2014 NFL Draft: The New York Giants Select Odell Beckham Jr.

Nov 23, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) carries the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a lackluster 7-9 season, the entire Giants organization is under pressure to produce an improved on-field product in 2014. Fortunately, the 2014 NFL Draft boasts a loaded prospect crop, absolutely saturated with potential franchise changers and depth of talent.

The first round is typically where we see all the premiere playmakers get drafted, and that is exactly what the Giants must land. They have needs all over the board,  but GM Jerry Reese has said on multiple occasions that he will pick the best player available and not reach for picks that may fill a need.

And that player is…

With the 12th pick of the 2014 NFL draft, the New York Giants select Odell Beckham Jr. out of LSU.

Victor Cruz said the Giants need to pick up a wide receiver to fill in the hole that Hakeem Nicks left, but while Jerry Reese said that player opinions were not taken into consideration when drafting, Cruz still got his wish as the Giants pick up Beckham, the #3 receiver on the Giants board presumably.

A defensive game changer — like Donald — would have been a nice pick here because there are plenty of good  receivers available in round two. Can Beckham make as big as an impact as the #2 receiver as a defensive play maker could have? I don’t think so…

Check out his strengths and weaknesses in the video below courtesy of Sports Illustrated: