NFL Mock Draft: Going defense at No. 2 shakes things up in latest NY Giants-only mock

Sometimes you've just got to shake things up.

The New York Giants are still in the process of putting their board for the NFL Draft together, and at this point, I believe the odds are extremely close in what they may do.

If they stay at No. 2, I could see the argument for a quarterback — USC's Sam Darnold or UCLA's Josh Rosen — Penn State running back Saquon Barkley or North Carolina State edge rusher Bradley Chubb. If they trade down, they could be in the mix for two New Jerseyans in Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson or Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

I have given the Giants Darnold, Rosen and Barkley — twice — in previous mocks, but wanted to see how the rest of the draft would play out if I went in a different direction this time around with just under three weeks prior to Big Blue going on the clock April 26.

Whatever happens with the No. 2 pick this month is going to set up "I told you so" scenarios for the next decade. It's really a fascinating decision that will have lasting consequences on multiple players and the front office.

Here's how my latest Giants-only mock draft played out after going against my previous picks at No. 2:

Round 5, No. 139: CB Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State

At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, McFadden certainly has the skill set to be selected much higher. Inconsistency plagued his game this past season, though, and McFadden has battled criticism over his lack of top end speed. Adding McFadden to the secondary in this spot in the draft is worth the choice.

Round 4, No. 108: WR DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State

Had to take Hamilton a round earlier than I did in the previous mock drafts, but he's the perfect player to mix into the Giants' new offensive scheme, a reliable target that complements Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram.

The Giants have done extensive work on Hamilton, dating back to the East-West Shrine Game, and it's hard not to see this as a tremendous value pick.

Round 3, No. 69: OT Brian O’Neill, Pittsburgh

The tackle depth disappeared this time around in my mock draft simulation at Fanspeak. Was very happy to land Oregon's Tyrell Crosby at No. 66 in my previous mock, but he was off the board. O'Neill is a bit more of a project, but at the very least he can be a swing tackle with upside early on.

If O'Neill's technique matches his athleticism, he can challenge Ereck Flowers at right tackle as a rookie.

Round 3, No. 66: RB Sony Michel, Georgia

Michel has so many bringing about comparisons to Saints outstanding rookie Alvin Kamara with his ability to be a two-way threat. If the Giants were to grab Michel, he'd team with Wayne Gallman in the backfield and complement him very well with Jonathan Stewart providing a veteran presence.

Round 2, No. 34: C/G Billy Price, Ohio State

I've been consistent with this pick throughout my mock drafts and will continue to pair Price with the Giants. To me, it makes too much sense. He's a first-round talent who could be available with No. 34 because of the pectoral injury and subsequent surgery following the Combine. Price would fit the way Pat Elflein did with Pat Shurmur's Vikings offense. I could see Price coming on board and challenging Brett Jones right away at center with the other competing at guard this season.

Round 1, No. 2: DE/OLB Bradley Chubb, N.C. State

Chubb is the best defensive player in the draft, and we already know Dave Gettleman's affinity for defensive lineman with his history in Carolina as general manager and his part in the Giants' history as well. I still think Barkley would be ahead of Chubb on the Giants' board, but for these purposes, Fanspeak actually had Barkley go No. 1 to the Cleveland Browns, which surprised me.

You can make the argument that the difference between Chubb and the rest of the players at his position is as great or greater than Barkley and the running backs, or anyone else really. Where he'd fit in James Bettcher's defense, as a lineman or an outside linebacker, I guess we'd have to see. There's no denying Chubb has what it takes to be a difference maker in the league.

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