My Thoughts on the New York Giants Draft

The New York Giants are hungry to make it back into the playoffs after failing to do so after winning the Super Bowl in 2012. To do so, they needed to have a solid draft to continue to compete in the loaded NFL East. I will breakdown all 7 of the Giants new draft picks.

Round 1, Pick 19: OT Justin Pugh, Syracuse

I had Pugh going to the Giants in the second round of one of my previous blogs. I think he can immediately start at the right tackle position. Everyone became a fan of this guy as the video of him being drafted with his friends went viral on Youtube. This is a solid pick because it was a need and some of the guys they liked at 19 already came off the board. Pugh would not have been there for them in the second round. Scouts also said Pugh is very versatile and can  play guard at the next level as well.

Round 2, Pick 49: DT Johnathon Hankins, Ohio St.

Hankins is a big plug guy who will definitely help this team stop the run which is something they struggled with last year. The Giants have a lot of one year deal guys on the defensive line so he can be a starter in 2014 moving forward. This year I see him as more of a rotation guy.

Round 3, Pick 81: DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M

This is by far my favorite draft pick for the Giants. He will be an edge rusher who can really get to the Quarterback. He was once regarded as a 1st round pick and was a sack machine in college. He will be a solid defensive end behind Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre Paul and will essentially replace Osi Umenyiora. The one downside is he has character issues which scares you in New York but I think the veteran leadership on this team keeps him in line.

Round 4, Pick 110: QB Ryan Nassib, Syracuse

Nassib was considered by many to be the top quarterback in the draft and the Giants got him in the 4th round. Did they have other need? Yes but he will be able to learn under Eli Manning  which will benefit him. Manning has never had an big injuries in his career but it is good to know the have a young capable player in Nassib who can take over. I still do not think David Carr sees the field.

Round 5, Pick 152: S Cooper Taylor, Richmond

Taylor as great size and speed and should be able to help this secondary. Based on what I looked into, he can be used when the Giants go with 3 safeties on passing downs and  guard the tight end. He should be a great special teams guy as well but has had injury concerns through out his college career.

Round 7, Pick 225: G, Eric Herman, Ohio

Both of the Giants guards will be free agents after this season (Boothe and Diehl). I do not expect both to go but it is good to pick up a guard who can potentially come in if he shows strides in practice behind these guys. He is a very big body who plays physical so I believe the Giants are looking forward to seeing what he can do in the preseason.

Round 7, Pick 253: RB Michael Cox, UMass

I am not really sure why the Giants drafted another running back but Cox has good size and speed. The Giants already have David WIlson and Andrew Brown as their 1-2 punch at running back and I do not see Cox beating out Ryan Torain or Da’Rell Scott for the third spot.

Overall: All in all I thought the Giants had a solid draft. They added some starters and some guys who can really contribute in many different ways to help this team in the present and future. The one position i would have liked them to draft is corner back. In early off season projections, I have them slightly behind the Redskins, but ahead of the Eagles, then Cowboys. I really liked what all 4 NFC East teams did this draft. Especially the Eagles.