The New York Giants were busy boys in free agency as they splashed some serious cash for help on the defensive side of the ball. Does that mean general manager Jerry Reese will use most of the six picks he has in this year’s draft on some offensive reinforcements?
Read on below and check out which players the Giants should look to target with five of their six picks in the 2016 NFL Draft. And for more team-centric mock drafts, check out our picks for the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Round 1: Pick #10 (10th overall) – OT Ronnie Stanley – Notre Dame
NEEDS at OT: The Giants’ offensive line is looking very promising, but they still have to find another tackle. Marshall Newhouse looked out of his depth starting at right tackle last season, and is just a stopgap at best. If the Giants have the chance to grab a franchise tackle at No. 10, they really shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
STRENGTHS: Stanley is one of the top tackle prospects in this year’s draft. He’s got the combination of elite length, agility and fluidity with his movements which makes him an outstanding pass protector. (He didn’t give up more than two quarterback pressures last season.) Whether he plays right or left tackle, he should be an immediate upgrade.
Round 2: Pick #9 (40th overall) – S Vonn Bell – Ohio St.
NEEDS at S: The Giants took a step in the right direction by drafting Landon Collins last season, but they still have a ways to go to build more depth and quality at safety, especially after suffering a rash of injuries at the position last season.
STRENGTHS: Bell defends both the run and the pass quite well. He primarily lined up as a single high safety at Ohio State, but could also come down and defend the slot. He isn’t the most aggressive tackler, but nevertheless showed improvement against the run last season. He takes some very good angles that allow him to make a play on the ball or cut off a receiver’s route.
NEEDS at RB: Rashad Jennings is a nice, versatile player and Shane Vereen is one of the best receiving backs in the NFL. But with Andre Williams proving to be pretty ineffective, the Giants offense could still use a running back that can actually get consistent yardage on the ground, especially in short-yard situations.
STRENGTHS: Collins is the type of back who should fit the bill for the Giants. He’s a physical, downhill runner who is relentless in fighting for extra yardage. He’s got great acceleration and can also change direction well when not yet in full speed. He’s not really a factor in the passing game, but with Jennings and Vereen already in place, he won’t need to be.
NEEDS at WR: The Giants let Rueben Randle walk in the offseason, perhaps expecting Victor Cruz to return as the No. 2 receiver behind Odell Beckham Jr. But there are still doubts whether Cruz can get back to his best after missing the entirety of last season with a knee injury.
STRENGTHS: Lawler was a touchdown machine as Jared Goff’s main target in Cal. He had 27 TDs in just 143 career catches. He’s a big target at 6-2. He has some sharp footwork, which he uses to get in and out of his breaks, and can move to top speed early. He’s also got strong hands and impressive body control that allows him to make some acrobatic catches.
Round 5: Pick #14 (149th overall) – G Jon Dahl – Washington St.
NEEDS at G: The Giants could do with some more options along the interior of their offensive line. Second-year man Bobby Hart is currently penciled in as a starter, which is hardly their most ideal situation.
STRENGTHS: Despite playing left tackle in college, Dahl is expected to move inside to guard in the pros. He’s got all the tools to be pretty successful there, though. He’s shown good push as a drive blocker. He also has good hand quickness and grip. Intangibles like toughness and determination are both positive as well.
