NFL Draft 2018: 11 first-rounders who fit Giants if they trade down

Posted April 18, 2018 at 06:05 AM | Updated April 18, 2018 at 07:06 AM

By Ryan Dunleavy | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

Where will he come off the board? No. 4-8

If the Giants make a slight trade down — say with the Broncos at No. 5 — it probably is with drafting Nelson in mind. Gettleman loves his "hog mollies," and the physical, nasty Nelson fits the bill.

Some scouts have Nelson rated as the top overall player in the 2017 draft and the top offensive lineman to enter the draft in recent years. That sounds like the potential Hall of Famer box that Gettleman wants to check off.

No. 2 conventionally is considered too high to draft a guard, especially with multiple teams trying to trade up for Barkley or quarterbacks. A trade down for a boatload of picks and drafting Nelson, a Red Bank Catholic High School product, could be sold as a win-win. The Browns (No. 4), Broncos and Colts (No. 6) all are eyeing Nelson.

Scouting report from NFL.com:Elite guard prospect with outstanding size, rare power and a block finisher who can make tape room sessions uncomfortable for most opponents. Nelson is technically sound and is unlikely to face a long adjustment period once he gets into the league. Nelson may need to make sure and keep his play speed high and prevent against taking his eyes off of his target when coming off the ball. Nelson has the traits and talent to become an All-Pro guard for years to come.

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DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Where will he come off the board? No. 6-12

The Giants' secondary is a microcosm of the team: Talented and full of question marks.

Fitzpatrick, a St. Peter's Preparatory High School product, could provide a lot of answers by playing either free safety alongside fellow Alabama alum Landon Collins or cornerback alongside starters Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple. At cornerback, the Giants seem to have a plan of assemble quantity and hope quality emerges.

Fitzpatrick's versatility is reminiscent of Tyrann Mathieu, who became a star under new Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher in Arizona. He won the Bednarik Award as college football's Defensive Player of the Year and should entice the Colts (No. 6), Buccaneers (No. 7), 49ers (No. 9) and Dolphins (No. 11)

"He's a perennial Pro Bowler," ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit said. "And I think he'll be a first-class professional."

Scouting report from NFL.com: Fitzpatrick turns up the intensity level as high as it will go and and rips off the knob until the game is over. Fitzpatrick has experience as a slot cornerback, but will likely be targeted as a "do-everything" safety who can be deployed as a sub-package linebacker, a blitzer or in the slot against big receivers and move tight ends. Fitzpatrick has consistently shined since his freshman season on Alabama defenses that have been loaded with NFL talent. His versatility, football character and desire to succeed should make him an early starter.

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