The 2012 NFL Mock Draft released Monday by SB Nation has the New York Giants selecting Zach Brown, an outside linebacker from North Carolina, with the 26th overall pick. Let's take a quick look at what Brown brings to the table.
SB Nation's Mocking the Draft ranks Brown No. 8 overall on its prospect list, which was last updated Dec. 1. MTD says Brown "has track speed" and that the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker has run deficiencies that might best be masked in a Cover-2 scheme.
The National Football Post currently ranks Brown 54th on its prospect list. NFP has this to say about Brown:
"A run and hit guy with impressive athleticism and range. Possesses solid instincts and is a better read-and-react linebacker than given credit for, but still not elite in that area. Nevertheless, looks like a starting caliber 43 weak side guy who would be ideal in a cover two scheme."
Does He Fit With The Giants?
The Giants have not taken a linebacker in the first round of the draft since Carl Banks in 1984, and Giants fans have screamed about the lack of talent at the position for years. Brown's speed and Cover 2 ability seem to fit what the Giants do. The problem is their best linebacker, Michael Boley, is a weakside guy, and they already have the promising Jacquian Williams in a speed/coverage role. If they go linebacker, they would seem to have a bigger need for someone who can play the middle.