Giants Post-Combine Mock Draft: Daniel Jones Replacement Paired With Electric Playmaker
6. 140th Overall Pick: Dillon Johnson, RB
The Giants seem all but headed toward a divorce with star running back Saquon Barkley as the sides still appear far apart on a contract extension. If the sides part ways the team will look to draft a potential replacement as the team's salary cap situation makes signing a high-priced replacement unlikely. The team could find a potential diamond in the rough in Washington running back Dillion Johnson.
In a passing-heavy offense, Dillon Johnson rushed for 1,195 yards on 233 carries for 16 touchdowns. Johnson wasn't much of a receiving threat at Washington however he showed that ability at Mississippi State where he added 422 yards in 2021. The team could get a significant contribution out of Johnson in 2023 if they part ways with Barkley while evaluating the team's future heading into 2025.
DILLON JOHNSON GONE 💨💨#PMSCFBPrimeTime pic.twitter.com/jX2AgePXQB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 5, 2023
7. 185th Overall Pick: Jaylen Key, S
In addition to potentially losing Saquon Barkley in free agency, the team may also lose safety Xavier McKinney. If the team loses Xavier McKinney they may return to Alabama where they've landed Landon Collins and McKinney in the past to grab Jaylen Key. At the combine Key impressed scouts and his experience in a complex defense like Alabama's will make him a suitable draft candidate for the Giants.
Key projects more as a project-type player in the NFL however, there is upside and experience that could make him a Day One player for the Giants in 2024. The team will be in a transition year in 2024 and looking to land a cost-controlled safety could help the team building for the future. The team has found a reliable cheap safety in Jason Pinnock and a cheaper option alongside him could further help the team build it's defense.
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