2017 NFL mock draft: New York Giants add Chris Wormley

In the first round of the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft the New York Giants got offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk courtesy of Big Blue View. Going after an offensive lineman in the first round is an obvious and needed selection.

But moving into the second round, it’s difficult to pinpoint where the Giants could go. They need a linebacker, edge rusher and a playmaker on offense. Chris Pflum of BBV is back up to make the choice for New York.

Pflum: My initial instinct was to take Kansas State defensive end Jordan Willis, and I was torn between he and Alabama’s Dalvin Tomlinson. The Giants’ need at defensive end is low-key with entrenched starters Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon. However, they both played well over 90 percent of their possible snaps, which is fairly absurd, and none of Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Romeo Okwara, or Kerry Wynn have really stepped up and shown that they can shoulder a significant portion of that load. Also, edge rushers as athletic as Willis simply don’t last this long. Also, I was strongly considering Dalvin Tomlinson even before Johnathan Hankins signed with the Colts. Both Jay Bromley and Robert Thomas are free agents after the 2017 season and Jerry Reese has historically prioritized drafting a defensive tackle a year ahead of time, usually in the second round.

So I decided to split the difference and take Wormley.

Wormley played more defensive end than defensive tackle in college, but I believe the 6’5, 300-pounder’s natural position will be at the 3-technique, where he has truly uncommon speed and agility. Wormley’s length, first step, lower-body explosiveness, and short area quickness are on par with players like Leonard Williams, Robert Nkemdiche and Sheldon Richardson, and likewise an utter mismatch for interior offensive linemen. Pairing him with Damon Harrison almost ensures that he will have 1-on-1 matchups and gaps to shoot.

His athleticism and experience on the edge could also help to spell Vernon and JPP at defensive end, particularly considering 3-4 fronts are not uncommon in Steve Spagnuolo’s multiple defense.

Finally, coaches and teammates rave about Wormley’s work ethic and dedicated, driven personality. That will fit right in with the Giants’ recent draft picks.

Analysis: Most consider Wormley’s natural fit on a team that runs more three-man fronts than four-man. However, I do like this fit and value. Wormley played mostly outside at Michigan, but he should fit in a gap-shooting role inside. Wormley has a penchant for getting into the backfield, tallying 23.5 tackles for loss the last two seasons. While I like the choice, I would have loved linebacker Jarrad Davis of Florida. He shouldn’t be available at this point.

Coming up at noon ET the Oakland Raiders are back up, and Silver and Black Pride fills a big need with pick No. 56.