5 New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux - EDGE, Oregon This could end up being a bit of a steal in the early first as Thibodeaux possesses the talent to be the best EDGE rusher in this class. New York needs to recreate an identity with Daboll, which would lead towards them needing a new passer. However, that would have required a leap of faith to go after one of the arms in this class. If they come back and take Malik later, I would applaud the move. If they don't take an arm, now harm done as they have just added a serious defensive weapon with their first pick.
Value thresholds and guy falls enough things. Or they are really arguing and convincing each other to change track. Great pick btw.
Belichick did this in 2009, but Belichick got a whole lot more for trading down. (Flip side... when Darth Hoodie traded back up, he did it to take Ron Brace. Bwahahahahaha....)
6 Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu - OT, NC State I really like this decision for the Panthers, and the idea that they were able to get Ekwonu just ramps up my applause. It sucks that he is going to a Matt Rhule coached franchise, but it was a huge position of need and they filled it with the best player available in this draft. Now, when they new coach is hired in early 2023, he will have a foundation block on the end of his offensive line to protect the new passer he drafts.
7 New Yorki Giants: Evan Neal - OT, Alabama The Giants go from one good decision to the next. Adding Evan Neal to the line does a lot to answer the questions with that group for the immediate and the future under Daboll. Neal just feels like a really good fit for within that framework that Brian is bringing.
I remember that class. Think they had like 8+ picks and only hit on one if I recall. It was a pretty bad group
People keep talking about us and Edge players. Why?? We just took two, with our top two picks literally last year. AND traded for Ngakoue. And we're lacking picks. Why would edge be such a priority?
8 Atlanta Falcons: Drake London - WR, USC This is a very interesting pick as it is going to have echoes concerning Ridley's future with the team, coupled with the amount of weapons that Atlanta will provide for Mariota now, and for whichever passer they sign/draft in '23. Of course, there is the outside chance that Marcus can become a longer term bridge, but at least the table is set so well that Atlanta will get the answer to that question quickly. Lot's of RZ weaponry available in ATL, so that idea that the offense is anemic to that area is one that should quickly evaporate.
9 Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross - OT, Mississippi State So, they trade Russ and then get serious about upgrading the offensive line? I think so long as Pete Carrol remains in Seattle, the mediocrity will likely continue. With that being said, the offense just got a fucking monster on the line (one of my favorite players to scout). Pound the rock, run play-action and see whether or not Drew Lock is good enough to play through the search for a franchise passer. If Mayfield is traded for (I'm still not seeing it) then adding a player up front that can help to duplicate the kind of protection needed (not just pass blocking but a running game to lean on) that is necessary for Baker to have any kind of success is a smart move.
