Entering the 2019 NFL Draft the New York Giants knew that they had to add talent to their defense. GM Dave Gettleman said a number of times the team didn’t have enough defensive play makers last season, and would have won more games during a 5-11 season if it could have made some late-game stops.
After trading away Olivier Vernon, and losing Landon Collins, Kerry Wynn, Josh Mauro, Mario Edwards and Connor Barwin, you knew the Giants would emphasize defense in the draft.
Thus, Gettleman used the 17th overall pick on monstrous defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and engineered a trade up to select cornerback Deandre Baker with the 30th pick.