2013 NFL mock draft: Giants select Bjoern Werner

With the 19th pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2013 NFL mock draft, the New York Giants select Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner. NorthLeft12 is serving as the Giants' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants had a very strange 2012 season and just missed the playoffs at 9-7. They alternated outstanding games (blowouts of San Francisco, Green Bay, New Orleans and Philadelphia) with poor games (routs by Atlanta, Cincinnati and Baltimore) and overall did just enough to miss the playoffs. This team is getting old and is in a deep cap crisis. Major changes are in order, and those changes began almost immediately.

But in spite of the ongoing changes, one thing will not change: the focus of their GM (Jerry Reese) on value and foundation players. I expect the Giants to look over the draft board and find the highest rated player who has been passed over and take him, especially if that player happens to play on the D-line.

The player that fits that profile to a tee (and who I am selecting) is Bjoern Werner. Yes, the much-maligned "falling to the second round," not as good as his teammate guy. Werner is 6'3" and 266 pounds and athletic and strong enough to defend the run well and rush the passer effectively. He is not elite in any respect (hence his fall from the top five), but he is a very good, solid, all-around player who is still learning how to play the game. He will be a great bookend to Jason Pierre-Paul on the other side, and the Giants have the coaching to get the most out of him. I really like the fit here between the talent of Werner and the need and preference of the Giants.

Other players I considered here were:

Tank Carradine, DE from Florida State - A very interesting prospect, but until I see that he is making good progress from his injury last year, it was a pretty easy decision to pass on him for his more accomplished and healthy teammate.

Datone Jones, DE from UCLA - An extra-large DE (6'4", 283 pounds) who could slide inside and play DT on passing downs or just for the hell of it. He is very athletic and can be a force against the run and is a good, but not dynamic, pass rusher. I think he will go much earlier than most are predicting. Maybe to the Giants, especially if Werner is not available.

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR from Tennessee - He may be the highest rated player left at this point, but I considered that the Giants already have Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks and have already picked up some receivers in free agency, so I really don't think he fits in here. Along with Tavon Austin, he is probably the biggest playmaker in this draft.

As always, your comments on this selection are appreciated and will be responded to. GO LIONS!

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Check out the 2013 Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.