The Giants.com staff debates the team's best draft pick since selecting Lawrence Taylor in 1981:
As the days on the countdown clock to the 2018 NFL Draft turn to single digits, we check in with the latest projections for the New York Giants at No. 2. Here are the mock drafts currently making the rounds as of Monday morning:
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Pick: Round 1 (No. 2 overall): Sam Darnold, QB, USC; Round 2 (34): Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia; Round 3 (66): Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State; Round 3 (69): Da'Shawn Hand, DL, Alabama
Analysis: "I still think the Giants should grab a quarterback with their pick (unless they get blown away by a trade offer)."
Pick: Round 1 (2): Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State; Round 2 (34): Sony Michel, RB, Georgia; Round 3 (66): Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State; Round 3 (69): Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC
Analysis: "If new head coach Pat Shurmur is truly committed to Eli Manning and thinks the team can compete now, then New York goes best player available instead of taking a QB here. It would be tough to pass on [Saquon] Barkley, but with Jason Pierre-Paul gone, pass rush is a big need. Chubb is a complete player and can start immediately. Michel would fit the glaring need at running back and could contribute in the passing game. Rankin needs more experience, but would upgrade the talent level on the offensive line. Nwosu would double down on pass-rushing help and could start as a situational rusher off the edge."
Pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Analysis: "If the Giants are indeed determined to land a future Pro Football Hall of Famer -- GM Dave Gettleman has said he's looking for a gold-jacket guy at No. 2 -- I believe Barkley is the best choice with this pick."
Pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State
Analysis: "The G-Men add the best "big man" in the draft when they pick Chubb to replace JPP on the edge."
**Charley Casserly, NFL Network**
Pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Analysis: "The Giants believe Eli Manning can still play well. They give him a chance to do that with the signing of LT Nate Solder and selection of Barkley."
**Chad Reuter, NFL.com**
Pick: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Analysis: "Eli Manning is the Giants' quarterback in 2018, but I won't be surprised if the team decides to move on after next season so their young star can lead the franchise for the next 12-15 years."
**Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com**
Pick:
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Analysis: "Do the Giants stay put at No. 2? Do they draft a quarterback? Right now, I'll say yes to both, pegging Rosen to be the future of the franchise."
Pick: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Analysis: "Darnold (or another young quarterback) to groom behind 37-year old Eli Manning would give head coach Pat Shurmur an ideal foundation to continue New York's transition, with a trade down to another QB-needy club (Buffalo?) also a strong possibility."
Pick: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Analysis: "This spot may be where the draft truly begins to take shape. New general manager Dave Gettleman has a wealth of options, whether taking a non-quarterback who can help Eli Manning and Co. right away or trading back to stockpile picks. New York hasn't had a top-five pick since 2004, however, and should strongly the consider the opportunity to take a franchise passer. Darnold is a prodigious talent whose physical and mental makeup make him a perfect pick as Manning's apprentice."
Pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Analysis: "I'll be shocked if Dave Gettleman picks a running back over a defensive end here or if he takes less than a king's ransom to move out of this selection."
Pick (projected trade to No. 5): Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Analysis: "The Giants move down three spots, picking up the No. 40 and 106 picks in the process. They also get the player they probably would have taken at No. 2 in the first place, solidifying the weakest area of their team with a dominant offensive lineman."
