Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Analysis: “After proving himself this season to be a skillful pass protector in addition to a bully in the run game, Ekwonu looks like just the kind of blocker Big Blue needs.”
Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Analysis: “At 6-4 and 220 pounds with massive range both in coverage and as a tackler, the two-time All-American can be utilized in an array of different manners. Pairing him with emerging standout Xavier McKinney would give the Giants a formidable tandem on the back end of their defense.”
Pick for No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Analysis: “Thibodeaux reminded us what he’s all about in Indianapolis, showing out with a STRONG weekend of athletic testing. We all knew that was going to be the case, but it was great to see a healthy Thibodeaux competing at full capacity. The Giants enjoyed a good rookie season from pass rusher Azeez Ojulari this past year but they certainly need more on the outside. Thibodeaux playing in Wink Martindale’s defense offers a TON of appeal and a chance for a double-digit rookie sack season.”
Pick for No. 7: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Analysis: “I certainly hope you weren’t hoping to see any of these top-four tackles get outside the top 10 picks. Penning’s offseason circuit is a clean sweep—he knocked his opportunity to compete at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine out of the park. He’s sufficiently put to bed the questions about his level of competition by showcasing that his physicality translates against better players and he’s still a top-tier athlete (at least from a raw athleticism standpoint).”
Pick for No. 5: Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Analysis: “Gardner allowed just 131 yards across 14 games and 482 coverage snaps in 2021, a performance that will forever be known as one of the best ever seasons by a college defensive back….