New York Giants: Strategic Approach to NFL Draft (Part I)

3. Going after two tight ends.

I have done my fair share of scouting and film study to determine my own big board and analyze the prospects that could fit as contributors come September for the G-Men. But ultimately, what I’ve come to determine is that even with a new offensive system being installed and a reshaped roster, the tight end position is a key component that has not been addressed and definitely has to be answered. Kellen Davis is a band-aid, and Adrien Robinson, Daniel Fells and Larry Donnell are mainly camp bodies.

Many times has former University of North Carolina TE Eric Ebron been tied to the Giants because of his huge upside, physical capabilities and his title as the top tight end in the draft. While talk has recently arisen of him possibly going before the Giants’ pick at 12, there are still other quality options behind him that will go quickly in the first four rounds.

This could be New York’s chance to add two bodies to a very suspect position and give Eli toys to work with. A combination of a Troy Niklas and CJ Fiedorowicz could be deadly, as both are pro ready prospects that both play a part in the running game as solid blockers but also play threats in the passing game. Such an approach could solidify the tight end spot for the Giants with talented depth, while providing scheme flexibility. Taking one of the aforementioned players and adding Ebron still provides a deadly duo.

Imagine a power running formation, such as the I-Form Big (features two TEs, FB, RB and one WR). The Giants could maintain their power offense that Coughlin loves, while also being able to pass from the formation with their two new tight ends and a receiver outside, instead of being more predictably a running play because of the limitations on personnel.

Adding two tight ends is similar to what the New England Patriots did in selecting Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, providing them two solid threats on any down to create multiple mismatches. The Indianapolis Colts did similarly two seasons ago after selecting Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen. Don’t put it past the Giants to conduct the same move by taking two tight ends in this year’s draft to solidify a glaring hole in the offense and give McAdoo two toys that present major mismatches.

Stay tuned for part two tomorrow.