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By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG

In 2005, the New York Giants GM Ernie Accorsi made three significant free agent signings when he inked WR Plaxico Burgess, MLB Antonio Pierce and OT Kareem McKenzie. Accorsi also utilized the draft by adding CB Corey Webster, DE Justin Tuck and RB Brandon Jacobs. All six of these players played a vital role in the Giants last two Super Bowls victories. Fast forward to 2021 and GM Dave Gettleman sign three free agents in WR Kenny Golladay, CB Adoree Jackson and TE Kyle Rudolph who are all expected to start and play major roles in 2021. Now Gettleman could still add another player as the Giants haven’t addressed the need to replace Guard Kevin Zeitler and will be heading into the 2021 season with Shane Lemieux and Will Hernandez penciled in as the starters. I firmly believe that Gettleman will and must get a veteran Guard signed to ensure that QB Daniel Jones has a little more time in the pocket to throw to his new teammates.

Guard Trai Turner is still available and Gettleman drafted him back in 2014 in the 3rd round. If deemed healthy and if the Giants can fit him into the cap; it makes perfect sense to bring him in to secure one of the guard spots for the Giants.  Let’s take a look at three options the Giants have during the draft in fill in the final pieces to the roster:

  • Draft BPA in round 1: Sitting at #11 in the 1st round, the Giants will have talent available when they’re on the clock. There are only a couple of prospects that the Giants will draft no matter what and in my opinion those two are WR Ja’Mar Chase and TE Kyle Pitts. However; I firmly believe both will be off the board when the Giants select, so it could come down to which prospect is the BPA on their draft board. It could be at any position, so it bears watching to see how Gettleman and Judge approach this pick. The Giants 1st pick could hinge on whether or not they do sign a lineman like a Turner before the draft.
  • Draft BPA/Need: This old time debate on whether to draft BPA or Need will forever be a mystery; as every team usually goes either way with each pick. The Giants will no doubt choose a prospect with both philosophies in mind. Whichever direction they go, Gettleman and Judge must choose wisely and find the right prospects that are not only talented, but also fit the team’s culture and more importantly the system.
  • Draft high ceiling prospects: The success of free agency has given the Giants the luxury to draft players who are projected with high ceilings and are not expected to be major contributors in 2021. However; this strategy could backfire if they fail to choose wisely. Drafting a prospect and trying to envision what they will become is not a given, but is often practiced by many teams with certain picks. This is why thorough scouting comes into play and ultimately the GM and Head Coach must trust their scouts.

Again, we are still a solid month away from the draft and the Giants could add additional pieces to the roster before hand; most notably a starting Guard. If so, that should change the mindset on day 1 of the draft. If not, it becomes apparent that the offensive line will be a main area of concern to improve upon. Keep an eye out for my 1st edition of my 2021 mock draft with a possible trade scenario.