2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants 3-round mock 4.0

With the additional second-round pick that the New York Giants receive in their trade with the Arizona Cardinals, they add even more talent for James Bettcher’s new defense.

The Giants have needed better linebacker play since Antonio Pierce was released following the 2009 season. Jerry Reese refused to address the position early in the draft but Dave Gettleman has a different view on linebackers.

Gettleman had the privilege of inheriting two of the best linebackers in the NFL in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis when he got to Carolina. That didn’t stop him from drafting Shaq Thompson in the first round in 2015.

Now inheriting B.J. Goodson and two free agents in Jonathan Casillas and Devon Kennard, Gettleman will assuredly add linebackers this offseason.

Roquan Smith is the most talented linebacker in this year’s class and I love the idea of the Giants drafting Malik Jefferson, but Rashaan Evans is another talented linebacker who could start from day one.

Evans has sideline to sideline speed, making plays all over the field. He plays fast and physical, taking on blockers before shedding them and taking down the ball carrier.

Evans is a sure tackler, can hold his own in coverage, and is an excellent blitzer. His blitzing ability, in particular, should entice Bettcher as he loved to blitz while in Arizona.

Jon Dove of With the First Pick is a big fan of Evans:

"Rashaan Evans is a do-everything linebacker prospect who makes a constant impact on the game. He brings a physical presence to the field by delivering big hits. Evans also uses his speed to make plays from sideline to sideline. … Overall, this is an excellent prospect who should be an immediate starter in the NFL."

B.J. Goodson was good against the run when healthy in 2017, but he struggled in coverage and staying healthy wasn’t easy for him either. Evans is better against the pass and has more speed.

Goodson and Evans could form a solid inside linebacker duo in Bettcher’s 3-4 scheme. As the “Mike” linebacker, Goodson can take on blockers while Evans, the “Will” linebacker, uses his sideline to sideline speed to chase down ball carriers or take down the quarterback.

Rashaan Evans has the chance to follow in C.J. Mosley and Reuben Foster’s footsteps as the next great Alabama linebacker to excel in the NFL and give Giants fans what they’ve been starved of for a long time.