NFL Mock Draft: 3-round predictions for the New York Giants
By Sean Dyer
Round 2 (No. 34 overall): Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
For those who wanted Saquon Barkley second overall, here’s a very good contingency plan.
The New York Giants need to improve their ground game and new general manager Dave Gettleman has vowed to get back to running the ball.
Orleans Darkwa and Wayne Gallman both had solid 2017 seasons but the former is a free agent who must be re-signed (there are no guarantees in free agency) and the latter only has 13 games and one NFL start in his young career.
The Giants also have Paul Perkins who should not be given up on just yet but Sony Michel is a special talent who can be added to Big Blue’s backfield.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller compares Michel to the Saints Alvin Kamara, who is likely to win the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. I think Giants fans wouldn’t mind a talent like Kamara on their roster.
To describe Michel, Miller uses the phrases “absolutely electric”, “home run hitter”, and “elusive pro-ready back”. I like what I saw from Darkwa and Gallman this past season but I would not describe them as absolutely electric or home run hitters.
Our friend Jon Dove over at With the First Pick is also a big fan of Michel. He has a great scouting report on the Georgia running back highlighting his strengths in both the run and pass game:
"A major part of Michel’s game that NFL coaches will love is his ability to contribute in the passing game. He is a sound route runner who makes clean cuts. This helps him create separation running room. He also has the speed to outpace linebackers who find themselves stuck in man coverage. Michel will also be able to stick on the field in passing situations because of his pass protection. He is a willing blocker who uses proper technique."
CBS Sports ranks Michel as the 47th overall prospect (No. 5 RB). He’s expected to be a second-round pick but a talented three-down back like him won’t be around for long.
If the Giants grab him at 34, they will add a dynamic runner to their backfield who will help take pressure off of Eli Manning and eventually, Josh Rosen.
This pick would also not spell the end for Darkwa and Gallman. Mixing Michel in with those two (as the Saints did with Kamara and Mark Ingram) will help keep Michel fresh and limit his injuries, arguably his biggest concern.