by Michael Stewart | NY Giants Rush Contributor
After missing the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive season and finishing 6-10 in 2014. The Giants and GM Jerry Reese have many holes and needs to fill. Every team has their own method when it comes to the draft, some draft by need and/or by BPA (Best Player Available). GM Jerry Reese in past drafts has always been hard to gauge on his selections.
Historically; he has drafted the BPA most of the time. This year’s draft will be no different as the Giants must address many needs and based on the depth in this year’s draft; what should they do? Looking at this year’s prospects and the positions of need that many experts have projected for the Giants; I have assembled the depth of these positions in no particular order:
- OT: This year’s class of OT have a projected of 7 possible 1st rounder’s. With an additional two in the 2nd round and four in the 3rd The Giants could pass on an OT in round 1 and look at either round 2 or 3 for an OT.
- DE: Another position that has depth as five DE’s are projected to go in round 1. The Giants lack of a pass rush over the past few years coincides with their poor record. One of the main cogs in their last two Super Bowl victories was the performance of their pass rush.
- DT: It seems that this year’s draft has depth along both side of the line (Offense/Defense). Five DT’s have a good chance to be selected in the 1st round; while another four could go in round 2.
- OLB/ILB: 5 OLB/ILB are projected to go in round 1; while another eight in rounds 2 & 3. GM Jerry Reese has not had any luck during this tenure in drafting a solid linebacker. In Fact, only the drafting of Damontre Moore and Devon Kennard in recent drafts stands out. If Reese is going to draft a backer this is the year to do so.
- WR: Very similar to the 2014 draft; this could be the deepest position in this year’s draft with possibly 7 1st rounder’s projected and another eleven through rounds 2 & 3. With the injury to Victor Cruz that sidelined him for most of the 2014 season. Jerry Reese must approach this as the same scenario he did with (RB) David Wilson. Although I do not see Reese selecting a WR in rounds 1 or 2; (unless Kevin White or Amari Cooper falls into his lap) he could between rounds 3-5.
- RB: Only 2 possible RB’s are projected in the 1st round; while rounds 2-5 indicates a possibility of fifteen that could be selected. Last season, Rashad Jennings missed a large portion of the season; which put a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of rookie Andre Williams. Williams performed considerably well in Jennings absence, but it was obvious that the Giants needed more depth at this position. I could see Reese looking through rounds 4-7 for a serviceable RB, who can also contribute on special teams as well.
- SS/FS: Antrel Rolle is now with the Bears, Stevie Brown and Quintin Demps are also free agents and may not return. That leaves only Nat Berhe and Cooper Taylor as the only signed SS on the roster. This position is probably the 2nd weakest position of need for the Giants in this year’s draft. Only one SS is projected to go in round 1 and another two more in round 2. So if the Giants are expecting to not re-sign Rolle and not pursue his replacement via free agency. Would Reese select Landon Collins with the 9th overall pick in the 1st if he is still on the board? My gut tells me that Reese would rather look in later rounds for Rolle’s replacement.
- OG: Topping the weakest position of need for the Giants is the OG position with no projected 1st rounders (If you don’t include possible OT prospects being considered NFL OG). Rounds 2-4 have ten projected, so if Reese wants a OG; he can select one in the later rounds. Unless any of the OT in this draft are viewed as OG at the pro level, OG is the weakest position that fits into the Giants needs.
Final Thoughts: As I mentioned earlier, Jerry Reese is very hard to figure out as he is very good in disguising his intentions leading up to the draft. One thing is clear is that Reese needs to have this draft be one of his best overall.