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2016 NFL Mock Draft Version 3.0: Free-Agency Impact

By David Harrison

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

. LB. Ohio State. Darron Lee. 10. player. 31

Another team who has been active in free agency, the Giants have brought back some key players, and replaced some with others.

After some early tension, and what seemed to be an off-season destined to see the team’s defense completely obliterated, the Giants answered with decisiveness and an effective strategy.  In nabbing some of the market’s best young talent, the Giants defense looks to be in better shape now than it has since Michael Strahan’s playing days ended.

Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul will team up nicely with interior linemen, Damon Harrison and Johnathan Hankins.

Janoris Jenkins was brought in to replace the departed Prince Amukamara, leaving just the linebacker and safety positions as areas of need entering the draft.

Ohio State’s Darron Lee can fill in either of these roles.  A true hybrid defender, Lee possesses the tackling, burst, and aggressiveness to play linebacker along with the speed, smarts, and ball skills to play safety.

On the surface, Lee’s talents align him as more of a linebacker than safety, and the Giants should be able to turn him into a middle linebacker prospect much like the Steelers did with former Buckeye Ryan Shazier.

 

Previous Pick:  DeForest Buckner – DE – Oregon

Next: 11. Chicago Bears

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