USAT: Giants Wire audio clip

USAT: Giants Wire

Feb 12, 2022

NFL Network’s analytics expert, Cynthia Frelund, always has interesting takes. In her initial mock draft this year, Frelund doesn’t predict which player each team will take in the first round of the draft, she lists the players each should take if they want to ‘win now.’ - When it comes to the New York Giants, who hold the fifth and seventh overall selections, Frelund keeps it simple — get bigger, badder and nastier up front on each side of the ball. - Round 1, Pick 5: Ikem Ekwonu N.C. State · OT · Junior - Pro Football Focus loves what Ekwonu did in N.C. State’s run-blocking game, counting 18 big-time blocks this past season — seven more than the next closest guy. He also has experience playing both left tackle and left guard. Not only would Daniel Jones appreciate this pick, but so would Saquon Barkley (which also helps Jones). - Can’t argue here. If the Giants’ offense and Daniel Jones are ever going to turn this thing around, they’ll need to solidify the offensive line. This pick is a good start. Ekwonu is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound road grader who would compliment another former first round tackle — Andrew Thomas — to provide those ‘bookends’ that teams crave long the O-Line. - Round 1, Pick 7: George Karlaftis Purdue · Edge · Junior - Karlaftis’ résumé includes reps aligned over and outside the tackle, which means at his size (he will likely measure around 6-foot-4 at the NFL Scouting Combine) teams will consider how he might be valuable in hybrid fronts and rushing from the inside as well as the outside. His ability to both win after making contact (response win rate) and ability to pressure opposing QBs when they get outside of the pocket rank in the top 88th percentile of the 10-season sample. - Karlaftis has a Bosa-like quality to his game, and what defense couldn’t use some of that? New defensive coordinator Wink Martindale will stress quarterback pressure and an EDGE presence such as Karlaftis could make him look like a genius right off the bat. - Follow the Giants Wire Podcast: - Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Giants Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Giants Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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