2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants 3-round mock 5.0
By Sean Dyer
Dorance Armstrong Jr.. 3. player. 31. Scouting Report. EDGE. Kansas. Pick Analysis
By trading back in the first round, the New York Giants gained an extra third-round pick. This allows them to draft a player who still needs some developing but has huge potential.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. could stand to play more physically, play without hesitation, and add some bulk to his frame. However, when Armstrong is at his best, he’s a menace to opposing quarterbacks.
More from New York Giants
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- When will the New York Giants’ First Win Come?
- New York Giants Look Horrible in Loss to 49ers
- New York Giants to Play an Injured 49ers Team Sunday
- New York Giants: Breaking Down the Devonta Freeman Signing
Armstrong is quick off the snap and can use his speed to get to the quarterback. He also has a high motor which helps him chase down running backs.
The Big 12 is known as a conference where defense is optional, but no one told Armstrong. As a freshman, Armstrong started off as a situational pass rusher but quickly worked his way into the starting lineup. Armstrong broke out as a sophomore, registering 10.0 sacks and 20.0 tackles for loss. Armstrong recorded just 2.0 sacks in 2017 as a junior but had 9.5 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles.
What’s also impressive is that Armstrong got the quarterback by beating the likes of Connor Williams and Orlando Brown, two of the top offensive tackle prospects in this year’s class.
With the First Pick’s Jon Dove sees plenty of upside with Armstrong’s development depending on coaching:
"This is a prospect with a ton of upside based on his athletic profile. He flashes that potential, but needs to produce on a more consistent level. … His development would get a boost from working with NFL coaches who can focus on adding more to his pass rushing arsenal."
New York Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher is regarded as one of the best defensive minds in today’s game. He could bring out the best in Armstrong as an edge rusher in his 3-4 scheme.
Armstrong would also benefit from playing with pass rushers like Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul. Bettcher loves to blitz and Armstrong would give him another weapon to utilize.