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Dave Gettleman may have taken a big step towards fixing the Giants' offensive line, but he knows he's not done yet. His next step -- finding a center - could come as early as the second round.
But the Giants GM also has several other interesting options as he gets set to make the fourth pick of Round 2 (36th overall), and then his pick late in Round 3 (99th). There's a top-rated safety still on the board, as well as a surprising number of edge rushers many projected to go in the first. He has a chance to fill a couple of very big needs.
So who will Gettleman take with his next two picks? Here are 10 players to watch on Day 2 of the NFL Draft...
Alabama S Xavier McKinney
Generally considered the best safety in the draft (not including Isaiah Simmons, for those who consider him a safety), the 6-foot, 201-pounder has the power to play in the box and the speed (4.63 in the 40) to be good in coverage. His versatility makes him a good fit for the opening next to Jabrill Peppers. And the last time the Giants took an Alabama who surprisingly slipped to Round 2 (2015, Landon Collins) it worked out pretty well.
Wisconsin LB Zach Baun
The Giants have shown a lot of interest in this 6-2, 238-pounder who had a shot to go in the first round. He burst onto the scene last year with 12 ½ sacks for the Badgers. Scouts like his 4.65 speed, but love his quick burst off the edge. He could have an instant impact as the edge rusher the Giants so desperately need.
LSU C Lloyd Cushenberry
The Giants looked around the free agent market at center, so they're interested in an upgrade, especially with incumbent starter John Halapio's status likely to be uncertain until at least June (torn Achilles). The 6-3, 312-pounder would be an instant improvement and give the Giants the powerful push in the middle they've been lacking for years.
Temple C Matt Hennessy
The brother of the Jets' long-snapper (Thomas Hennessy), he's been a favorite of scouts lately for his outstanding technique. He probably needs to add some muscle to his 6-4, 307-pound frame, which makes him more of a third-round option. Still, he's good enough to compete for a starting job right away.
Video: Dave Gettleman and Joe Judge talk Andrew Thomas pick
Penn State DE/LB Yetur Gross-Matos
He's got impressive size (6-5, 266), which makes some scouts think he's more suited for a 4-3 defense. He's also a little raw, despite 9 ½ sacks last year and 17 ½ in his two years as a starter. He has potential, though, and no one knows that better than the Giants' new defensive line coach, Sean Spencer -- a.k.a. "Coach Chaos" -- who spent the last six years as the defensive line coach at Penn State.
Wisconsin C Tyler Biadasz
The three-year starter won the Remington Trophy as the nation's top center in 2019. He's 6-4, 314 and probably needs to bulk up a little bit because he can struggle against big, powerful inside rushers. He's good enough to start quickly, though. He's described as solid, but not spectacular.
Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa
There was a time when the 6-5, 275-pounder was considered the second-best pass rusher in the draft behind Chase Young and a lock to be a Top 20 pick. That was a while ago, and his fall speaks to the general feeling that this is not a good pass-rushing class. But he's got an upside and did have 22 sacks in his final two years for the Hawkeyes. He's another, though, that could be better suited to a 4-3.
Clemson S K'Von Wallace
Though he's not quite the prospect as the top safeties in this draft, the 6-1, 206-pounder has some impressive traits. One is his speed (4.53), which makes up for any technique issues in coverage. He's also a strong tackler and a dangerous blitzer, which makes him an interesting weapon for new Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to use.
LSU S Grant Delpit
A big safety (6-2, 213) who charges like a bull, hits hard and can cover a tight end? That certainly sounds like something the Giants need. His play can be erratic at times, so he'll need some time to grow. One scout said he plays like former LSU safety (and current Jet) Jamal Adams, but isn't the same kind of emotional leader.
Pitt CB Dane Jackson
The Giants spent a lot of money on James Bradberry and drafted DeAndre Baker in the first round last year, but they still need a third corner and some depth. The jury is out on Sam Beal and Corey Ballentine, so competition is coming. The 6-foot, 187-pound Jackson has decent speed (4.57) and should be there late in the third. A three-year starter for the Panthers, he could push for the third or fourth cornerback job.