2012: A Special NYG Draft?

Fourth Round – TE, Adrien Robinson, Cincinnati

I’m not sure if he is completely the “JPP of tight ends,” but like JPP, he is very athletic for his size and raw. He’s 6-4, 264-pounds and ran a 4.5 forty. His on-the-field numbers last year are usually associated with free agents signed as camp fodder. Robinson caught 12 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns last season, but the Giants believe they can develop him into something special.

What’s ironic about Robinson at this point, he may become the Giants’ future Martellus Bennett because of Martellus Bennett.

If Eli Manning can make effective use of Jake Ballard, I’m salivating at the idea of Bennett running free in opposing secondaries. If Bennett establishes himself the way I think he can, Robinson may have trouble getting on the field when he’s ready. Bennett, of course, left Dallas because of Jason Witten.

Fourth Round – OT, Brandon Mosley, Auburn
Sixth Round – OT, Matt McCants, UAB

I love both of these picks. In keeping with the “best available athlete” draft philosophy, two physically gifted big men who the Giants might be able to mold into NFL linemen.

If 2012 is a “good” draft, one of these young men will become a capable back up.

If 2012 is a “special” draft, one of these two young men is a future starter and the other may become a reliable back up.

Seventh Round – DT, Markus Kuhn, NC State

It’s quite possible Kuhn may make an impact this year on the field.

Let’s get one thing straight about Kuhn. He has a long, long way to go. He’s a German-native who needs a lot of coaching, but he’s also a very gifted athlete. He weighs 299-pounds and recorded a 4.89-second 40-yard dash as well as a 34.5 inch vertical jump.

That vertical jump places Kuhn in the top 15 for LINEBACKERS in this draft. How many DTs in the game can make that claim?

The analysts say Kuhn is horrible against the run because he lacks proper technique. That can be taught with time. But the analysts also say he’s a buzz saw against the pass. If Kuhn can consistently create some push up the middle in training camp this summer, he may find himself playing third and long situations during the season.

With time and hard work, he may become a force inside on three downs.

Wrap up

I love this draft. I think the top three picks will be playmakers this year. I’m especially excited about seeing Wilson. And can you imagine watching Hosley pick off underneath passes from Tony Romo….at key, season-deciding moments?

I love the fact the remaining players have huge upsides. You can apply “athletically-gifted, but raw” to each of them.

I have high hopes for all of these young men like I always do. We’ll only know for sure if this draft is “special” three or four years from now, but I have a good feeling about this group. I think this draft will become very important to the Giants in the coming years.

If it becomes important to the Giants during the 2012 season, one might even be forced to say “special” right now. Why wait until 2014?