In a recent mock draft by The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner, the New York Giants make an unexpected choice with the No. 3 overall pick, selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. While many believe the Giants will choose a quarterback or wide receiver/cornerback, Baumgardner sees Graham as the best immediate help for the team, especially in complementing Dexter Lawrence on the defensive line.
According to Baumgardner’s mock draft, Miami quarterback Cam Ward goes to the Titans at No. 1 and wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is selected by the Browns at No. 2, leaving quarterback Shedeur Sanders and edge defender Abdul Carter available when the Giants are on the clock. Despite the availability of these highly touted prospects, the Giants opt to strengthen their defensive tackle room by taking Graham instead.
Although Graham has not been a common name associated with the Giants in most mock drafts, Baumgardner believes that the Giants could benefit from bolstering their defensive front with a talented player like Graham. By adding Graham to their roster, the Giants could potentially have one of the top defensive fronts in the NFL, creating a formidable force to contend with in the league.
Many mock drafts have projected Graham to be selected by the Jaguars with the No. 5 overall pick, but Baumgardner’s scenario has the Jaguars choosing LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell instead. This could leave defensive end Abdul Carter available for the Jaguars to take, providing another potential option for Jacksonville to consider in the draft.
Overall, Baumgardner’s mock draft presents an intriguing possibility for the New York Giants, suggesting that they may deviate from the expected choices of a quarterback or wide receiver/cornerback in favor of selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. While this pick may come as a surprise to many, Baumgardner believes that Graham’s immediate impact and ability to complement their current defensive line could make him a valuable addition to the team as they look to strengthen their defense for the upcoming season.
