2015 Giants NFL Draft Preview

The Giants needs are plentiful going into the draft.  While they could use upgrades at many if not most positions, there are a few needs that if not adequately filled could materially impact the season.

The two biggest needs are at offensive line (either at Guard or Tackle depending on where they put Justin Pugh), and at Safety, where current roster players have no NFL starting experience.

Jerry Reese has a history of not using high picks on the offensive line, and it’s tough to compare the impact expected of a Guard to any top flight receiver but most pundits see the Giants drafting Iowa guard Brandon Scherff.  There are no great safeties in this year’s draft that could justifiably be taken that early on in the draft.  Landon Collins from Alabama represents the best of them but even he shouldn’t go until late in the first round.  If the Giants are fortunate he will slip until they pick in the 2nd round but given the dearth of quality safeties in this year’s draft that is unlikely.

I think 9 is a bit high to take a guard, but I’m not sold on the Giants using the pick on another wide receiver.  There is speculation that Cooper or White could drop to 9 and the Giant’s would be tempted.  For the Giants to have a chance of winning this year, they need to get a return from Victor Cruz along with solid contributions from Randle to supplement the greatness they expect from Beckham Jr. 

Some are calling for Todd Gurley, a special running back talent, but with three decent running backs on the roster and a general league devaluation of running backs, I don’t see them taking a running back in round 1.

My ideal scenario is for the Giants to trade down from the 9 slot, potentially to the Dolphins at 14, where they are certain to have a shot at Schreff, or at least Andrus Peat, La’el Collins or Ereck Flowers.  More likely they stay at 9 and draft a pass rusher.  Long term, it’s not a bad idea given that JPP is on a one year contract and despite my constant predictions (hope), Damontre Moore hasn’t proven anything yet.  I should be more patient, and accept that, but I am rooting for this season, and for this season, that is just not priority. But Reese was trained by the Ernie Accorsi that took Kiwi when they already had Tuck, Osi and Strahan.  They just value that position very highly and one of Beasley, Randy Gregory, Bud Dupree or Shane Ray should be available and at decent value in the 9 hole.  There were some recent rumors of the Browns looking to trade up and they have 12 so that could be an ideal partner for the Giants if the guy the Browns want at 9 is still there, but the Giants are just not from the big draft day traders.

There are a few safeties that look to be available early in the third round, so that is where I would expect them to take a safety (unless Collins or Randle are available in round 2), and if they do take a pass rusher in round 1, there are some quality offensive lineman that should still be there in round 2 (AJ Cann, Laken Tomlinson or TJ Clemmings).

You never know how the board falls out when draft day comes, and I know the Giants preach best player available but I can’t see them not taking an offensive lineman and a safety with 2 of their first 3 picks.  They are usually good for a pass rusher if they can find one and will add a linebacker or other defensive backfield in the later rounds.

Given their depth it actually does not make a lot of sense to use a late round pick on running back or safety but they often do that anyway.