Giants’ NFL mock draft: What John Harbaugh will mean for next class

The Giants’ first offseason under new head coach John Harbaugh has officially begun, and it will greatly shape the team’s future.

Working with Giants general manager Joe Schoen, Harbaugh will identify New York’s biggest needs and target players who fit his scheme.

In two months, Harbaugh and Schoen will make their first moves in free agency, but April’s draft will be the most important step in making the Giants contenders for the first time in over a decade.

Here is NJ Advance Media’s seven-round mock draft for the Giants:

Round 1 (No. 5): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Under Harbaugh, the Giants’ first priority will likely be building the offensive and defensive lines, because right now, New York’s O-line remains shaky. Fano could form one of the league’s best tackle duos with Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas, who has been the team’s lone dominant offensive lineman for several years.

Round 2 (No. 37): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

In a deep wide receiver class, the Giants can wait until Day 2 to find Malik Nabers’ running mate. Bernard, a 6-1, 204-pound wide receiver, recorded 64 catches for 862 yards and seven touchdowns in his last season with the Crimson Tide.

Round 4 (No. 105): Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

New York’s cornerback depth can improve on the boundary and at nickel. Muhammad is big enough (6-0, 188 pounds) to play both positions and has great athleticism. He could develop into a starter, especially on the outside, where the Giants are weak.

This past season, Muhammad racked up 30 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.

Round 5 (No. 143): Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

Fisher was the leader of Indiana’s championship defense this year, setting the tone with big hits and creating turnovers. The 6-1, 233-pound linebacker compiled 95 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He would probably start his career as a backup linebacker and special teamer before working his way into New York’s starting lineup.

Round 6 (No. 185): Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

Outside of nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, the Giants lack impactful interior defensive linemen. Durant, an undersized defensive tackle (6-1, 294 pounds), will add pass-rush juice to the rotation, having racked up seven sacks over his last two seasons at Penn State.

Round 6 (No. 191): Joshua Braun, OG, Kentucky

Braun, a four-year SEC starter, will bolster New York’s interior offensive line depth.

Round 6 (No. 192): Patrick Payton, DE, LSU

Once considered a top-tier prospect, Payton has regressed significantly, recording just five sacks over the past two years after finishing with 12 in his first two collegiate seasons. Still, this late in the draft, he is worth a swing.

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