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The three S’s of the Giants’ draft class are safe, speed and SEC.
The Giants selected rookies with high floors and improved their defensive quickness. Nine of the 10 played in the Power Five conferences, including four in the vaunted SEC.
The Post graded every pick: A higher grade at a lower draft spot doesn’t necessarily indicate a better player, but a smarter pick based on production, potential, need and availability at the time.
Round 1, No. 4 overall: Andrew Thomas (OT, Georgia)
Grade: A-
It’s OK for an organization burned by Ereck Flowers to play it safe. Of the top four tackles, Thomas requires the least projection. He played on both sides and allowed five sacks in 41 career starts.
Round 2, No. 36 overall: Xavier McKinney (S, Alabama)
Grade: A
One of the best value picks anywhere in the draft, after sliding from the teens. Immediate starter, complement to Jabrill Peppers and center fielder in coverage.
Round 3, No. 99 overall: Matt Peart (OT, Connecticut)
Grade: C-
No knock on Peart, a developmental “skinny” prospect with 48 career starts. But a starting center or rotational pass-rusher was needed here, after trading away earlier third-rounder.
Round 4, No. 110 overall: Darnay Holmes (CB, UCLA)
Grade: B
Five rookie or second-year cornerbacks played last season, but the Giants still had no answer in the slot. Maybe it’s the aggressive Holmes, who looked comfortable there at the Senior Bowl.
Round 5, No. 150 overall: Shane Lemieux (OG/C, Oregon)
Grade: B+
Started 52 straight games at left guard, playing 3,611 career snaps. Potential steal if he can transition to center, as is the hope. Right guard Kevin Zeitler will be a free agent after the 2021 season.
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Round 6, No. 183 overall: Cameron Brown (LB, Penn State)
Grade: B-
Towering 6-foot-5 “alpha dog” in the locker room came highly recommended by coaches. Versatility to play across linebacker corps.
Round 7, No. 218 overall: Carter Coughlin (EDGE, Minnesota)
Grade: A-
Relies on speed, effort and IQ to make up for size. Ranks top four in Minnesota history in sacks (22.5) and tackles for loss (40).
Round 7, No. 238 overall: TJ Brunson (LB, South Carolina)
Grade: C+
Physical three-year starter who was made for 1990s football, thriving in the box and making play calls. A step slow in coverage.
Round 7, No. 247 overall: Chris Williamson (CB/S, Minnesota)
Grade: C
Won’t shy away from big running backs, but will struggle with fast slot receivers. Part-time starter with limited playmaking in college.
Round 7, No. 255 overall pick: Tae Crowder (LB, Georgia)
Grade: C-
Taking a flyer on athleticism. Former running back was a one-year defensive starter. Giants didn’t draft a single running back, tight end or wide receiver.
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