Free agency solved a lot of the New York Giants’ problems long before the draft was on the horizon. This is a team that’s on the verge of competing for a Super Bowl and the pieces they added, especially wide receiver Brandon Marshall and guard D.J. Fluker, will be a major part of any run they can put together.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement on this Giants team. They need serious work on both lines so that’s where I’m heading with most of this draft. There’s really only one skill position they need to upgrade and they can manage that immediately in the first round.
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Round 1, Pick 23: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
2016: 45 catches, 595 yards, three touchdowns
Eli Manning has been desperate for a legitimate NFL pass-catching tight end since Jeremy Shockey fled the team in 2007. Since that was Eli’s fourth season and he’s now about to start his 14th, that’s a significant drought. As good as Howard’s numbers have been over the past two seasons, on any other team other than Alabama they would have been better. He was underused in a run first offense with quarterbacks that could barely spread the ball around. When the team did put him in the game plan, he was absolutely dominant and a big part of their national title runs.
Round 2, Pick 55: Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh
Johnson has played guard at Pitt his entire career, but was a five-star offensive tackle coming out of high school. Just because the Panthers needed him at guard doesn’t mean the Giants can’t steal a starting tackle here with this pick in the second round. Even leaving him at guard makes sense, putting him opposite Justin Pugh immediately improves the interior of their offensive line and, besides, I think the Giants can get a starting tackle in the next round. Johnson is 6-5 and 300 pounds and celebrated his senior season with multiple All-American nods and an All-ACC selection.
Round 3, Pick 87: Chad Wheeler, OT, USC
Wheeler’s draft stock has taken a hit because he’s struggled to stay healthy at USC. When he has played, he has an elite OT skillset, with quick feet and balance. He has a good first punch and can stay connected with pass rushers and ride them to the ground. He needs to work on his core strength and an NFL training team can help with that along with his recurring injury problems. He’s not a first year starter, but he’s the guy that can take over for Ereck Flowers if he continues on his disappointing path. If not, then Wheeler can start on the right side for the next decade.
Round 4, Pick 140: Jessamen Dunker, OG, Tennessee State
Don’t let the Tennessee State school designation fool you, Dunker was a four-star recruit at Florida who transferred to the FCS level after a stupid arrest for stealing a scooter. Dunker has left larceny behind and instead become an NFL level guard. As a rookie, the 6-4, 318-pound FCS All-American can be a reserve all across the line since he has experience playing guard and tackle.
Round 5, Pick 167: Joe Mathis, DE, Washington
2016: 25 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, five sacks, one pass defended
With their offensive line shored up, the Giants can finally add some depth to their defensive line. They do have a hole at defensive tackle, but Mathis is the best defensive lineman on the board at this point. At 6-2 and 255 pounds, he’s undersized for an NFL defensive end, but also played linebacker so he has those skills too. He can rush the passer with his fist in the ground or standing up and should be a solid contributor even as a rookie.
Round 6, Pick 207: D.J. Jones, DT, Ole Miss
2016: 30 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery
Here is your diamond in the rough. The Giants get an eventual starting defensive tackle in the sixth round with Jones. At 6-0 and 321 pounds he can eat up blocks and was famous for being the strongest person on Ole Miss’ entire football team.
Round 7, Pick 241: Bryan Cox Jr., DE, Florida
2016: 19 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, half a sack
It feels like they’re are a lot of second generation NFL players in this draft. Cox is the son of former New York Jets and Miami Dolphins linebacker Bryan Cox senior. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he was hurt most of his senior year. As a junior he had 46 tackles, 11 for a loss and 3.5 sacks.
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