NFL Draft Experts debate if Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis or Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell would be a better fit for the Giants.
With our "Make the Case" series on Giants.com, we look at projections provided by two draft experts and then ask you, the fans, to weigh in on which player you would like the Giants to select with the 23rd pick in the first round.
In this debate, we look at Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis vs. Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell.
Be sure to vote and Make YOUR Case in the comments below!
Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. projected Davis, a 6-foot-1, 238-pound linebacker who finished second on the team in total tackles in 2016 despite missing four games due to a pair of injuries. He was selected as one of five finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Butkus Award.
Kiper: "An ankle injury kept Davis out of workouts at the combine, but he had a spectacular pro day, running a 4.56 40 with a 38½-inch vertical," Kiper said. "Kelvin Sheppard started 11 games at middle linebacker for the Giants last season, but he's a free agent, while 2016 first-round pick B.J. Goodson only played 14 snaps. The versatile Davis, my No. 2 inside linebacker, would slot in on Day 1."
VS.
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
ESPN colleague Todd McShay liked McDowell, who earned second-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2016. The 6-foot-6, 295-pounder collected 90 tackles, including 24.5 for losses and 7.5 sacks, in 36 career games with the Spartans.
McShay: "McDowell is the most talented interior pass rusher in the draft, but he didn't play with the same passion and toughness this past season, which is a red flag," McShay said. "The veterans along the Giants' defensive line can show him how to be a pro."
