2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants 3-round mock 5.0
By Sean Dyer
Roquan Smith. player. 31. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Georgia. 1
The New York Giants have needed a middle linebacker since Antonio Pierce was commanding the defense.
Switching to James Bettcher’s 3-4 defensive scheme will put increased importance on the linebacker position. With Roquan Smith, however, Big Blue’s defense will be set for years.
Fifth overall may seem high for a linebacker but Dave Gettleman knows what a top-10 linebacker can do for a defense after having Luke Keuchly in the middle of the Carolina Panthers defense.
Smith is the top linebacker prospect in this year’s class. He has sideline to sideline speed and makes plays all over the field. Smith is a great run defender and also excels in pass coverage.
The only real weakness of Smith’s game is he’s a tad undersized. However, WalterFootball.com sees an easy solution:
"Given that size issue, he could have problems with runs coming straight at him and getting off blocks. To maximize his effectiveness, he needs to be protected from taking on a lot of blocks."
Who better to keep blockers away from Smith than Damon Harrison? “Snacks” is the NFL’s best run defender and he will allow Smith to run freely to ball carriers.
Undersized linebackers have also become a bit of a trend lately. Telvin Smith, Deion Jones, and Deone Bucannon have all found success playing linebacker at under 225 lb. Bucannon, in particular, excelled in Bettcher’s defense with the Cardinals.
Roquan Smith should have no problem at middle linebacker in the Giants defense. Putting Smith behind Harrison and Dalvin Tomlinson in the middle of the defense should help New York become one of the toughest teams to run against.