Draft Analysis: NFL Draft Needs: Giants

Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld’s NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld’s college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they’re breaking down every team’s biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.

No. 1 Team Need: Wide Receiver

Silva’s Analysis

Coach Ben McAdoo runs a three-receiver offense, but the Giants currently have only one starting-level wideout. It’s Odell Beckham and then not much else. Dwayne Harris‘ best utilization is as a No. 4 receiver and special teamer, while Victor Cruz would be defying odds to resume his past production following a ruptured patellar tendon and recurring calf tears. McAdoo’s offense has West Coast roots, designed to get the ball out of the quarterback’s hands in timely fashion and give his receivers playmaking opportunities after the catch.

No. 2 Team Need: Offensive Line

Silva’s Analysis

On the Giants’ current roster, both right guard (John Jerry) and right tackle (Marshall Newhouse) are occupied by backup-caliber players who might not even make most good teams’ final 53. Although Ereck Flowers struggled in pass protection as a rookie, the G-Men seemingly remain committed to him at left tackle. The right side of the line needs to be rebuilt.

No. 3 Team Need: Defensive Back

Silva’s Analysis

Even after an extremely aggressive free-agency period, the Giants remain one of the NFL’s neediest teams due to GM Jerry Reese‘s recent draft failures. Linebacker and tailback could also use talent upgrades. I went with defensive back as New York’s No. 3 need due to concerns at slot corner and free safety. SS Landon Collins‘ coverage limitations should make center-field safety a priority for Reese in the draft. Versatility to cover slot receivers on passing downs would come in especially handy. This defense needs a Malcolm Jenkins-type player.

Norris’ Mock Draft

Round 1 (10): LB/EDGE Leonard Floyd, Georgia – There are many people who follow and cover the Giants more closely than I do, including beat writer Jordan Raanan. He believes Vernon Hargreaves and Floyd could be the top two options at No. 10. Personally, I would be surprised if VHIII is still available. That leaves Floyd, who would fill the linebacker-to-edge prospect the team has been looking for, per Raanan. It is worth bringing up that Jerry Reese has shown no interest in using early round picks on traditional linebackers. Many teams could view Floyd as an inside linebacker, others as a hybrid player.

Round 2 (40): WR Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma – Shepard’s game is awesome, and he would be great in a yards after catch type situation. He creates separation with footwork, little wasted movement and quickness. Shepard also flashes winning contested situations. I still think Laquon Treadwell (or another receiver) should be considered at No. 10, but others don’t.

Round 3 (71): G Joe Dahl, Washington State – Dahl is viewed as a guard or right tackle prospect by teams. Thank goodness both are needs for the Giants.

Round 4 (109): RB Alex Collins, Arkansas – A powerful, physical runner who is a limited athlete. Collins will hit the hole and can pick up a few extra yards on his own thanks to his forward, chin down style of running. Collins can also pass protect.

Round 5 (149): CB/S Jamie Byrd, USF – Byrd played a number of slot snaps last year. Teams could see him as a hybrid corner/safety.

Round 6 (184): T Davante Harris, Appalachian State – Harris is definitely a project, but Jerry Reese has taken those types in the past (Matt McCants, for one). Harris might be at his best in the running game.

Giants Current Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Eli Manning

RB: Rashad Jennings

WR: Odell Beckham

WR: Dwayne Harris

WR: Victor Cruz

TE: Will Tye

LT: Ereck Flowers

LG: Justin Pugh

C: Weston Richburg

RG: John Jerry

RT: Marshall Newhouse