Art Stapleton | NFL writer

Art Stapleton, Staff Writer, @art_stapleton

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has already begun his evaluation process for the 2019 NFL Draft, spending two weekends this month as part of a Big Blue contingent watching Oregon-Utah in Salt Lake City and most recently Oklahoma-West Virginia in Morgantown.

Because of their struggles, the Giants are headed for another Top 10 pick.

And at this rate, save for a win or two over the next month, they'll likely be selecting in the Top 5 for the second consecutive year.

The 3-8 Giants are currently slotted fifth in the latest projected draft order behind San Francisco (2-9), Oakland (2-9), Arizona (2-9) and the New York Jets (3-8). But one victory (or loss) by any of those, not to mention the Jaguars (3-8), who are sixth, and things can change.

The Giants' final five games are against opponents still alive in the playoff hunt, beginning Sunday against the Chicago Bears, leaders of the NFC North, so a Top 5 finish is certainly possible.

Here are five players the Giants could target in the first round:

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

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The Giants have been in attendance to watch Herbert plenty this season, including a contingent of Gettleman and assistant GM Kevin Abrams for the Utah game, so he's clearly on their radar.

There remains some uncertainty as to whether Herbert will enter the draft or return to school at Oregon for another college season. If he declares, he appears to have the right mix of arm strength, poise, pocket awareness and elusiveness to be the top quarterback in the Class of 2019.

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Nick Bosa, DL, Ohio State

Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports

The younger brother of Chargers star Joey Bosa is viewed as the best edge rusher in this class.

There are questions surrounding Bosa, who suffered a core muscle injury in September and ultimately decided to shut it down for the season to focus on the draft.

The Giants' pass rush has been weak this season, so Bosa would provide a huge boost.

Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama

Jake Crandall

Arguably the most disruptive defensive player in college football, Williams is an anchor on the interior.

Could the Giants be setting themselves up to take another cornerstone player on the defensive line after dealing Damon Harrison? Williams could join a rotation with Dalvin Tomlinson and B.J. Hill and would likely steal the show.

Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan

The Paramus Catholic grad declared for the draft Monday and his unique combination of power and speed makes him an option to play up and down the defensive line. He came to Michigan from New Jersey with a ton of hype and for the most part lived up to expectations.

He's only 20 with plenty of room to grow and can bring the kind of pass rush from different spots the Giants desperately need.

Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama

The Associated Press

A sound technician with athleticism and strength to deal with every type of pass-rusher, Williams would fit perfectly with the Giants at right tackle to start his career. He could eventually move to left tackle and replace Nate Solder there.

The Giants are going to continue addressing their offensive line and Williams has a chance to be the best on the board along with Ole Miss tackle Greg Little.

Email: stapleton@northjersey.com

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