The bulk of free agency is complete, but the Giants still have some notable needs.
One of them — edge rusher.
Does general manager Dave Gettleman really trust outside linebackers Oshane Ximines and Lorenzo Carter to help defensive lineman Leonard Williams generate a pass rush?
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That lingering question is why mock drafts have linked the Giants to Miami edge rusher Gregory Rousseau with the 11th overall pick. But the latest Walter Football mock draft has Gettleman passing on Rousseau — and instead picking edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Phillips just so happened to replace Rousseau in 2020, after Rousseau opted out.
Here’s the rationale for the pick:
The Giants needed to upgrade their pass defense. They signed Adoree Jackson to pair with James Bradberry, but the two talented cornerbacks could use support from a better pass rush. Jaelan Phillips had a monster year in replacing the opted-out Gregory Rousseau.
Phillips indeed had a monster year — eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 10 games. He never produced like that at UCLA from 2017-18. And then he sat out 2019, after transferring.
Phillips was limited by injuries at UCLA, and then medically retired, albeit briefly. He wound up going to Miami instead. And his decision paid off with an excellent 2020 season.
But would the Giants regret passing on Rousseau to take Phillips? It certainly would not be the expected decision.
Walter Football’s latest mock draft has Rousseau falling to the Vikings at No. 14. Another option for the Giants at No. 11 is Northwestern offensive tackle/guard Rashawn Slater, who goes to the Chargers at No. 13 in this mock draft.
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