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3 First-Round Picks the Giants Should Target in the 2020 NFL Draft

By Jason Schandl

Andrew Thomas in a 3-point stance before a play against LSU.
Andrew Thomas in a 3-point stance before a play against LSU. / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
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Expectations were not high for the New York Giants this season, so their 4-11 record puts them about where we expected. However, they have been an incredibly inconsistent team, with them showing glimpses of very strong play, but then essentially rolling over and letting the opposing teams enforce their will other times.

They seemed to have done will in the draft last season, with Daniel Jones showing flashes of terrific play and suggesting he may have the potential to grow into a cornerstone of the Giants franchise. However, there are some obvious weaknesses on this Giants team. These are three players the Giants should target with their first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Andrew Thomas in pass protection against Tennessee.
Andrew Thomas in pass protection against Tennessee. / Silas Walker/Getty Images

Many Giants fans were hoping to get Chase Young with their first pick, but after beating the Redskins last week, the Giants move down to the fourth pick and will likely miss out on that opportunity. Now, they could opt to take the best offensive lineman in the draft to help protect their new quarterback and open running lanes for Saquon Barkley. The Nate Solder era isn’t exactly working well, so they should be looking to upgrade the team up front, and Andrew Thomas is likely to be the first offensive lineman off the board this year.

2. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Jeff Okudah against Wisconsin in the Big 10 championship game.
Jeff Okudah against Wisconsin in the Big 10 championship game. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

They may need a little luck for Jeff Okudah to drop past the Detroit Lions, but there is no doubt that the Giants could use his services in their secondary. Pro Football Focus has two of the Giants' starting corners ranked bottom-10 at the position (minimum 20 snaps played), and they also recently cut Janoris Jenkins. They simply aren't going to be able to compete in today's NFL without some improvements in the secondary, and adding Okudah would be a great place to start.

3. Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson

Isaiah Simmons celebrates a play against Pittsburgh.
Isaiah Simmons celebrates a play against Pittsburgh. / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Isaiah Simmons is a versatile pick that could help transform the Giants defense, adding a play-maker that can line up at multiple positions and fly around the field. Playing for the reigning national champions, Simmons knows what it takes to win and can be a dynamic player against both the run and the pass.

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