The New York Giants had a disappointing season and are looking to bounce back into the prime shape they have been in the past couple of years. This off season was a mix of good and bad. While they did a good job adding bodies, they lost some of their key players to free agency and didn’t seem to be able to fill the gaps with players who were depth more than starting players. The Giants offense was one of the worst in the league, which included not having a one thousand yard rusher and not even a one thousand yard receiver. Eli Manning also threw more interceptions than touchdowns, which doesn’t help. The defense came to the rescue and was above average, which explains the 7-9 record instead of a few more losses. This draft can make a huge splash for the Giants squad and compliment the large amount of signings and re-signings they did in free agency.
Needs: WR, TE, OL, DL, OLB
Wide Receiver: One of the most noticeable losses the Giants had was Hakeem Nicks, who was one of their strongest receivers in the past couple of years. Besides Victor Cruz, he was the only other receiver who had recorded a one thousand yard season. The loss means not only do other receivers have to step up but do they have people who contain the capabilities to do so? They may want to address it in the first round but with the depth of this receiving class, they may be able to address the need later on.
Tight End: The Giants haven’t had a big impact tight end since Jeremy Shockey. They had a chance with Brandon Myers but lost him to free agency. So, the Giants will have to look into the draft to be able to replace him. They will look early in the draft and maybe even use the 12th pick to get someone to be a true number one for them. The position has grown in the league and has become a key ingredient for a successful offense. The Giants want to revive their offense to what it once was, so getting a good tight end will help them.
Offensive Lineman: Eli Manning is the face of this franchise and the team may want to consider protecting him better and not have him frantic in the backfield or possibly even injuring himself. They have added some players in free agency that may start but when rebuilding an offense, teams start with the offensive line and move on. If they look at offensive lineman that they may want in the draft, it wouldn’t be a shock if they grab a tackle in the first round.
Defensive Lineman: The Giants have been known for having a good front seven but, going into this year, I am not sure it is the case. The defensive tackle position could use a youth and strength in the mix. The Giants are a 4-3 defense and having a prominent group of guys who can be destructive is key. They will look in the mid-rounds and will be hoping for a gem to score.
Outside Linebacker: The Giants seem to have this on going pattern of having a lot of average guys but not have someone who will be outstanding. Since they do tend to have earlier picks in each round, the Giants will be lurking and if they are sold on someone who they think can start and shine among a group of misfits, then they’ll swipe him up.