2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick 19

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the New York Giants, at No. 19 overall.

Ed Valentine of BigBlueView.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the Giants, and checking out Big Blue View for all of your Giants needs.

Ed Valentine explains: In our Big Blue View Community Mock Draft, I took Akeem Ayers, the linebacker from UCLA, with the caveat that Pouncey would have been the pick if he was available. I love Ayers here considering how well he fits the Giants defense, but I am not going back on that statement. Pouncey is a perfect pick for the Giants here, almost like two picks in one. The Giants have injury and age concerns with both center Shaun O’Hara and guard Rich Seubert heading into the 2011 season, and Pouncey covers them in both slots. I know some people wonder if Pouncey is really a center, but if Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty can make Adam Koets into an adequate center, he can make Pouncey into a star.

The Giants need at left tackle is not as great as some people think. They still have 2009 second-round pick Will Beatty, and he should be ready to take over. They can fill the linebacker slot in round two or three, as there should be plenty of players to choose from.

Dan Kadar reacts: For some reason, people don’t think Mike Pouncey can be as good as his brother Maurkice. While Mike is a more natural guard than center, he started to develop in the middle as the 2010 season progressed. His rough-and-tumble playing style would fit the Giants’ line scheme perfectly. While I disagree about the Giants not having a big need at left tackle, Pouncey would help improve their interior immediately. [Mike Pouncey Scouting Report]