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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 8

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) rushes against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) rushes against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

31. . DE. Florida State. DeMarcus Walker. 18. player

After paying Olivier Vernon all of that money, are we entirely sure that Jason Pierre-Paul is going to come back in 2017 for the New York Giants? The 27-year-old is set to be a free agent after this season, and there’s a good chance he’ll be asking for a lot more than the Giants are willing (or able) to pay.

Instead of re-signing JPP, the Giants might want to consider drafting a new defensive end. Florida State’s DeMarcus Walker could be an excellent replacement. The Seminoles defensive end has been a beast all year, racking up 8.5 sacks in 2016.

Walker has been a versatile piece for Florida State on the defensive line, moving all over the place despite coming in at just 6’3” and 273 pounds. He does a great job of staying low and explodes out of his stance to drive offensive linemen back.

As a 4-3 defensive end, Walker could make plays against both the run and pass, making him a good replacement if the Giants want to move on from Pierre-Paul.

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