New York Giants Select Takkarist McKinley In Recent Mock Draft
In Todd McShay’s latest mock draft he has the New York Giants selecting defensive end/linebacker Takkarist McKinley out of UCLA.
The New York Giants had a successful 2016 season, going 11-5 in the regular season. The postseason ended on a low note with an ugly loss to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card game. While the ending was disappointing, the Giants are set up well for the near future.
If they want to capitalize on that success and take the next step they have to make the most of their selections in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The needs are clear for the Giants heading into the offseason. The offensive line needs an infusion of talent and there could be a need along the defensive line as well; it depends on what General Manager Jerry Reese decides to do with Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins. If Pierre-Paul leaves, the Giants could really use a pass rusher.
As always, the Giants could also really use some help at linebacker. Tight end could use some help as well. The Giants have some developmental players in Will Tye and Jerell Adams but if they can add a top prospect at the position they would certainly consider it.
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Does Todd McShay have the Giants addressing any of these needs in his latest mock draft? In his first mock draft, he had them filling the need at linebacker, selecting Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham. This time around, he has them going back to the well defensively again.
In his second mock draft, McShay has the Giants selecting Takkarist McKinley out of UCLA. McKinley is a defensive end/linebacker hybrid and could help fill the spot left by Pierre-Paul should he leave in free agency. Here is what McShay said about McKinley landing with New York.
"Tight end would also be a strong possibility if either Howard or Njoku were still on the board. With both gone and Jason Pierre-Paul slated to become a free agent, the Giants could be in the market for another pass-rusher. McKinley has versatility, and I love his motor. He’s a natural pass-rusher with elite speed off the edge, recording 18 TFLs and 10 sacks in 2016."
With the 23rd pick the Giants have a lot of options. In this mock draft, they could land offensive tackle Cam Robinson or Garett Bolles, who go off the board after Jarrad Davis, another option for the Giants. All three, like McKinley, would fill a current need for New York.
As McShay mentions, the tight end options could really intrigue the Giants if they fall to them. O.J. Howard and David Njoku went within the four picks before the Giants. But, since they are off the board, McKinley is the selection this time.
He was productive this past season for the Bruins and would give the Giants a nice insurance plan on the offensive line. Pass rush has always been a calling card for the Giants, and McKinley would fit that bill.
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This would also be a historic pick for the Giants. Pass rush and dominant linebackers have been what the Giants defense has been built upon. But, they haven’t selected a linebacker in the first round since 1984 when they selected Carl Banks. Could this be the year that drought ends? If either of McShay’s mock drafts come to fruition for the Giants the streak will come to an end.