New York Giants 2013 Mock Draft: All 7 Rounds (Part 5)

New York Giants 2013 NFL Mock Draft, Week 5

The time is getting closer for the NFL Draft as we are now into the month of April. At this point NFL teams have scheduled visits with college prospects. These lists indicate some interest in a particular player, however they also serve another purpose. As I mentioned in another article, it is common practice for franchises to use these names to mislead teams. For the New York Giants there really is no telling what they could do.

Unpredictability has been a staple for the Giants as long as Jerry Reese has held his general manager position. Reese turned some heads when he selected Jason Pierre-Paul and Prince Amukamara. Their positions were not necessarily considered areas of need at this time. It has been shown over time that it does not matter what positions are needed. This philosophy sometimes works if it lands elite talent. However, reconsideration of the way they operate must take place.

For all of their success, New York has been inconsistent as of late. A year after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII the Giants were eliminated in their first playoff game. Two consecutive postseason misses were followed by another Super Bowl victory. As an encore, they finished 9-7 and once again were at home after Week 17. This year they struggled down the stretch and were unable to defend their title once again. Correcting the problems starts with fixing some areas where New York has traditionally excelled in.

Defensive end is a position that on paper looks solid. Justin Tuck and Pierre-Paul form a solid duo. The problem is that Tuck often gets injured. Their secondary also needs depth at both the strong safety and cornerback. Once again, the Giants currently hold the 19th overall pick. They also have all seven choices as well as a compensatory selection in the seventh round. Now it is time to reveal the fifth part of Rant Sports’ New York Giants 2013 Mock Draft.

First Round: Datone Jones, Defensive End, UCLA

For the third week in a row Datone Jones is once again the first-round pick of the Giants. I considered addressing the middle linebacker position here by replacing Jones with Manti Te’o. This possibility has been rumored in recent weeks and I will continue to keep an eye out for any further discussion.

The decision to keep Jones here has more to do with his ability and a need for a pass rushing defensive end. So far Jones has only helped his stock this offseason. Even if New York signs Eric Norwood, they still need to address this area. The Giants recently signed defensive tackle Mike Patterson. If he is healthy he could help, however they still need another defensive end. Despite some opinions that Jones is not worth such a high pick, I believe that he has a lot to offer. Bjoern Werner and Ezekiel Ansah likely will be gone when New York makes their selection.

Second Round: Jonathan Cyprien, Strong Safety, Florida International

This pick has not changed throughout the Mock Draft process. Jonathan Cyprien helps address problems in pass coverage that New York had at the end of last season. Cyprien has great closing speed and complements Stevie Brown and Antrell Rolle at safety.

Another option that could happen is outside linebacker Khaseem Greene from Rutgers. I don’t have his position included as a need, but Greene is expected to visit with the Giants and would be a local favorite.

Third Round: Brian Winters, Offensive Guard, Kent State

Brian Winters has been a staple in the Giants Mock Draft. He has great size and should be able to transition from guard to tackle. I still believe that offensive line is a great need that should be addressed and he fits perfectly. As I have stated on multiple occasions, New York must worry that Chris Snee gets hurt so often while backupss Chris Degeare and Selvish Capers have no track record. As a backup right guard, Winters would also be an upgrade over Brandon Mosley. Winters could move up to the second round which would create a problem for the Giants.

Fourth Round: Nico Johnson, Middle Linebacker, Alabama

This is Nico Johnson’s second consecutive appearance on the board. Johnson steps in for departed middle linebacker Chase Blackburn. The former Alabama player closes quickly on his tackles. He is a little bit of an underachiever as he never reached 50 tackles in a single season. As an entire body of work, Johnson was impressive. Again there is a lot to like about the middle linebacker group for the Giants, however untapped potential is spread between Dan Connor and Mark Herzlick. Johnson would make this an intriguing trio.

Fifth Round: Reid Fragel, Right Tackle, Ohio State

Reid Fragel once again goes to the Giants in this week’s Mock Draft. Right tackle is a spot where a starter is in place with David Diehl. Diehl often gets hurt though, and New York must find a solid backup plan. Fragel presents a full array of skills. His experience as a tight end shows that he possesses skills to move with his feet.

Sixth Round: Mychal Rivera, Tight End, Tennessee

It has probably become obvious at this point, but I like my Mock Draft board from last week. This includes tight end Mychal Rivera from Tennessee. Rivera presents a vertical threat in the passing game combined with offseason addition Brandon Meyers. Just like his brother Peyton Manning, Eli Manning loves to use this position as a safety valve.

Seventh Round: Miguel Maysonet, Running Back, Stony Brook

There was a hidden value in this selection last week. Miguel Maysonet returns to the Mock Draft for a second consecutive time. Maysonet as I have said possesses great size at over 200 pounds. A late- round running back probably will be taken. The first few Mock Drafts saw Collin Klein from Kansas Stateat this spot. New York still needs a backup quarterback, however it would more likely come via free agency.

Seventh Round:(Compensatory Pick) Rod Sweeting, Cornerback, Georgia Tech

To round things out for week five, the Giants are slated again to take cornerback Rod Sweeting out of Georgia Tech. Sweeting has speed in general, however he sometimes struggles in pass coverage. This can be worked on. While Sweeting improves, he has the ability to return kicks and punts. He also is a solid tackler. With the second to last overall selection there really is nothing to lose.