What has changed in a week as far as projecting the entire seven-round NFL Draft for the Giants? Well, nothing really, but each passing day offers more intrigue, speculation and conjecture. And so, here we go.
In our first mock draft, we concentrated on defense early, fortifying a unit in need of repair. This time around, we please those who cry out on a regular basis, “What about the offensive line?’’ Your pleas are not falling on deaf ears.
Each week leading up to the April 23 start of the draft, The Post, with help from Fanspeak’s mock draft simulator, will take a stab at the 10 players the Giants will select, based on dutiful reporting, careful film study, careless speculation and rampant guesswork.
Here is Giants mock draft No. 2 (changes from the previous mock draft noted):
Round 1 (pick 4 overall) — OL Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
(Previous pick: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson)
In this simulation, Simmons and CB Jeff Okudah are both on the board, as are all three of the top offensive line prospects. The Giants pass up the multi-positional and uber-versatile Simmons in order to help ensure the health and well-being of Daniel Jones for years to come. Wirfs is a freak athlete capable of moving in on Day 1 at right tackle, a safe and logical addition for a team seemingly searching for capable linemen for nearly a decade. This is a pick where value is stretched just a bit to meet need.
Round 2 (pick 36 overall) — S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
(Previous pick: McKinney)
Wide receiver Tee Higgins from Clemson is still available and he gives the Giants some pause, before they come to their senses and provide for their defense by adding the best safety in the entire draft, a versatile player who can line up deep, in the slot or in the box. His skill-set is more akin to a cornerback and that makes him especially attractive. Pairing McKinney with Jabrill Peppers gives the Giants a young safety tandem.
Round 3 (pick 99 overall) — C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
(Previous pick: OT Saahdiq Charles, LSU)
General manager Dave Gettleman loves his hog mollies and Biadasz, fresh off the family farm in rural Wisconsin, certainly qualifies. Gettleman recognizes what Biadasz did for RB Jonathan Taylor in college and envisions him doing the same for Saquon Barkley, as Biadasz can compete as a rookie for a starting spot.
Round 4 (pick 110 overall) — EDGE Jonathan Garvin, Miami
(Previous pick: C Nick Harris, Washington)
This might be a bit of a reach but pass rushers are scarce and Garvin, nicknamed “Spider’’ had 5.5 sacks as a junior, although he was not as productive as a senior. Gambling on guys who might be able to get to the quarterback is a draft staple.
Round 5 (pick 150 overall) — CB Javaris Davis, Auburn
(Previous pick: Garvin)
Strong Senior Bowl helped Davis elevate his stock. He is small (5-foot-8) and fast (4.39 in the 40-yard dash) and has good ball skills, so there is much to like. Also, good bloodlines as the cousin of former NFL players Vernon and Vontae Davis.
Submit your Giants questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
Round 6 (pick 183 overall) — WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin
{Previous pick: RB Mike Warren, Cincinnati)
Cephus did not run well at the NFL Scouting Combine (he clocked in much faster at his Pro Day) but he plays bigger than his size (6-foot-1) and he inhales the ball in the air, making him a viable possession target. He came up big vs. Ohio State and Oregon late last season.
Round 7 (pick 218 overall) — EDGE D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina
(Previous pick: Wonnum)
Wonnum was named a permanent team captain in college and that leadership, plus excellent production (29.5 career tackles for loss and 14 sacks) makes this a solid choice.
Round 7 (pick 238 overall) — LB Carter Coughlin, Minnesota
(Previous pick: WR Lawrence Cager, Georgia)
There are concerns about less-than-ideal size but Coughlin showed some pass-rush potential (14 sacks the past two seasons) and his high motor and smarts have “special teams contributor’’ written all over them.
Round 7 (pick 247 overall) — S Shyheim Carter, Alabama
(Previous pick: CB John Reid, Penn State)
Making 22 starts at the “Star’’ position for the Crimson Tide is impressive and, lest we forget, Giants head coach Joe Judge once worked in Tuscaloosa for Nick Saban and figures to gravitate toward Alabama players.
Round 7 (pick 255 overall) — OT Jon Runyan, Michigan
(Previous pick: OT Victor Johnson, Appalachian State)
Giants fans may recall Michael Strahan years ago having his way with Eagles tackle Jon Runyan. The son also rises, and blocks, as a two-year starter at left tackle in Ann Arbor. This Moorestown, N.J. native becomes this draft’s Mr. Irrelevant.