The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements about the draft and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
At least five Giants rookies will start a game in 2022
Dan Salomone: Fact – Given the 11-man draft class and incoming group of undrafted free agents, you're looking at approximately a dozen rookies making the final 53-man roster. Having five of them start at least one game isn't a stretch, especially when you take into account the injuries that are inevitable in every NFL season. Starting with top picks Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal, the 2022 crop of rookies will become the foundation for the new era under Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll.
Lance Medow: Fact – This is a very reasonable goal considering all it takes to qualify as a starter is to be on the field for the very first play of a game. The Giants' two first-round picks Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal will be regular starters, Wan'Dale Robinson will likely carve out a versatile role and Joshua Ezeudu will compete for the left guard spot - that already gives you four with Cordale Flott, Daniel Bellinger and Dane Belton highly likely to squeeze in a start here or there.
Matt Citak: Fact – Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal are expected to step in as starters from Day 1, which already gives the Giants two rookie starters. Looking back at last year, Kadarius Toney (seven games), Kenny Golladay (three games) and Sterling Shepard (10 games) each missed time due to injury, so there is a good chance that Wan'Dale Robinson cracks the starting lineup at some point. Joshua Ezeudu is expected to compete for the starting left guard position, and even if he doesn't win it right away, could eventually earn that spot in the starting lineup. Moving onto the Day 3 picks, don't be surprised to see Dane Belton and/or Micah McFadden get into the starting lineup in 2022. Belton is the third safety on the Giants' roster at the moment, while McFadden looks like a perfect fit as an off-ball linebacker in Wink Martindale's defense.
Azeez Ojulari benefits the most from drafting Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – The whole team benefits from the arrival of the first defensive player in Oregon history to earn unanimous all-America status. Think about how his pass-rushing skills will speed up the clock of opposing quarterbacks, which will open up more plays for defensive backs like Xavier McKinney. And Thibodeaux's presence will extend beyond his side of the ball. Making plays on defense sets up the offense, and vice-versa.
Lance Medow: Fact – The two main players you can make a case for are Azeez Ojulari and Leonard Williams because any time you add an additional pass rusher to the mix, it forces the offense to have to focus on that individual and, perhaps, presents more favorable opportunities for others. Although the team is using a new defensive scheme this season, Ojulari led New York with a promising eight sacks as a rookie in 2021. Williams warrants consideration, but a lot will depend on where Wink Martindale decides to line him up and how he uses his tools – these are factors that give Ojulari the edge because we have a better idea of how he will fit into the scheme.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Ojulari certainly will benefit from the presence of Kayvon Thibodeaux, but the interior defensive linemen will benefit the most. Let's not forget that Leonard Williams is just one season removed from an 11.5-sack performance, while Dexter Lawrence earned a solid 74.0 pass rush grade from PFF last season. With Thibodeaux and Ojulari garnering all of the attention on the outside, Williams and Lawrence will see more one-on-ones on the interior, which both linemen should take advantage of.
View photos from the college careers of the Giants' entire 11-player draft class
Round 1, Pick No. 5 - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Round 1, Pick No. 7 - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Round 2, Pick No. 43 - Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Round 3, Pick No. 67 - Joshua Ezeudu, OL, North Carolina
Round 3, Pick No. 81 - Cor'Dale Flott, CB, LSU
Round 4, Pick No. 112 - Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
Round 4, Pick No. 114 - Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Round 5, Pick No. 146 - LB Micah McFadden, Indiana
Round 5, Pick No. 147 - DL D.J. Davidson, Arizona State
Round 5, Pick No. 173 - OL Marcus McKethan
Round 6, Pick No. 182 - LB Darrian Beavers
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) runs around the edge during an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrates after his team scored a safety during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) rushes the edge on defense during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against the Iowa State Cyclones, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) defends in coverage during an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. Oregon defeated UCLA, 34-31. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) runs around the edge during an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Southern California quarterback Kedon Slovis (9) is tackled by Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game for the Pac-12 Conference championship Friday, Dec 18, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) looks on prior to an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) defends against UCLA during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) against Stanford during an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) celebrates during an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) gets set against LSU during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) in an offensive stance during the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won, 27-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) plays the field during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama beat Notre Dame 31-14. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) tosses confetti after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) in an offensive stance during the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won, 27-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) sets up on the line during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) blocks against Mercer defensive lineman Chris Hill (98) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) looks on during warm-up drills before the start of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) is shown against Miami during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) lines up against Mercer during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) lines up against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) runs after catching a pass during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) runs after catching a pass in front of Iowa defensive back Kaevon Merriweather (26) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) attempts to avoid Louisville defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) runs the ball upfield during an NCAA college football game against Tennessee in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson celebrates after catching a pass for a first down against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) celebrates getting a first down during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Chattanooga in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) celebrates scoring a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) carries the ball against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
OL Joshua Ezeudu
OL Joshua Ezeudu
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu stands on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown, right, reacts with offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, left, after Brown was doused with water during the second half of the Military Bowl NCAA college football game against Temple, Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in Annapolis, Md. North Carolina won 55-13. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs through a drill for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, right, runs through a drill for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) celebrates intercepting a Mississippi State pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU Tigers cornerback Cordale Flott (25) defends during the an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Sep. 4, 2021 in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won, 38-27. (Ric Tapia via AP)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) plays against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La,. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) runs during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) during an NCAA football game against Georgia Southern, Saturday, August 31, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU Tigers cornerback Cordale Flott (25) defends during the an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Sep. 4, 2021 in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won, 38-27. (Ric Tapia via AP)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott plays against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) celebrates a defensive stop in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
San Diego State Aztecs tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) in an offensive stance during the NCAA college football game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Carson, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) waits for the ball to snap in the second half, of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger runs on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) pulls in a pass next to Hawaii linebacker Jeremiah Pritchard (2), but out of bound during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger catches a touchdown pass in front of Nevada defensive back Berdale Robins during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) catches a pass against San Jose State linebacker Alii Matau (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) catches a first down pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game with Nevada, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Lance Iversen)
San Diego State Aztecs tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) runs a route during the NCAA college football game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Carson, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
San Diego State Aztecs tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) runs a route during the NCAA college football game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Carson, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 49-7. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) signals after a Southern California fumble during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. Iowa won 49-24. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa's Dane Belton during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Justin Hayworth)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs on the field during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton reacts after making an interception against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) gets set for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) sets prior to a play at the line of scrimmage during the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis. Michigan won 42-3. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. Purdue won 24-7. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) ih action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. Michigan State won 20-15. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden lines up against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in College Park, Md. Maryland won 38-35. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Ohio State won 51-10. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) ih action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. Michigan State won 20-15. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana's Micah McFadden (47) intercepts a pass intended for Maryland's Brian Cobbs (15) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 27-11. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana University linebacker Micah McFadden, right, and defensive back Reese Taylor, converge on Western Kentucky University wide receiver Craig Burt Jr. during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Bowling Green, KY. IU held on to beat WKU 33-31. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) tackles Michigan running back Karan Higdon (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) sacks Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) in the backfield during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-3. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Indiana's Micah McFadden (47) celebrates with Weston Kramer (99) and Demarcus Elliott (94) after McFadden recovered a fumble after during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Purdue's King Doerue (22) is tackled by Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) and defensive back Marcelino McCrary-Ball (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in West Lafayette, Ind.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Southern Utah running back David Moore III (30) is stopped by Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson (98) and defensive end Michael Matus (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson (98) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona State defensive players Merlin Robertson (8) D.J Davidson (98) and Darien Butler (20) smother Colorado State tailback Alex Fontenot (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept 25, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
OL Marcus McKethan
OL Marcus McKethan
OL Marcus McKethan
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan, right, demonstrates his skills for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan (32) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan, right, demonstrates his skills for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Murray State Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) defends during the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won, 27-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati runs through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers chases after a Navy player during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Annapolis, Md. Cincinnati won 27-20. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati (56) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) covers during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulane in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Cincinnati won 31-12. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati runs through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) covers during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulane in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Cincinnati won 31-12. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati runs through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The most intriguing Day 2 pick was WR Wan'Dale Robinson
Dan Salomone: Fiction – Versatility is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but third-round pick Joshua Ezeudu took it to a different level at North Carolina. He not only made starts at three different positions throughout his career, Ezeudu had the ability to switch positions mid-drive. "He's impressive," general manager Joe Schoen said. "It's rare. I was fortunate enough to see him play live twice this year, Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh. He's a big man, and it's impressive. Again, he could play multiple spots not only on a week-to-week basis but within a game, within drives. So, it's very impressive, and he's an outstanding kid. You guys will like getting to know him."
Lance Medow: Fact – In just one season at Kentucky, Wan'Dale Robinson made his presence felt by setting school records for receptions (104), receiving yards (1,334) and 100-yard receiving games (6). If that's not impressive enough, he also contributed on special teams and was utilized as a running back. Robinson is an extremely versatile player going back to the beginning of his collegiate career at Nebraska and Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka will tap into that skillset based on how they've used similar weapons such as Isaiah McKenzie and Mecole Hardman in Buffalo and Kansas City, respectively. All three players are 5-10 or shorter and have similar abilities.
Matt Citak: Fact – Wan'Dale Robinson flew somewhat under the radar heading into the draft, but his performance at Kentucky last season was special. Robinson set new school records with his 104 receptions for 1,334 yards, adding seven touchdowns along with seven rushes for 111 yards (15.9 avg.). His 91.3 overall grade from PFF was the highest among all SEC receivers, topping fellow early-round picks Jameson Williams, Treylon Burks and John Metchie III, to name a few. Robinson also registered 134 rush attempts in his two seasons at Nebraska, highlighting his special abilities. The Giants don't make this pick unless the staff has a plan in mind for the 5-foot-8 receiver.
The most intriguing Day 3 pick was TE Daniel Bellinger
Dan Salomone: Fact – Pride in blocking without any drops as a senior sound pretty intriguing. The fourth-round pick out of San Diego State said his trusty hands were a result of always playing catch with his dad, who would voice his displeasure every time he dropped the ball. He also has the ability to stretch the field when needed, as evidence by his 73-yard catch in 2021, which was the longest by an Aztec tight end since at least the 1996 season.
Lance Medow: Fiction – Dane Belton is the most intriguing third-day selection. Daniel Bellinger did most of his damage as a blocker at San Diego State based on the Aztecs' scheme and has upside as a receiver. Although it will be interesting to see how his talents translate to the Giants' offense, the team may rely on several different tight ends. Belton played safety and outside linebacker at Iowa, thanks to his hybrid role in the Hawkeyes' defense and collected five interceptions in 2021. The combination of his skills and production make him appealing, especially when you take into consideration how much Wink Martindale relies on blitzing.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Bellinger saw his role in the passing game increase each year at San Diego State, and the Giants certainly hope he can develop into their top tight end in time. But the Day 3 pick who could step in and make an impact in his rookie year is Micah McFadden. It is no secret that Wink Martindale loves to blitz. Well, McFadden picked up 6.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 12 games for Indiana last season, earning an elite 92.0 pass rush grade from PFF. This was the highest pass rush grade among ALL off-ball linebackers last season. In fact, McFadden registered 6.0 sacks in only eight games in 2020, which helped him earn an 85.8 overall PFF grade. McFadden appears to be a perfect fit for Martindale's defense, and after serving as Indiana's team captain for two seasons, should also bring some additional leadership to the Big Blue locker room.
