The SB Nation Mock Draft pendulum has swung back in the direction of UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers [full profile] when it comes to the New York Giants. SB Nation selected Ayers for the Giants in its most recent mock draft, released Tuesday morning.
SB Nation’s Brian Galliford explains the pick:
Pedestrian off-season workouts have dropped Ayers down mocks a bit, but you’ll see him start to sneak up over the next couple of weeks. His versatility and upside make him a perfect fit in Perry Fewell’s defensive system.
I happen to agree. I selected Ayers for the Giants in the Big Blue View Community Mock Draft, and Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey in the SB Nation football writers mock at Mocking The Draft.
In this draft, Pouncey (15th to Miami) and offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (13th to Detroit) are both off the board. The other name increasingly associated with the Giants here, Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget, was still on the board.
I like the Ayers’ selection, though. He is the top 4-3 outside linebacker on the board, and the need for the Giants is greater at that position than at defensive tackle.