NFL Draft experts give their latest predictions on the Giants' 2017 first round Pick:
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein names his instant impact draft prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Next week, 330 draft prospects, coaches, general managers, scouts, and pundits will gather in Indianapolis for the annual NFL Scouting Combine. That process will go a long way in determining which players get selected – and where – in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft, which begins April 27.
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So now's a good time to check the latest mock drafts for the New York Giants, who hold the No. 23 pick. Here is what the draft analysts are saying:
Will Brinson, CBSSports.com (2/23)
Pick: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
Analysis: "The Giants are facing a situation where a couple of guys on the front line bolt, which means going out and getting a pass rusher and a frontline defensive tackle in free agency and the draft. This gives them one of those answers."
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report (2/24)
Pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Analysis: "Barnett's production at Tennessee was eye-opening, but his lack of twitch and elite athleticism pushes him down the board as we get closer to the draft. Barnett is still capable of a long, productive NFL career, and starting out down that road opposite Olivier Vernon gives him the one-on-one looks from offensive lines he'll need to produce."
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (2/22)
Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Analysis: "The Giants have to consider bolstering that left tackle spot with a good technician who offers more consistency than what they are getting now."
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com (2/22)
Pick: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Analysis: "He really showed up on their defense, and the Giants have a major need for a linebacker. The defense is improving, but they need better play from this spot."
Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com (2/20)
Pick: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Analysis: "Charlton, who has some traits reminiscent of Justin Tuck out of Notre Dame, has all the ingredients of a NFL starter."
Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus (2/16)
Pick: Solomon Thomas, Edge, Stanford
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (2/15)
Pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Chad Reuter, NFL.com (2/15)
Pick: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Analysis: "Eli Manning is going to love having the athleticism of Howard on his side."
Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange (2/13)
Pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Analysis: "The Giants rushed for a miniscule 3.5 yards per carry in 2016 and scored a league-low six touchdowns on the ground. McCaffrey isn't a bruiser but his instincts, shiftiness and soft hands out of the backfield could make him an intriguing weapon for Big Blue."
Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated (2/8)
Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Analysis: "One of the class's other tight ends (say, David Njoku) would be intriguing here. However, the Giants' offense can only do so much—no matter the number of weapons—without better line play. Ramczyk is a plug-and-play candidate."
Todd McShay, ESPN (2/8)
Pick: Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA
Analysis: "Tight end would also be a strong possibility if either [Alabama's O.J.] Howard or [Miami's David] Njoku were still on the board. With both gone and Jason Pierre-Paul slated to become a free agent, the Giants could be in the market for another pass-rusher. McKinley has versatility, and I love his motor. He's a natural pass-rusher with elite speed off the edge, recording 18 TFLs and 10 sacks in 2016."
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (1/26)
Pick: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Analysis: "After emerging as the best overall tight end at the Senior Bowl, Howard elevated his stock. The Giants could use another weapon in the passing game to alleviate pressure on Odell Beckham, Jr. on the outside."
SCOUTING REPORTS
NFL.com's Mike Mayock ranked the top player at each position in the 2017 NFL Draft.