Mel Kiper, Daniel Jeremiah update Giants picks in latest mocks

With the first wave of free agency now in the books, many of the top draft pundits have updated their first-round predictions for next month's NFL Draft.

The latest to do so are known for being two of the best in the business - ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

First up is Kiper, who predicted the Giants will add another offensive weapon for Daniel Jones to target in the passing game.

Pick: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Analysis: "Quarterback Daniel Jones is back on a four-year deal, and the Giants' front office has prioritized playmakers around him. New York has given the franchise tag to running back Saquon Barkley, re-signed wideouts Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard, traded for tight end Darren Waller and added receiver Parris Campbell on a one-year deal. That's an upgraded depth chart, which also includes promising 2022 second-rounder Wan'Dale Robinson. How about one more? Addison put up huge numbers for Pitt and USC over the past three seasons, and he could be a plug-and-play starter, getting reps in the slot and outside. This is how the Giants' passing offense can take a big step forward." -- Kiper

Addison began his collegiate career at Pittsburgh, where he reeled in 60 passes for 666 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman back in 2020. The 6-foot, 173-pound wideout firmly planted himself on the NFL radar with his breakout performance the following season. Across 14 games, Addison registered 100 receptions for 1,593 yards and a whopping 17 touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. He was named Consensus All-American along with First-Team All-ACC, in addition to winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top wide receiver.

After transferring to USC, Addison played in 11 games for the Trojans last season. He recorded 59 receptions for 875 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to being selected First-Team All-Pac-12.

Now on to Jeremiah. In his previous mock draft, the NFL Network analyst selected Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt to the Giants at No. 25. Following the first week of free agency, Jeremiah changed his pick for the Giants, replacing the wideout with more protection up front.

Pick: Joe Tippmann, IOL, Wisconsin

Analysis: "The Giants did a nice job adding some much-needed speed to the skill positions in free agency. Tippmann would team up with two young, talented offensive tackles to protect Daniel Jones for the foreseeable future." -- Jeremiah

Tippman saw his first significant action as a redshirt sophomore in 2021, when he played in 11 games with 10 starts at center. He helped block for the No. 2 rushing offense in the Big Ten with an average of 210.9 yards per game.

The 6-foot-6, 317-pound lineman shined in 2022, starting 12 games at center before declaring for the draft and forgoing the Guaranteed Rate Bowl this past December. He allowed just one sack and five total pressures on 338 pass blocking snaps, which helped him earn a selection as All-Big Ten Honorable Mention for the second consecutive season. Tippmann was also an Academic All-Big Ten honoree from 2020-2022 as he majored in Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies.

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