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New York Giants Select Avery Moss In 2017 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; West Team defensive end Avery Moss (90) rushes as East Team offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) blocks during the second quarter of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; West Team defensive end Avery Moss (90) rushes as East Team offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) blocks during the second quarter of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jerry Reese and the New York Giants have turned their attention to the defensive line by selecting Avery Moss in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants have made a concerted effort to improve the depth along the defensive line. In response to the departure of standout defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, the Giants utilized a second-round draft pick on interior lineman Dalvin Thompson.

Three rounds after the Giants invested in the former Alabama Crimson Tide star, general manager Jerry Reese turned his attention to an end from a less heralded program.

With the 167th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Giants have selected defensive end Avery Moss.

Moss was a star defensive end for the Youngstown State Penguins.

Moss is a 6’3″ and 264-pound lineman with explosive athleticism and long arms. He disengages quickly from blocks and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when either rushing the passer or meeting a running back at the point of attack.

After being dismissed by the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2014, Moss was given a second chance under head coach Bo Pelini at Youngstown State.

On the field, Moss made the most of the opportunity by recording 59 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 2016.

The Giants have a pair of star-caliber defensive ends in Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon. Both Pierre-Paul and Vernon ranked amongst the league leaders in snaps played by a defensive lineman during the 2016 season.

By adding Moss to the rotation of linemen, however, the Giants have created depth with another athletic body who can apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.

Moss will also provide a measure of insurance for a Giants team that knows how devastating injuries can be. Pierre-Paul missed four games during the 2016 season, which forced New York to turn to a rotation of players in his place.

If Moss reaches his ceiling, he could provide tremendous support to Pierre-Paul and Vernon, and potentially start in the NFL.

Must Read: Five reasons to love the Evan Engram pick

Welcome to the New York Giants, Avery Moss. You’re joining an elite defense.

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