New York Giants: Can Reese Hit Jackpot In The 2017 NFL Draft?
With the addition of Eli Apple and Sterling Shepard in the 2016 NFL Draft, can Jerry Reese hit the jackpot again in 2017?
This year’s draft is full of athletic freaks, but is there one player that really stands out to the New York Giants general manager?
Lets be honest, there are holes to fill and not enough high draft picks to solve all the issues. Big Blue needs support at offensive line, linebacker, tight end, running back and maybe even safety.
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Mock drafts have every position being simulated to the New York Giants, but what is really brewing in the back of Jerry Reese’s mind?
Right off the bat, we can conclude that the offensive line needs dire support seeing as Eli Manning was getting rid of the ball in 2.38 seconds in 2016, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
At that speed, receivers could only travel about 10-15 yards when considering fighting off defenders and pad weight.
Eli averaged 6.7 yards per catch in 2016, and averages 7.1 yards per catch in his entire career. That’s a pretty steep drop when considering how many pass attempts he had last season (598 attempts, third most in his career), per Pro Football Reference.
Impact of 2016 NFL Draft Picks
The addition of Oklahoma star Sterling Shepard added significant depth and promise behind Odell Beckham Jr. Unfortunately, he has a small frame, as most of the Giant’s receivers do. The addition of former New York Jet Brandon Marshall, should solve that problem.
New York Giants
Reese struck gold in free agency last season with Janoris Jenkins, Olivier Vernon and Damon “Snacks” Harrison, but historically this method is rather risky and often doesn’t pan out as expected.
The defense was mostly retained this offseason with the exception of Johnathan Hankins who left for the Indianapolis Colts on a 3-year, $30 million deal.
His departure leaves a massive hole on the defensive line, something Jerry Reese will surely be considering come April 26th.
With B.J. Goodson the expected starter at middle linebacker, there is skepticism on whether he has what it takes to succeed as a second-year, fourth-round pick.
Reese could be looking at either Zach Cunningham out of Vanderbilt or Jarrad Davis if available to create some competition.
Overall, Reese has hit on 5 out of 7 first round draft choices, so statistically speaking he has a decent shot at hitting the jackpot again.
Avoid Offensive Line In Draft?
According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the New York Giants should shy away from offensive lineman in this draft. It is highlighted that most of them acquire too many weaknesses to start from day one.
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With that in mind, a linebacker or tight end is more probable. With Alabama’s O.J. Howard headlining the tight end class, he would be a steal for the Giant’s at 23. Howard and David Njoku (Miami) are the only first-round caliber tight ends, so it’s fair to say, if either of them are off the board a linebacker will be the likely choice.