Leonard Floyd

Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) rushes the passer against Georgia Tech in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, in Atlanta. Georgia won 13-7. (AP Photo/Brett Davis)

(Brett Davis)

A popular theory among Giants' fans is the team won't take a linebacker in the first round.

Maybe there just wasn't a linebacker worth the first-round pick when they were on the clock.

"They took Lawrence Taylor with the No. 3 pick once upon a time,'' an executive in personnel said about the Giants. "That worked out OK.''

After holes were filled on a defense that finished last in the league in 2015 with the free agent signings of tackle Damon Harrison, pass rusher Olivier Vernon and cornerback Janoris Jenkins, linebacker is the last need to address.

Georgia's Leonard Floyd could be the guy.

Floyd, 6-6, 244, is the big, playmaking linebacker a Steve Spagnuolo defense could use. He had 17 sacks in 32 starts for the Bulldogs.

"The guy can do whatever you want to do,'' one scout said. "He can rush the passer. He can cover. He has legit speed off the edge. I like the guy a lot.''

There are definite needs for the Giants at wide receiver and right tackle. But in this draft there really isn't a wide receiver worth the No. 10 pick and there could be a decent one available in round two.

As far as tackle, Michigan State's Jack Conklin would fit if he's still on the board.

This is not a deep class of linebackers. If a team doesn't get one early, there may not be another one who could come in play available the rest of the weekend.

So don't be surprised if the Giants go for a linebacker in the first round.

And that linebacker could be Floyd.

Mark Eckel may be reached at mjeck04@verizon.net. Follow him on Twitter @MarkEckel08. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.