive line.

Round 6 – Pick 180

Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo

Double dipping at receiver in this draft would be wise. Anthony Johnson is a good but not great prospect. His game is well-rounded without one thing that stands out to hang his hate on. His size allows him to play outside for New York as part of their rotation. His run after the catch and sure hands will get him on the field early.

Round 7 – Pick 232

Greg Gaines, DT, Washington

Another addition at Gettleman’s favorite position. Greg Gaines is a massive run stuffing defensive tackle. He can provide the Giants depth up front. His best role is as a nose tackle where he can hold gaps and push the center into the backfield.

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Round 7 – Pick 245

Benny Snell, RB, Kentucky

With their final pick, New York grabs a back-up for Saquon Barkley. No matter how good their running back is, he will need to be spelled. There is no more Giants running back in this draft than Kentucky’s Benny Snell. A leader on and off the field, Snell was part of Kentucky’s best football season ever. Three straight 1000 yard seasons in the SEC prove that he can hang at any level despite questions about his athleticism. Adding Snell to the backfield gives New York another weapon and a power back to help out Barkley.