2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants 3-round mock 6.0

Not only do the New York Giants need edge rushers for their new 3-4 defense, but they need linebackers, badly.

The Giants have been in need of linebacker help. since the days of Antonio Pierce but Jerry Reese refused to address the position with any significant resources. However, 2018 appears to be the year Big Blue adds talent to their linebacking corps.

James Bettcher’s 3-4 scheme puts more responsibility on the linebackers and Dave Gettleman comes from the Carolina Panthers where he had one of the best linebacker units in the NFL. Gettleman inherited Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis but also draft Shaq Thompson in the first round in 2015. Bettcher and Gettleman both know the importance of good linebackers.

In our last installment, we had the Giants drafting Roquan Smith in the first round. Smith is the best linebacker in this year’s class but there are a few other intriguing prospects.

Rashaan Evans doesn’t quite have the instincts that Smith has, but he can really fly around the field. Evans has sideline to sideline speed and is a wrap-up tackler. He plays fast and physical, able to work through blocks and get to the ball carrier.

Evans’s athleticism and agility allow him to hold up in coverage and he’s also a great blitzer. Evans is a Bettcher-type prospect as the Giants new DC loves to blitz.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein is practically describing Big Blue when talking about Evans’s best fit:

"Evans is an ideal inside linebacker fit for a blitz-happy 3-4 unit, … Evans is an early starter with high-end potential if he can stay healthy."

Rashaan does have injury concerns, including a groin injury that bothered him all last season. When he’s healthy, though, Evans is the perfect inside linebacker prospect for the New York Giants.

Giants fans have been waiting a long time for a player like Evans in the middle of their defense. Damon Harrison taking on blockers and allowing Evans to fly to the ball carrier will be a dream come true for Big Blue.