5. GIANTS – Cincinnati CB Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner
If the draft falls this way, it would be pretty easy to make the Giants’ next two picks at this point, at least by position. One figures to be a tackle – one has always figured to be a tackle -- and the other will either be a corner or an edge rusher and it may depend on whether Gardner is available. Here, he is available, so the only question is whether the Giants take him here or at 7. Since there’s only one Gardner and multiple tackles that I think the Giants would consider here, I’ll say they’ll take the 6-foot-3, 190-pound corner first. It will fill a huge need, especially if they trade James Bradberry – something they remain very likely to do. He’d also immediately be their No. 1 cornerback. Yes, right tackle is more of a priority and the Carolina Panthers certainly could take one at the next pick. But I don’t think that’s what the Panthers are going to do …
6. Carolina Panthers – Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett
Let the Quarterback Parade begin! It’s only fitting that it starts with Carolina, since they were in on every available quarterback over the last two years. They came up empty, of course, and don’t seem inclined to roll with Sam Darnold or Cam Newton. The only question is which quarterback in the draft Matt Rhule will prefer. Liberty’s Malik Willis might be the best prospect, but Rhule has a history with Pickett. Back in 2016, Pickett committed to play for Rhule at Temple. It never happened, though, because Pickett eventually decommitted and went to Pitt and Rhule left Temple for Baylor. Not that anyone would be crazy enough to draft a player based on a six-year-old history, but impressions can last and familiarity helps. Regardless, this is the current flash point for quarterbacks. Any teams that want one know they have to get above the Panthers to get their top choice.
7. GIANTS – Alabama OT Evan Neal
It wasn’t that long ago that the 6-foot-7, 350-pound Neal was a possible No. 1 overall pick. But that’s before the Jaguars went heavy on linemen in free agency, before multiple edge rushers seemed to crash the prospective Top 10, and before the quarterback frenzy began. The Giants would be happy with either Neal or Ekwonu at 5 or 7, and Mississippi State’s Charles Cross is a good option too if both of them are gone. In case it wasn’t obvious already, both GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll indicated to reporters at the NFL owners meetings this week that they need to add a right tackle. They loaded up on cheap, veteran linemen in free agency, but mostly on the interior. Right tackle is, and has always been, their top priority for the draft and Neal has the size, power and footwork that make him look like a future Pro Bowler. He’d instantly be the best right tackle the Giants have had in a decade.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Liberty QB Malik Willis
Flashpoint No. 2 for the quarterbacks is Atlanta, after the Falcons went all-in on Deshaun Watson and then traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. They did sign Marcus Mariota, but he’s only a stop-gap solution. Willis, who dazzled scouts with his strong arm at his Pro Day, could be their future and spending a year behind Mariota would give him time to grow into the job. This could also be the landing spot for Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton if the Falcons don’t take a quarterback or someone jumps ahead of them. Hamilton is falling here because I believe his non-premium position makes him one of the players who’ll be hurt the most by quarterbacks crashing the Top 10.
9. Seattle Seahawks – Mississippi State OT Charles Cross
After trading Russell Wilson, they clearly want a quarterback because they just can’t think Drew Lock is the long-term answer for them. Unfortunately, even at No. 9 they probably need to move up unless they take what would be widely viewed as a huge reach for Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral. If they stay put, they are more likely to address other needs. Kyle Hamilton would probably be the best player on their board at this point, but they already have the most expensive safety duo in football with Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. Taking the 6-foot-5, 307-pound Cross would be a big step towards rebuilding their offensive line. They need to make sure their next quarterback doesn’t force his way out of town in part because he’s tired of getting hit so much.
10. JETS – Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson
In case it wasn’t clear that the Jets are looking for a No. 1 receiver, the Tyreek Hill chase was a reminder. Had the Jets landed Hill, they wouldn’t need a receiver here, but they didn’t, so the search continues. Douglas has indicated he’s still “ready to strike” if a No. 1 receiver becomes available in trade, but right now there are no indications that any are. So unless – or until -- someone like, say, D.K. Metcalf pops up, it’s to the draft they go. It’s a deep draft for receivers, but there are two that are beginning to emerge as the class of the class: The 6-foot, 183-pound Wilson and USC’s 6-foot-4, 219-pound Drake London. I thought the Jets might lean towards size, but their pursuit of Hill indicates a preference for speed. Wilson opened some eyes with his 4.38 in the 40 at the combine. London, who is rehabbing an ankle injury, didn’t run at the combine or USC’s Pro Day. There are indications he won’t even run at his own personal Pro Day on April 5, which makes it even more likely he won’t be the first receiver off the board.
