That’s right… If you read the Final Breakdown, posted just hours before the draft started, I managed to get this one right almost perfectly. Everything I read, said as much smoke the Bills and Jets were blowing about former West Virginia WR Tavon Austin the St Louis Rams were not leaving this draft without him. They sent picks #16, 46, 78 and 222 in order to get Austin and the #71 pick, of which the Bills should have been thankful to get such a bounty. Think about this, Darrelle Revis got the Jets the #13 overall and a 3rd round pick next year, while a kid who has yet to play an NFL down, was able to haul a first round pick only 3 picks lower than what the Jets got for Revis, as well as a 2nd, a 3rd, and a 7th round pick in a draft class as an organization, you should already be prepared for. To me that’s amazing. I get the slot receiver in the NFL is a really sexy position and with guys like Wes Welker, Victor Cruz, and Danny Amendola getting new big contracts. (We all know Cruz is getting paid!), there should be a certain allure to giving your quarterback a guy who fits that mold. Sam Bradford should be thrilled. Austin will be an immediate upgrade along with college teammate Stedman Bailey to give the Rams some legitimate threats across the middle. Now, finally we can get to the Bills.

With the #16 pick in the 2013 NFL draft the Buffalo Bills select: Florida State QB E.J. Manuel.
Wait… what?? Not Geno Smith? Not Syracuse Alum Ryan Nassib? Not possible 1st rounder in 2012 USC Matt Barkley? No folks, the Bills seem to think that charisma can win you football games. If you listen to an interview with Manuel, you can’t help but fall in love with the kid. He seems to think and speak clearly and his smile will look great on a cereal box, but can he make a difference for the Bills this year? NO. The Bills took a major risk with this pick. First round picks should be players that fill a need. They got a player that down the line can make an impact, not an immediate one. If we made out grade based on just the first round the Bills would get a PUSH. Good thing we have a few more picks to look thru in a more succinct manner.

#41 – USC WR, Robert Woods – Matt Barkley’s most consistent target should be able to help spread the defense and give Buffalo their wish of using Stevie Johnson in the slot.
#46 – Oregon LB, Kiko Alonso – 81 tackles, 14 for a loss, and 4 INT his senior season at Oregon.
#78 – Texas WR, Marquise Goodwin – Raw receiver with incredible (4.27) 40 speed.
#105 – North Carolina State Safety, Duke Williams – a sure tackler with off field issues that drove him out of the 2nd round. The bills have said he will be on the field in Nickel packages from day 1.
#143 – Clemson Safety, Jonathan Meeks – A 6’ 209lbs “thumper” who fills a need at Strong Safety. DaNorris Searcy should be on notice.
#177 – FSU Kicker, Dustin Hopkins – Hopkins became the NCAA FBS All-time kick scorer with 459 points, and can also kick off, a great value pick in the 6th round.
#222 – Arkansas TE, Chris Gragg – caught 72 passes for 1, 003yards and 4 TD’s in 4 seasons.

PASS, FAIL OR PUSH? – PUSH – The Manuel pick is and overwhelming WHOA to what really isn’t a bad draft for the Bills. GM Buddy Nix got a lot of value late in the draft and as we said before helped his team with good talent at an inexpensive price. In three years, when we see E.J. Manuel either flourish or flop this grade will obviously change from a push.

Up next, with the #9th pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the N.Y. Jets (who probably should have traded one of their top two picks, but decided against it) select Alabama CB Dee Milliner. After trading away their multiple pro-bowl corner Darrelle Revis to Tampa only days before, Rex Ryan and his defensive mindset grabbed Milliner after both Detroit and Cleveland went in a different direction. Milliner was a unanimous 1st team All American in 2012. He finished his college career with 6 INT’s in 30 starts. His numbers are not outstanding, mainly because he had the Nnamdi Asomugha effect, where offenses knew better than to throw in his general direction. Milliner is not afraid to hit anybody, the problem with that is his injury history, including the torn labrum that kept him from fully participating at the NFL combine. Dee will compete with Antonio Cromartie for the CB1 job from day 1 of training camp.
The problem here will be the distractions. Milliner only 5 minutes after being drafted was asked what he thought of the sound of “Milliner Island?” Dee, even if he were to win DROY would still be hiding in the shadow of Revis, and that is something he just can’t control.

With the #13th pick in the 2013 NFL draft the NY Jets select: Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson – This means only one thing. The defense is going back to a 4-3. Richardson is a complimentary player in a 3-4 system but is a pass rushing penetrator in a 4-3. Perhaps the most athletic interior lineman in the draft, Richardson compiled 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 18.5 tackles for loss while at Missouri and managed 30 reps of 225lbs at the combine. (Whoa!) As for whether or not it fills a need… NO. The Jets needed an outside rusher or an offensive weapon, even an offensive lineman would have seemed like a more reasonable, safer decision. This pick left most Jets fans hanging their heads. Richardson isn’t going to win the Jets any games the way a Tyler Eifert could have. Even Texas Safety Kenny Vaccaro would have been possibly a better call if you are trying to fill a need. If this was picking the best player on the board, then I again would question; with so many needs, why not trade out of this position in order to obtain more picks for either this draft or next year?
The Jets also traded their 4th round pick to New Orleans for RB Chris Ivory. Ivory is exactly what Rex Ryan always wanted from new Titans back up Shonne Greene. At 27, the Jets signed Chris to a team friendly contract and should be the starter right from the start. This was a great trade on the part of GM John Idzik. Jets fans should be excited to finally have a running game. Let’s review the remainder of the NY Jets selections
#39 – West Virginia QB, Geno Smith – Great value at #39. What some considered the best QB in the weak QB class, Smith will challenge David Garrard for the starting job right away. This clearly spells the end of the line for Mark Sanchez, as the new GM now has his guy at QB. Pack your bags Mark, it may take until the trade deadline to find someone interested in your services, but it’s bound to happen if he isn’t flat out released.
#72 – Kent State OG, Brian Winters – Wrestling background with a nasty streak in him. He is a “brawler” which is exactly what the Jets offensive line needed, some toughness. I had hope the Jets would have decided on a guy like Chance Warmack at #9, Winters is a great complimentary piece while also getting Milliner at #9.
#141 – Virginia OT, Oday Aboushi – 32 starts at LT. He will give the Jets some depth at need position. He is not a starter, but can help fill a hole in case of injury or certain packages.
# 178 – Michigan DT/ OG, William Campbell – A DT the Jets are hoping to turn into a mauler in the middle as depth for the interior line. He put up 35 bench presses of 225lbs at his pro-day which is unbelievable.
#215 – Wake Forest RB/FB, Tommy Bohanon – John Connor is gone, and the Jets will be hoping to find their lead blocker in the 6’1, 246lbs Bohanon.

PASS, FAIL OR PUSH? – FAIL – The NY Jets were in a position to hold this draft hostage with two first round picks, and did nothing to address some serious holes on their roster. The team now has 5 QB’s after releasing Tim Tebow, thank god (no pun intended) and has no targets for whoever wins the QB1 job to throw to. The Offensive line is still a work in progress, as is the pass rush. I fully understand you couldn’t fix this team in one draft. Like the saying goes “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I do however, feel trading one of the two top picks the Jets had after the Revis deal would have created both cap space, and given them the ability to fill more holes with good young talent. That’s the deciding factor why the Jets got a failing grade.

And finally last but certainly not least:

04/08/2013 – 2013 Richmond Pro Day: Scouts brave the cold at Richmond Pro Day…The weather was crisp – about 35 degrees – for Richmond’s outdoor pro day on March 19. Scouts from 20 NFL teams braved the cold to watch seven players work out. Nobody there that had gone to combine, but there were three players of note: Cooper Taylor S (6-4??”, 228 pounds) – Taylor ran 4.58 and 4.49, did 36??” in the vertical, 10-foot-7 in the broad jump, 4.29 in the short-shuttle, 6.96 in the three-cone and 23 reps on the bench press. The coaches worked Taylor out as a linebacker. His official position will be strong safety, but he’s one of those guys who could possibly bulk up and play outside linebacker. Reminiscent of Kam Chancellor of the Seattle Seahawks. – Gil Brandt, NFL.com

Once again the Giants go with a versatile player who can play multiple positions and might develop into a strong Safety or An Outside Linebacker.  As the NFL has continued to evolve so have the positions on the field.  Linebackers have become more like safeties in both size and speed, and the size of the receivers have forced safeties and corners to evolve into bigger stronger players also.  Another good quality value and athletic pick.

Keep up the good work Jerry!

9. New York Jets – Jonathan Cooper, OG/North Carolina – I know just yesterday I had Cooper going to the Jets at #13, but they can’t chance the Titans or Miami would take him before then. The Jets, more than most teams, need a starter from day 1 at probably 4 positions. If Tavon Austin is drafted by either Buffalo, or St. Louis as predicted, The N.Y Jets will tell all the viewers at #9 who exactly is making the decisions for the team. If they trade this pick… It’s Idzick. If they pick a defensive player, Rex Ryan is making the decisions, and if they pick a lineman, Woody Johnson is thinking longevity with his early pick in 2013.

8. St. Louis Rams 8. Buffalo Bills – Tavon Austin, WR West Virginia – Everything I have read today had mentioned that both the N.Y. Jets as well as the Bills are very high on Tavon Austin, but neither is as high on him as St. Louis. With St. Louis having two first round picks, the ability to move up is infinite. This also works in favor for Buffalo who has to pick in front of Minnesota to make sure they get their pick of a QB like Ryan Nassib at 16, or E.J. Manuel and still acquire more picks later this year, or possibly next. If the Jets don’t go after Nassib at #13, he will fall directly to Buffalo.

7. Cardinals – Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah – ESPN’s Todd McShay “loves” this guy. I also think he can play in either scheme (4-3 or 3-4) as both at DT, or DE. He beats the Offensive line early in games and often and makes his presence felt. At 6’3” 311lbs, Star has the prototypical size and strength to be an impact player right away, which is exactly what a first round pick should do for your team.

6. Oakland Raiders – Sharrif Floyd, DT/ Florida – Floyd racked up 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two kick blocks as a junior before declaring and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah was quoted as saying, “everybody” has Floyd pegged as a top-five pick.” . At 6’3 297 pounds, and with a solid 40 time, Oakland loves highly touted athletic players of which Floyd definitely fits the mold. West Virginia WR Tavon Austin could also go here, or the Raiders could do something smart and move further down again in order to grab more talent, much like the Patriots do every year.

5. Detroit Lions – Ezekiel Ansah DE/ BYU – Ansah reportedly didn’t hire a trainer for the combine instead focusing on finishing his classes at BYU. His draft stock was already high but this news makes him seem kind of freakish. Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds with 35 1/8-inch arms, Ansah posted the sixth fastest forty times (4.63) of 37 defensive linemen who ran, and his 34 1/2-inch vertical tied for seventh. There is also a rumor that his 40 at the combine was the first one he ever ran in his lifetime. In 5 years’ time, this will either seem like the steal of the top 10, or a total bust.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Joeckel, OT/ Texas A&M – Chip Kelly gets to choose between a dynamic DE in BYU Ziggy Ansah or the consensus #1 for the last few months. I understand his new offense has been quoted by LeSean McCoy as being “a track meet” and I truly think that unless another team that is looking to move up, like the San Diego Chargers, trades into this position the choice will be Joeckel or North Carolina OG Lane Johnson.

3. Cleveland Browns – Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia – In the first trade of the NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders are said to be looking to trade down, and Cleveland has been rumored to be very interested in both, West Virginia QB Geno Smith, or BYU DE Ezekiel Ansah. Brandon Weeden was the last regimes QB, and unfortunately his biggest loss will be the fact that his new bosses didn’t draft him, and therefore will never have “their guy” until they draft “their guy.” There is also talk that if the top two tackles don’t go 1 & 2, Oakland would be willing to trade for nearly anyone who thinks the LT is a position of need and is willing to pay with multiple picks.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, DE/Oregon – Dion is an anomaly. Most prospects unable to compete at either the combine or their pro day typically fall on draft boards. Instead, all this kid has done is run a 40 and he’s being considered as one of the best defensive players available this year. Jordan was unable to help his draft stock at the Oregon Pro day because he is recovering from a recent surgery to repair a torn labrum. He ran a 4.53 unofficial time at the combine, which is amazing. GM David Caldwell recently said, “We’re pretty close – It’s down to two people.” Most people believe the two he referenced are Oregon DE Dion Jordan and West Virginia QB Gen Smith., but there is new talk that OT Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher depending on who Kansas City takes is a likely pick for Jacksonville. Again, I don’t see it. The Jags offense was woeful, but it’s still better than their defense.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Fisher OT/ Central Michigan – Yes for the first time in 3 months Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel has fallen from the top spot. A lot of chatter has been made about Fisher being the favorite of Andy Reid and I can’t say there is a heck of a difference between him and Luke. It will come down to who the coaches liked more, and thought was the better guy. There has been some speculation the Chiefs will try to trade down, but I don’t see it.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, DE/Oregon – Dion is an anomaly. Most prospects unable to compete at either the combine or their pro day typically fall on draft boards. Instead, all this kid has done is run a 40 and he’s being considered as one of the best defensive players available this year. Jordan was unable to help his draft stock at the Oregon Pro day because he is recovering from a recent surgery to repair a torn labrum. He ran a 4.53 unofficial time at the combine, which is amazing. GM David Caldwell recently said, “We’re pretty close – It’s down to two people.” Most people believe the two he referenced are Oregon DE Dion Jordan and West Virginia QB Gen Smith.

3. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia – I jokingly put “the ghost of All Davis lives” when I first put Geno to the Raiders in late January. The truth is Davis would have been drooling at the opportunity to grab a mobile QB, especially if he had been alive to see RGIII the year before. Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie will be left with making a franchise changing decision, as QB’s taken in the top 5 can cost a GM their job if they don’t pan out. Just ask Mike Tannenbaum. The Raiders released Carson Palmer due to salary cap issues, and have only have Matt Flynn & Terrelle Pryor on staff at QB. This pick is easy.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Kevin Minter, ILB/LSU – I am not alone in thinking Baltimore will be looking to somehow replace Ray Lewis and the skill set he gave the Ravens throughout his career. Minter has been compared to Jets LB David Harris. Harris has 22.5 sacks in 6 seasons with the Jets, so to be honest; I think Baltimore would be thinking bigger than those numbers. Minter was the most dependable player on an LSU defense chock-full of prospective NFL talent, According to NFL.com’s Rob Rang, Minter compares to DeMeco Ryans and not Harris as mentioned before. Rang was quoted as saying “Like Ryans, Minter is slightly undersized and relies on his instincts and reliable tackling ability — rather than sheer explosiveness — to accumulate impressive stat-lines. Florida International SS Jonathan Cyprien is another name to watch for here.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Zach Ertz, TE/Stanford – I believe the 49’ers will move up in the draft in order to secure Ertz. Zach has been mentioned as a target for plenty of teams and because of his popularity, as well as the 49’ers having more picks than anyone else in the draft, they’ll move up somewhere in the teens to make this pick. With the departure of Delanie Walker the 49ers need a substitute for their 2 TE sets. Colin Kaepernick needs the keep with the same offensive sets to make the pistol offense as effective as we saw it in 2013. Ertz is a poor blocker and will struggle at time at the next level, but his hands are that of a possession WR. Look for the NY Jets to trade out of the #13th pick they just got from Tampa in order to acquire 2-3 picks from San Fran in exchange.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Desmond Trufant, CB/ Washington – The brother of Seattle Seahawk CB Marcus Trufant and NYJ CB Isiah Trufant, little brother Desmond may be the best of all three. He set career-bests in 2011 as a junior with a pair of interceptions and 16 passes defended, and has the luxury of picking the brains of his two older brothers about the trials and tribulations of the NFL. Atlanta is also short at the DE position and if a big name, (Moore, Werner, Jones) were to fall to 30, I think they’d gobble them up.

29. New England Patriots – Margus Hunt, DE/ Southern Methodist – The Patriots are one of the best at scouting small school kids, with big time talent. Speaking of talent, Hunt hails from Karksi-Nuia, Estonia, and came to SMU as a decorated track and field athlete (he’d set a junior world record in the discus throw at the 2006 World Junior Championships). Margus first started playing football in 2009 and set an NCAA record with 17 blocked kicks (10 field goals, seven extra points) for Southern Methodist. His lack of time spent around the game of football may be the only critique scouts have given him. Good for Margus, Coach Bill Belichick can push him into the film room, and let him learn in training camp and practices what it takes to be a complete NFL player before rushing him out there.

28. Denver Broncos – Datone Jones, DE/ UCLA – Offense is no longer a problem in Denver, thank you Peyton Manning, Wes Welker, etc.. Jones ran a 4.80 official forty at the Combine and was a top-five performer among defensive linemen in the 20-yard shuttle (4.32). Gil Brandt of CBS believes Jones is more of a fit as a DE in a 4-3. Denver will be looking for a replacement for Elvis Dumervil who recently signed with Baltimore. Jones will team up with Von Miller to cause havoc on the rest of the AFC West.

27. Houston Texans – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee – Patterson scored a touchdown via kickoff return, punt return, receiving, and rushing, joining Carl Pickens (receiving, KR, PR, INT) as the only players in Tennessee history to score a touchdown four different ways in a career. Andre Johnson isn’t getting any younger and this kid would be a top 12 selection if he had his head on straight. I think going to a veteran team like Houston would be a great fit. He would get to see how real professionals work every day, and learn how to read and react to defenses, while making crisp cuts and running good routes. Originally I had Patterson going as high as 8 to the Bills, but as we get closer to the draft, the chatter in Buffalo is to move down and grab Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib somewhere in the 20’s.

26. Green Bay Packers – Eddie Lacy, RB/ Alabama –This is a luxury pick. The luxury of having one of the best QB’s in the game! Aaron Rodgers has done virtually everything possible in the passing attack for the Packers. Having a quality, forceful downhill runner to get those tough third downs, is something Lacy proved he could do having totaled 1,046 yards and 17 touchdowns in 7 games last year. He’s proven to be worthy of a 1st round pick.

25. – Minnesota Vikings (Via Seahawks) – Alec Ogletree, ILB/Georgia – Coach Leslie Frazier strongly hinted that the Vikings may use one of their first-round picks on a middle linebacker, and it should be between Ogletree, LSU ILB Kevin Minter, and Notre ‘ Manti T’eo. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock says he is “scared to death” of Georgia LB Alec Ogletree as a first-round pick due both to off- and on-field concerns, but the need for a linebacker is too high for the Vikings to not take the chance that Mayock is wrong.

24. Indianapolis Colts – Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE/ Florida State – Can I start by saying I love his nickname “Tank.” With Dwight Freeney looking to sign elsewhere, the Colts will be in a position of need at DE. “Tank” has been rising up boards and some have him going to the Vikings who sandwich the Colts with picks after the Percy Harvin deal. We’ll get to the Vikings in a second; Carradine suffered a torn ACL in November of 2012, and was performing at his pro day in April. That’s Adrian Peterson like, heh, another Vikings reference. With that being said…

23. Minnesota Vikings – Sylvester Williams, DT/ North Carolina – How do you continue to make the Williams wall work in Minnesota?? Draft another Williams of course! In the first of their 2 picks the Vikings will give the Williams wall a little help at DE and DT with Sylvester’s help. If Williams gets past the Cowboys, which is a big “If,” I would expect Minnesota to jump at the chance of having what many consider to be a highly touted prospect.

22. St. Louis Rams (Via Redskins) – Matt Elam, S/Florida – At 5’9”, Elam’s size is a major concern for NFL teams looking to draft him since he will be the last line of defense against the Gronks and Calvin Johnsons on the league. He was asked to cover slot receivers at Florida so he has shown his ability to cover well, and he’s also known for laying a hit. St. Louis has many needs, safety being one of the most prevalent. The Rams should send Robert Griffin a thank you card for this one.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jonathan Cyprien, SS/ Florida International – The Bengals will be choosing between a DB, S, and RB so there is no guarantee on Cyprien. However the needs to address to secondary may seem more logical when what most seem to think is the best Strong Safety in this years’ class is still on the board. Since TE’s have become such an important factor for how offenses move the ball these days, the ability to stop them becomes a defensive priority. Cyprien is known to explode into opposing players, but is criticized for taking bad angles on plays, therefore missing tackles. Something a coach can fix if he’s willing to listen.

20. Chicago Bears – Tyler Eifert, TE/ Notre Dame – In my last draft I had mentioned that I wouldn’t rule out the Bears as a potential landing spot for Eifert. Well after more reading, I understand new HC Mark Trestman likes to run a 2 TE set in his offense often, and that was the key to this pick. Martellus Bennet just signed with Chicago, but having Eifert on the opposite side would give Jay Cutler 2 safety nets, when his offensive line fails him again and again. Offensively, Eifert is a beast. At 6’5” 250lbs. he’s a massive target with great hands. His only trouble is blocking. He ran a 4.68 40 time at the combine and it’s been suggested on other mock drafts that he could go as early as the Dolphins. If there is one of the top 7 offensive lineman still available at this point Eifert should be an after-thought considering how often Jay Culter gets rushed out of the pocket. The likelihood of that happening seems to lessen the closer we get to draft day.

Tomorrow GmenHQ will post picks 19-10 with all the latest information corresponding to each team, and picks 9-1 on Thursday.

Follow me @jFerguson631

OFFENSE – Needs – OL, RB

The offensive line was been slowly dissolving into a weaker unit as a whole. Chris Snee and David Diehl are both getting up there in age, and the need for a rock solid starter for years to come should be a focal point at some point early in 2013. Luckily for the Gmen this year is a great year for lineman and they should have their pick of whoever may fall out of the top 15 this year, or even have the opportunity of taking a solid starter in rounds 2-4. The ability for that prospect to learn the nuances of the line from veterans like Snee and Diehl would also work in the Giants favor.

It’s believed up to 7 offensive linemen could go in the first round. I would not expect the top 4 lineman, Joeckel, Fisher, Cooper, and Warmack to be available at 19; however, guys like D.J. Fluker, and Melenick Watson would be an excellent addition for the Giants. Fluker earned preseason All-SEC recognition in 2012 and went on to earn many honors, including second-team All-America by AP and Walter Camp and first-team All-SEC from the coach and second-team from the media while starting each of the Crimson Tide’s games en route to the national title. Menelik Watson recorded a 27.5-inch vertical jump and 19 strength lifts. He played right tackle at Florida State but the feeling is he can play left tackle. If the Giants decide to go in another direction in round 1, look for Justin Pugh in round 2, or Barrett Jones in Round 3. Both players versatility is unparalleled to the entire lineman class outside of the top 4 lineman in the draft. Pugh may be the biggest reason Ryan Nassib is considered to be a good QB prospect since he kept him on his feet throughout his college career, while Jones was D.J. Flukers’ teammate and has won a national championship playing 3 separate positions on the offensive line (C, OG, and OT.)

Running back is a much smaller need since we’re really talking about a back-up here. David Wilson will be the #1 back going forward and Andre Brown can’t stay healthy, so were looking for a versatile back with some pass catching ability to be a fill in while Wilson and Brown get some rest. Brown will be a free agent after next season so there should be an interest in having some security at the position, but it won’t be until round 4 or lower. Guys I love like Michigan State Le’Veon Bell and North Carolina Giovanni Bernard will be long gone, so the Giants will be looking for a RB who can also be used as a punt returner, or a great blocker on special teams. Enter Florida RB Mike Gillislee. Gillislee went crazy in his senior season after finally getting the starting gig. He totaled 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns in the SEC. That takes talent, and this kid has some serious upside. Considered a top prep-school prospect coming out of high school, Gillislee sat behind Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps before they both left for the NFL. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not going to be a starter, but he would be more than helpful. He should be chosen in rounds 4 or 5.

DEFENSE – Needs – LB, DB

Dan Connor, Mark Herzlich, Mathias Kiwanuka, Keith Rivers. Those are the best ILB’s on the Giants roster as of now. Kiwanuka is no slouch. He’s a heck of a player and a great LB, but he’s not a natural MLB. Rivers was just signed to a 1 yr. deal, but he’s not a MLB either. Herzlich is a fantastic story, and an inspiration in the locker room, that being said he’s not going to the pro-bowl this year, though I wish him the best on making it one day. The glaring need for a captain in the middle has been a problem for the last two years, and it should be a priority.

The problem is this isn’t a great class of ILB. As a matter of fact I only really like two of them and that’s LSU’s MLB Kevin Minter and Georgia LB Jarvis Jones. Just like Gillislee at Florida, Minter and Jones played in the SEC, which is a tutoring lesson for the NFL. So many great NFL players come from that conference. Minter was clearly the best defensive player on his team at LSU, but is he worth the #19th pick overall? Jones on the other hand would be a gift if he somehow falls to #19. Teams are very skeptical of Jones because of some pretty serious medical concerns. Jones was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis, a narrowing of the spine that can result in numbness, loss of muscle control, and in some cases paralysis. He has since been cleared by doctors, saying that it was a miss-diagnosis, but that really tainted his draft stock. He is a top 10 talent that will fall some but I’m not sure he makes it to 19. If he should, would the Giants consider him healthy enough for them to draft? That’s a question for Jerry Reece. I think it would be an easy pick myself. Jones isn’t even considered a true MLB, which goes against my own thought process. He’s just too good to pass up if he’s still there. Now if he isn’t I think the Giants should look at OL or a CB in the first round.

With that being said, let’s talk about the CB / S class for the 2013 NFL Draft. This class has some serious talent. Dee Milliner barring any major injury will be a shutdown corner in the NFL. The Giants would need to move way up in the draft to even think about Dee and that’s not Mr. Reece’s style. Instead the Giants should be looking at 3 guys in particular.

(1) Florida State CB, Xavier Rhodes – Rhodes, like Jarvis Jones would have to fall in the draft according to most mock drafts. According to what you read, he could go to the Dolphins at 12, the Bucs at 13 and the Saints at 15. The kid has a 40.5” vertical leap, an 11’ broad jump, and he ran a 4.39 40 at the combine. All 32 teams were present at his pro-day, and is considered by most to be the second best CB prospect in this class.

(2) Texas FS, Kenny Vaccaro – Vaccaro emerged as arguably the best safety in the Big 12 as a junior, posting 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, eight passes broken up and two interceptions. While the Longhorns’ talented defense struggled in 2012, Vaccaro registered a career-high 107 tackles and five turnovers (two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery). He has great instincts and hits hard, 2 qualities needed to be successful as a FS in the NFL. Giants’ fans should be thrilled if Vaccaro is taken at #19.

(3) Houston CB, D. J. Hayden – Hayden, also has similarities to Jarvis Jones. Hayden had what could have been a fatal injury last year. Hayden suffered a heart issue — a torn inferior vena cava — which was called the “most unique injury in the history of the draft” by a Packers executive, but he’s getting good news in his team physicals after checking out at the Combine. Hayden was elected to the 2012 ALL Conference USA team even though he only played 9 games after the heart related injury. He was a team Captain at Houston, and shows the willingness to fight through adversity. I would take him last of the three only due to the unbelievable injury he suffered in a practice! Still, he’s very talented and would be a good pick for the Giants.

For those of you who follow my draft and are wondering how I could have written this entire piece without mentioning Florida State DE Bjoern Werner after having him as the Giants pick for many weeks now, I say… I just did. (HA!) I would like to remind everyone reading this that the article is about players the Giants should be looking at to fill a need, not who they think is the best player available at the time. I know, semantics but hey! What can you do?

Follow me on Twitter @Jferguson631