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By Michael Stewart @golferbad

NFL Draft 2019: Five Positions Need Upgrades

The 2019 NFL draft nearly 8 months away, however; it’s never too early to look at what the Giants needs could be heading into the 2019 season. The 2018 roster has been completely turned over with many new faces; expect more changes from now and until the start of the 2019 season.

Based on the Giants current roster, they have five glaring positions that need to be addressed during the NFL draft or in Free Agency. Over the next 8 months, I will feature articles pertaining to the upcoming draft, college players spotlight, and possible draft scenarios.

Quarterback: With the release of Davis Webb and only Kyle Lauletta remaining on the roster as a possible successor to Eli Manning.  Expect the Giants to look at the quarterback position early in the draft. Although the talent isn’t as deep as the 2018 class, there are a handful of signal callers who would fit in nicely with the Giants. I’ll discuss in more detail the quarterback prospects in future articles.

Offensive Tackle: The Giants signed Nate Solder to protect Manning’s blind side, but he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Let’s not forget the other side of the line; which is currently occupied by Ereck Flowers. Flowers is in the final season of his rookie contract.  Based on performance it looks like it’s his final year as a Giant.

If so, the Giants need to address this issue and find an offensive tackle early in the NFL draft and possibly also through free agency who can help anchor the right side and give the Giants a more balance and better performance that they’ve been lacking for a number of years.

Cornerback: The Giants used a 3rd round pick in the supplemental draft on cornerback Sam Beal out of Western Michigan; who many projected to be a 1st round talent.  Despite the addition of Beal, who is currently on the IR, the Giants still need to find another shutdown cornerback.  Janoris Jenkins could be released and/or traded in the offseason as a casualty salary cut.

Center: Journeyman Jon Halapio is the Giants starting center; which happens to be a new position for him.   He is a natural guard. Unless Halapio shows signs of becoming an All-Pro, the Giants should consider looking for a center in the NFL draft. This will allow the Giants to move Halapio back to guard and perhaps beat out Patrick Omameh at right guard.

Defensive End: The Giants seriously need to look for a pass rusher who can go get the quarterback and still be productive against the run. Olivier Vernon is the only legitimate pass rusher with proven success at the NFL.  There is a chance he’ll be a casualty cut and/or traded before the 2019 season. Rookie Lorenzo Carter has all the makings to be a disruptive edge rusher.  It would be nice to have multiple players on the field with that type of talent.

Final Thoughts:

The Giants GM Dave Gettleman will address any position he feels needs to be improved upon. I don’t expect to see the Giants being very active in the free agent market as they decide what to do with Landon Collins; which many believe will be re-signed. So unless the current players on the roster, Free Agency might be out of reach.