Damien in Ohio: If Micah Parsons and Devonta Smith are available at No. 11 should the Giants consider taking Parsons over the Heisman winner? This year's wide receiver class is very deep, so they could wait till the second or third round to get a playmaker, right?.
John Schmeelk: This is a very plausible scenario. Fellow Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Waddle could be there instead of Smith, too. Your argument would be the best one for taking Parsons. The Giants can find a good, if not elite, wide receiver in Rounds 2-4. Taking Parsons, in the first round, however, would also leave other positions – such as pass rusher, cornerback and offensive line – to be filled later in the draft along with receiver. Since none of those needs are critical after GM Dave Gettleman's moves in free agency, those factors should not push the Giants off Parsons. If they believe Parsons is the better prospect after taking every factor into into consideration, Parsons should be the pick. This could be one of the more difficult decisions the Giants may have to make in the draft. Smith or Waddle could be special and Parsons could be an excellent run stopper with sideline-to-sideline speed who blitzes on passing downs (a la Devin White).
Rich in New York: The adage "bigger is better" was never more relevant than with today's NFL receivers. DeVonta Smith is a terrific prospect, but he is still only 170 pounds. The premier receivers are very big men, so I don't think the Giants should use a first-round pick on him. If wide receiver is the greatest need, they must take a guy who is fast and at least 6-1 and 210 pounds.
John Schmeelk: Your thoughts are understandable, but Ja'Marr Chase (6-0, 210) would not qualify, either. Chase is a physical specimen and extremely effective at the catch-point using his strength to make contested catches. He should qualify under anyone's standards. A variety of draft analysts on the Giants Huddle podcast (giants.com/podcasts/giantshuddle) have said Smith's weight is rarely an issue on his game tape. He beats press coverage and is rarely bullied by heavier cornerbacks. He is a tough player and willing blocker. He was also a model of heath at Alabama, spare a finger injury in the NCAA playoffs last year. If your worry is durability, Smith was healthy in college, and lower body injuries can happen to players with the thickest/most muscular legs (see Saquon Barkley). Smith could suffer upper-body injuries, or he might not but he is a special wide receiver. The comparisons analysts have made to Marvin Harrison and Isaac Bruce are real. Is there risk there? Sure. His weight is an outlier but he might be so great he overcomes it. Or he might not.
Luke in New York: As badly as I want the Giants to take a receiver at No. 11, Super Bowl LV reminded me how important it is to get pressure on the quarterback with your front four. Which player do you like more between Micah Parsons and Gregory Rousseau? And are there other pass rushers we should keep our eye on for the Giants to take in Round 1?
John Schmeelk: Parson is more of a blitzing linebacker than an edge rusher. Detailed thoughts about Rousseau can be found in the previous mailbag. The edge rusher class is interesting and it will really be a chef's choice scenario for teams based on how teams balance medical reports with game film and athletic testing. Azeez Ojulari is an interesting player who has shown the ability to win with speed, bend and hands rushing off the edge at Georgia - and he can fit into the Giants' scheme. And Joe Judge also has connections to Georgia with Kirby Smart having served under Nick Saban.
