Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Giants meet with mid-round projected Michigan defensive end

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Alexander Wilson | Last updated 3/23/24

The New York Giants made a major move to acquire Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers this off-season to support their pass rush, but the quest to find more talent at the position is never over.

Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux should be a dynamic duo for the Giants in 2024 and beyond, but their scouts also have eyes on a few mid- to late-round projects who could develop into serviceable NFL players.

The New York Giants Have Their Eyes on the Draft

In fact, the Giants met with DE Braiden McGregor on Friday at the Michigan Pro Day.

McGregor has a great frame to continue developing once he reaches the NFL, and his current Day 3 draft grade allows the Giants to spend a low-value draft pick if he’s still on the board.

Last season, McGregor recorded 28 pressures with five sacks, but he was a key player on an elite Michigan defense, so he comes with plenty of potential. At 6’5″ and 257 pounds, McGregor has ample size to make an impact at the next level, but he does lack a bit of play strength, which will be an area where he looks to improve.

Big play from Braiden McGregor on Saturday! ? pic.twitter.com/7lXVdoDhrm
— JD ?? (@MGoJDBlue) September 11, 2023

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, teams will like his toughness and frame, which are key developmental traits for pass-rushers.

“McGregor has good size and length for a stand-up rusher. Teams will like the frame and the toughness, but he’s not a natural knee-bender at the point of attack. There is room for better hand placement as a run defender and hand skill as a pass rusher. He won’t overwhelm opponents with twitch or short-area quickness, so it might be important for McGregor to keep adding play strength in order to become a more willful challenger as a backup edge in odd or even fronts.”

Since the Giants have their primary pass-rusher sin place, they have the luxury of targeting some high-upside, development players to try and find value in the late rounds.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

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