Should the Giants target Eric Ebron in the 2014 NFL Draft?

Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret that the Giants are in dire need of a versatile, play-making tight end for the 2014 season. The Brandon Myers experiment this season failed miserably, as evidenced by his contract being voided the other day.

So with who then should the Giants be looking at to fill the hole on their roster? With all the pass protection issues they have, they need a tight end capable of holding his ground against the nastiest pass rushers, but with the (assumed) loss of Hakeem Nicks they are also in need of a threat in the passing game.

Look no further than the ACC record-breaking TE Eric Ebron. Ebron is 6’4, 250 pounds and has huge mitts (10″) which allow him to snag passes with ease. His junior year he accumulated 875 receiving yards, which broke Vernon Davis’ record.

Feb 22, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron waits to start his work out during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

While his receiving skills are much more highly regarded than his blocking skills, which are nothing special, the mismatches he creates for defenses allow him to consistently take advantage of opposing defensive back. He runs clean routes, routinely makes spectacular one handed catches and is the prototypical play-making receiving tight end.

Just hear what NFL draft guru Matt Miller had to say of the young tight end:

"“The North Carolina tight end doesn’t move like a tight end, and that open-field ability he brings to the table is tantalizing. Give him an inch and a little daylight and he’s gone. And that’s from an in-line or flexed position. Ebron doesn’t care. Just give him the ball and watch big plays happen.”"

Add that to the fact the Ebron is a huge Giants fan who grew up a massive fan of the last Giants first round TE pick, Jeremy Shockey, and you have a prospect who want to be with the Giants and a team needing what he gives.

"“Jeremy Shockey I’d have to say is my favorite player. He’s a tight end. He was my man,”"

"“I wouldn’t mind being the next [first-round TE for the Giants after Shockey]. Not at all.”"

With Eli Manning regressing as of late, having a tight end threatening to make a play every time he touches the ball would be a great security blanket and would easily take the load off of Manning’s shoulders. At pick #12, the TE from North Carolina should be available. And if he is, the Giants should take a hard look as he would fill a big hole in the offense.