New York Giants: Reaction To Mel Kiper and Todd McShay Dueling Mock Drafts

Mel Kiper Round One Selection

In Round One, Kiper has the Giants selecting Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis. Linebacker has been a need for the Giants for a long time. Since Antonio Pierce retired, the Giants have lacked a leader at the second level of their defense.

Here is what Kiper has to say about the selection.

"An ankle injury kept Davis out of workouts at the combine, but he had a spectacular pro day, running a 4.56 40 with a 38½-inch vertical. Kelvin Sheppard started 11 games at middle linebacker for the Giants last season, but he’s a free agent, while 2016 first-round pick B.J. Goodson only played 14 snaps. The versatile Davis, my No. 2 inside linebacker, would slot in on Day 1."

Sheppard is unlikely to be retained as he graded out poorly last season. Goodson will be given a chance before retaining Sheppard. Bringing in a veteran would make some sense, but the Giants like Keenan Robinson and could use him at middle linebacker in certain packages.

The Giants have not selected a linebacker in the first round since Carl Banks in 1984. Almost every year there is a linebacker the Giants have a chance to select in the first round and pass on doing so. Will this be the year that changes? Another linebacker to keep Vanderbilt’s, Zach Cunningham.