Mock draft season is going strong at this point and everyone who is anyone has begun to publish their projections. Most have the New York Giants selecting a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick but the name often varies.
We’ve seen mock drafts where the Giants select Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, and even Jaxon Dart.
That’s precisely what they do in the latest mock draft from Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman of The Athletic.
I’m still torn between Ward and Sanders for QB1, and there are days it feels like Sanders is more ready right now to lead a successful offense. But, long-term, Ward — who improved every day of his lengthy college career — could have the higher ceiling.
What is so curious or odd about that, you might be asking? Well, that’s not the strange part.
Baumgardner and Dochterman compiled a two-round mock draft and it’s what they have the Giants doing with the No. 34 overall pick that raises an eyebrow.
34. New York Giants: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Those of us at Giants Wire have projected a running back to Big Blue in our own mock drafts but certainly not in the second round. With so many other pressing needs, it would be unexpected for general manager Joe Schoen to draft someone like Omarion Hampton.
Baumgardner and Dochterman offer no explanation for this projection but it is especially odd considering offensive lineman Wyatt Milum was available to them.
This is not a knock on Hampton, who many believe is RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty. But the Giants already have a starter in Tyrone Tracy Jr. and are stuck with veteran Devin Singletary for at least another season. From a value vs. need perspective, Hampton at No. 34 just doesn’t seem to fit.
With all of that having been said, adding Hampton as a short-yardage back wouldn’t be the worst decision in the world. Perhaps not ideal with so many other needs, but not worth throwing a remote control over.
