A bit of a changeup this week in the offensive line-dominated discussion about what the New York Giants will do with the 19th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft this April. SB Nation has chosen a lineman for the Giants in its most recent mock draft, but this time it is one from the defensive side — Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget.
Liuget is a 6-foot-3, 300-pound tackle who is considered a mid- to late first-round draft selection. Here is a full profile of Liuget from Big Blue View.
Here is what SB Nation said in explaining the selection of Liuget:
The defensive line has always been a top priority for the Giants. The team isn’t exactly lacking for depth at defensive tackle, but that’s where the value lies here, and Liuget is talented enough to get playing time immediately, anyway.
In all honesty, this would not be a stunning selection for the Giants. It goes against the popular belief that they will draft the best offensive tackle available, but it makes sense. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell attended the Illinois Pro Day, and reports were that he came away raving about Liuget.
The Giants will very likely lose Barry Cofield, their best defensive tackle in 2010, to free agency. Veteran Rocky Bernard has been unimpressive in his two seasons in New York. That leaves the Giants with only Chris Canty and virutally untested Linval Joseph, last year’s second-round draft pick. So, there is value here — and a chance to play immediately.