Why the Giants can’t select Jaylon Smith early

That is a direct quote from New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese in his pre-draft press conference just days before the 2014 NFL Draft.

Together, they say everything you need to know about why the Giants can’t draft Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith.

Had Smith not gotten his knee wrecked during the New Year’s Day Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, we might well have spent the last few months arguing over whether he or Myles Jack was the better pro prospect, and praying to the draft Gods that one would fall to the Giants.

A Smith to the Giants question was asked in Saturday’s Big Blue View mailbag.

Mocking The Draft analyst Dan Kadar suggested Smith as an option when I took West Virginia safety Karl Joseph for the Giants in Round 2 of the SB Nation bloggers mock draft.

I wish the Giants were in a position to absorb Smith and wait a year for him.

Perhaps in the third round the Giants could consider Smith, but in all likelihood someone with extra picks or an already solid roster will take him before the Giants get that opportunity.