What offseason?
Since playing their final game of the 2021 season and securing the fifth and seventh overall selections, the Giants have gone through the process of hiring a new general manager and head coach. Now, it's Senior Bowl Week. And, as the slogan goes, the draft starts in Mobile.
The annual college all-star game will be played on Saturday, but much of the evaluation takes place beforehand during the week of practices and interviews. Last year, the Senior Bowl broke its record with 106 players selected in the draft, representing 41 percent of the entire 2021 class. Over the past three drafts (2019-2021), 88.4 percent of the players made an active 53-man NFL roster at some point during their rookie season.
What happens this week in Alabama will surely affect draft boards around the league from the first round to the final pick. Here is a look at the pre-Senior Bowl projections for the Giants:
Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Analysis: "There has been a lot of recent buzz around Ekwonu, whose stock is rising. He dominated at left tackle for the Wolfpack this season after playing some guard earlier in his career. Based on the 2021 tape, there's not much separating Ekwonu from Evan Neal, and I wouldn't be surprised if Ekwonu was the top tackle off the board in April. He has All-Pro potential as a run-blocker and as a pass-blocker."
Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, OLB, Michigan
Analysis: "Ojabo can help the pass rush immediately. He had an incredibly impressive season, racking up 11 sacks and five forced fumbles while playing opposite my projected No. 1 pick, Aidan Hutchinson. He doesn't have Hutchinson's all-around game -- he has to get better against the run -- but as a pure pass-rusher, he has a very high ceiling. With these two top-seven selections, New York can get high-end starters on both sides of the ball."
Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State
Analysis: "This would be a home-run pick for a team in need of upgrades along the offensive line. Andrew Thomas has emerged as a legit starter, but the Giants need more help for Daniel Jones. Ekwonu is strong, powerful and nasty."
Pick for No. 7: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Analysis: "Lloyd is a fun player to study. He flies around the field and makes a bunch of plays on the ball. His intangibles are off the charts. I could see the 2021 Pac-12 Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year emerge as a key leader for the Giants' defense."
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his final edition of the top 50 prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.
No. 50 Logan Hall, DT, Houston
No. 49 David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
No. 48 Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
No. 47 Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
No. 46 Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
No. 45 Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
No. 44 Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
No. 43 Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
No. 42 Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
No. 41 Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
No. 40 Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
No. 39 Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
No. 38 Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
No. 37 Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
No. 36 Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
No. 35 Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
No. 34 Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
No. 33 Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
No. 32 Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
No. 31 Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
No. 30 Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
No. 29 Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
No. 28 Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
No. 27 Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
No. 26 Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
No. 25 Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
No. 24 Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
No. 23 Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
No. 22 Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
No. 21 Dax Hill, S, Michigan
No. 20 Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
No. 19 Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
No. 18 George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
No. 17 Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
No. 16 Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
No. 15 Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
No. 14 Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
No. 13 Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
No. 12 Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
No. 11 Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
No. 10 Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
No. 9 Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
No. 8 Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
No. 7 Drake London, WR, Southern California
No. 6 Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
No. 5 Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
No. 4 Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
No. 3 Ickey Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
No. 2 Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
No. 1 Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Pick for No. 5: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Analysis: "Karlaftis wins with power and has proven disruptive even though he often sees double-teams for Purdue -- and like Leonard Williams, he is versatile enough to rush from inside when needed."
Pick for No. 7: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Analysis: "Dean has sideline-to-sideline range and is an artist at slipping blocks, hunting down ball carriers and blowing up plays. Just look at this 13-game stat line for the season: 62 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and a touchdown."
Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Analysis: "Rebuilding the Giants' offensive line has to be a top priority for new general manager Joe Schoen. As a Day 1 starter, Cross could immediately help Big Blue re-establish a blue-collar mentality on offense."
Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Analysis: "The Giants have always been at their best when a dominant defensive front can take over the game. The ultra-twitchy pass rusher from Michigan would add significant juice."
Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Analysis: "His balance will fade as the play progresses, but he has a rare mix of size, athleticism and flexibility to make plays in pass protection and the run game."
Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Analysis: "Safety isn't the most glaring need on the Giants' depth chart, but with a new general manager and head coach, they will be looking to draft impact players, above everything else, in the top 10. And Hamilton might be the most talented player in the draft, regardless of position. At 6-3 and 218 pounds, Hamilton is a super-sized safety with the range and length to be a matchup weapon in the NFL. Though his physical traits stand out, it is his football IQ that is most impressive, sensing what is about to happen and being disruptive."
Pick for No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Analysis: "Thibodeaux coming off the board at No. 5 might feel like a "fall," given that he was the consensus No. 1 overall pick just a few months ago. But after learning more about the class, it makes more sense that his range falls between Pick 1 and Pick 5. He still could very well be the first player taken in the draft, but if he's not, there's no guarantee he's the next name after that. His natural gifts as a pass-rusher make him a top-five lock, but I'll give some hope to Giants fans because I do think it could play out like this, given the talent at the top of the class and the potential team needs in the top five."
Pick for No. 7: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
Analysis: "Yeah, yeah, I know. "You don't take a center this high." However, I genuinely think this is where Linderbaum's range begins, and I also think there's a chance he could be the Giants' second selection. New general manager Joe Schoen comes over from Buffalo, where he served as assistant GM for five years. He was Brandon Beane's right-hand man, and with 20 years of a scouting background, his voice was likely a very important one in the war room. The Bills have honed in on the trenches in each of their last three drafts — all five of their first and second-round picks since 2019 were spent on either offensive line or defensive line. Here, they went with a dynamic, high-ceiling pass protector at No. 5, and I bet Schoen is one of those GMs who simply says, "we're going to draft great football players in the trenches." Linderbaum is one of them."
Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State
Analysis: "At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Ekwonu has guard-tackle versatility but earned a legitimate shot to start his NFL career at offensive tackle after his spectacular 2021 campaign at left tackle with the Wolfpack. He earned a 91.6 overall grade and 93.8 run-blocking grade across more than 800 offensive snaps this season, the latter of which ranks sixth among all single-season marks for Power Five tackles since 2014. He's a true road grader in the run game with improved polish and footwork in pass protection. A player with his kind of skill set shouldn't fall past the first 10 picks in the draft."
Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Analysis: "Karlaftis will get tagged as just a lunchpail type with a high motor in a lot of lazy analysis this draft season, but he's so much more than that. The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder was extremely productive for Purdue this season and should surprise with his athletic testing at the combine. Karlaftis, another Feldman Freaks List member, reportedly recorded a 10-foot-1 broad jump, 37.5-inch vertical and 4.69-second 40-yard dash at just over 270 pounds this offseason. Boilermakers head coach Jeff Brohm also raved about Karlaftis' efforts on and off the field in a Tailgate interview before the season."
Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Analysis: "If you want pass protection, you might as well take the guy who did it 719 times at Mississippi State last season. Cross allowed only 16 pressures after allowing 44 as a redshirt freshman in 2020."
Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Analysis: "They got their pass protection earlier, and now they get their pass-rush. Karlaftis has inside-outside versatility and never has to come off the field. He averaged 55.6 snaps per game in 2021."
Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
Analysis: "This feels like best-case scenario for the Giants, who now have a new GM and head coach, and appear fully committed to Daniel Jones. Neal is one of the best offensive linemen in this class, and should Jones return, the Giants have to protect him."
Pick for No. 7: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa
Analysis: "If new coach Brian Daboll is indeed committed to Daniel Jones, then he'll need to fix the offensive line, even if that means using two top-10 picks on such players. Linderbaum is one of the best offensive linemen in the country. And although a center hasn't gone higher than No. 18 in the last dozen drafts Linderbaum is so good that it wouldn't be a surprise if he ended up going seventh overall."
Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State
Analysis: "Ekwonu could be an All-Pro caliber offensive guard, but he will be given a shot to stick at tackle."
Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Analysis: "Do not overthink good football players. Hamilton is a good football player who can play downhill or drop into coverage."
View photos of the best players ever to be selected with the Nos. 5 and 7 picks in NFL draft history.
1940: No. 7 C/LB Clyde "Bulldog" Turner (HOF)
1944: No. 5 HB Steve Van Buren (HOF)
1945: No. 5 HB/E Elroy Hirsch (HOF)
1946: No. 5 T George Connor (HOF)
1957: No. 5 QB Len Dawson (HOF)
1958: No. 7 LB Chuck Howley
1961: No. 5 TE Mike Ditka (HOF)
1964: No. 5 DE Carl Eller (HOF)
1965: No. 5 RB Gale Sayers (HOF)
1976: No. 5 DB Mike Haynes (HOF)
1979: No. 7 QB Phil Simms
1988: No. 7 WR Sterling Sharpe
1989: No. 5 DB Deion Sanders (HOF)
1990: No. 5 LB Junior Seau (HOF)
1992: No. 7 DB Troy Vincent
1994: No. 7 DT Bryant Young
1995: No. 5 QB Kerry Collins
1996: No. 7 WR Terry Glenn
1997: No. 7 WR Ike Hilliard
1999: No. 7 DB Champ Bailey (HOF)
2001: No. 5 RB LaDainian Tomlinson (HOF)
2004: No. 5 DB Sean Taylor
2007: No. 7 RB Adrian Peterson
2010: No. 5 DB Eric Berry
2011: No. 5 DB Patrick Peterson
2014: No. 5 LB Khalil Mack
2014: No. 7 WR Mike Evans
2015: No. 5 OL Brandon Scherff
2016: No. 5 CB Jalen Ramsey
2016: No. 7 DE DeForest Buckner
2018: No. 7 QB Josh Allen
2019: No. 5 LB Devin White
2021: No. 5 WR Ja'Marr Chase
Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Analysis: "Evan Neal is experienced at right tackle and brings a rare blend of size, power, and mobility to the table."
Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Analysis: "David Ojabo is the "other" edge rusher for Michigan, but he's an exceptional prospect in his own right. He features plenty of length, burst, and fluidity to be an impact defender in the NFL. His ability to string together counters is impressive and he can pair with Azeez Ojulari to provide the Giants with an exciting young duo of edge rushers."
Pick for No. 5: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Analysis: "The Giants would be smart to target the offensive line in the first round, perhaps multiple times to boost both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley."
Pick for No. 7: Ikem Ekwonu, G/OT, N.C. State (6-4, 320 pounds)
Analysis: "The Giants get another strong blocker with their two top-10 picks. Ekwonu is a strong, powerful run blocker with the nasty streak needed to dominate at times. He can play either inside or outside in the NFL, but with Linderbaum bolstering the middle, it would be nice to have Ekwonu flank left tackle Andrew Thomas on the right side."
Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Analysis: "Play him at guard, play him at tackle — just play him. He's a 6'4", 320-pound savage who will carve open lanes for Saquon Barkley and protect Daniel Jones."
Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Analysis: "Having added a game-changing offensive line piece with their first pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Giants turn to the defensive side of the ball and do the same. Michigan's David Ojabo has all the pass-rush tools and athletic upside to be a monster in New York. While I believe his Michigan teammate is the better overall prospect, I prefer the schematic fit of Ojabo in the Giants defense."
Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Analysis: "After proving himself this season to be a skillful pass protector in addition to a bully in the run game, Ekwonu looks like just the kind of blocker Big Blue needs."
Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Analysis: "At 6-4 and 220 pounds with massive range both in coverage and as a tackler, the two-time All-American can be utilized in an array of different manners. Pairing him with emerging standout Xavier McKinney would give the Giants a formidable tandem on the back end of their defense."
Pick for No. 5: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Analysis: "The pick of George Karlaftis really boils down to a fit and situation where New York needs all the pass rush help they can get on the outside and I see him as a complementary skill set to the powerful interior defenders the Giants already have at their disposal."
Pick for No. 7: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Analysis: "The Giants enjoyed a promising second season from Andrew Thomas in 2021, but offensive lines aren't made to go by just a single player up front. And in adding Evan Neal to the mix, the Giants suddenly have a first-team "All-First Off The Bus" combination at tackle between Thomas and Neal. Size, power, and athleticism are hallmarks of both of their games and it should give whoever the next head coach is a nice starting point to work with up front."
Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Analysis: "Neal, the safer of the top two offensive tackles, doesn't wait long to hear his name called. And he'll play his home games in the same stadium as Ekwonu! I have Neal a smidge ahead of Ekwonu on my personal rankings and there's no doubt he's going to be a top-five pick."
Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Analysis: "The Giants' second top-10 pick flips to the defensive side of the ball where New York lands Hutchinson's running mate in Ojabo, who had 11 sacks despite still learning the nuances of playing football. He's new to the sport (he began playing football as a junior in high school) and his upside is arguably just as high as Hutchinson's. Combined with Neal, the Giants land two potential cornerstone players as they kick off a new front office and head coaching regime."
Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Analysis: "Hamilton is pound-for-pound the best player in this draft. He immediately becomes a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball and can quickly mask some of the talent deficiencies that the Giants have at other defensive positions."
Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Analysis: "The last time the Giants were consistent NFC contenders, they had a tough, physically-imposing defense with guys like Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Jason Pierre-Paul."
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