"Make the Case" is in session on Giants.com.
In this series, we look at projections provided by two analysts and then ask you, the fans, to weigh in on what the Giants should do in the draft. This week, the debate is on what the Giants should do in the second round.
Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN) projected USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson to the Giants in the second round (No. 36 overall) after picking Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons in the first round: "I wrote earlier that the Giants needed to take an offensive tackle early, and Jackson could fall into their lap at No. 36. He played 1,680 straight snaps at left tackle for the Trojans over the last two seasons, but he is still a developmental project in my eyes. He'll take some time to adjust, but he could be New York's long-term starter at either tackle spot."
Jackson, 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, appeared in 39 games with 25 starts for the Trojans. In 2019, he started all 13 games for his second season at left tackle as a junior. Jackson made the 2019 All-Pac-12 first team and won USC's Chris Carlisle Courage Award.
His grandfather, Melvin Jackson, played on the Trojans' 1974 national championship team and in 1975 he won the team's Lineman of the Year Award. Melvin Jackson then played five years (1976-80) in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers after being their 12th-round pick in the 1976 Draft.
View photos of USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson.
Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson looks on during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. Iowa won 49-24. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) looks on from the bench during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. Iowa won 49-24. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa, left, is blocked by Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC tackle Austin Jackson runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Southern California offensive lineman Austin Jackson participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Southern California offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Southern California offensive lineman Austin Jackson runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
USC offensive lineman Austin Jackson speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Southern California offensive lineman Austin Jackson speaks to the media during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
USC tackle Austin Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Dane Brugler (The Athletic) went with Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa in the second round and fellow Hawkeye Tristan Wirfs, an offensive tackle, with the fourth overall pick: "No Power 5 pass rusher had as many sacks as Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa from November through the bowl season. The 6-foot-5 1/8, 275-pound Epenesa produced eight of his 11.5 sacks over the Hawkeyes' final five games. Epenesa bullied Minnesota for 2.5, including one late on the Gophers' final offensive series, in a 23-19 win. In one of the season's top performances by any defender, Epenesa compiled 14 tackles, including five for loss, and two sacks in a win at Nebraska. In two of his final three games, Epenesa was named the Big Ten's defensive player of the week."
In his final college game, Epenesa was named the Holiday Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player. He was also one of five finalists for the Polynesian Player of the Year and earned first-team All-America honors by The Athletic. He picked up second-team All-America accolades by Walter Camp Foundation, The Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association. He was first-team All-Big Ten by league coaches and media. Prior to his final season, Epenesa led the Big Ten and ranked 12th nationally in sacks (10.5) in 2018.
View photos from the college career of Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) sacks Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) warms up before a game against Northwestern an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is sacked by Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) plays against Northwestern during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) works against Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa Hawkeyes end A.J. Epenesa during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Southern California Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) plays against Northwestern during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa, right, receives the defensive Most Valuable Player trophy following the team's Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Southern California on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. Iowa won 49-24. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 19-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) chases Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Illinois running back Reggie Corbin (2) is tackled by Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa, top, sacks Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) plays against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) plays against Michigan during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) warms up before a game against Northwestern an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) runs up field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa runs before an NCAA college football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan running back Zach Charbonnet (24) rushes, defended by Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94), in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. Michigan won 10-3. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa runs up field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) plays against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) sacks Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa gets set for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) runs up field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa warms up before an NCAA college football game against Miami of Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Justin Hayworth)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa rushes up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami of Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa walks on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami of Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa's A.J. Epenesa (94) celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) strips the ball from Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) during the first half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) strips the ball from Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) causing a fumble during the first half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. Iowa recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
FILE - In this Sept. 1, 2018, file photo, Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa, left, pressures Northern Illinois quarterback Marcus Childers during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's defensive line has a chance to be one of the best in school history. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) dives against Iowa linebacker Josey Jewell, left, and defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Purdue quarterback Elijah Sindelar is sacked by Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 33-7. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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