Oct 26, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) drives past Boston College Eagles defensive back Bryce Jones (17) during the second half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. North Carolina won 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Liz Condo-USA TODAY Sports
With the 12th pick in the 2014 NFL draft, the New York Giants select tight end Eric Ebron out of University of North Carolina.
In the 2014 NFL FanSided Mock Draft, the New York Giants were mocked by our very own Adam Ganeles. With the top two wideouts and tackles off the board, he elected to add the best offensive talent left in the draft (sans a quarterback) in Ebron.
"Despite rumors surfacing that the Giants have cooled on Ebron, don’t sleep on commonly used misdirection tactics. Bottom line: the Jints need playmakers on offense, and the 6’4 tight end is the most dynamic offensive skill prospect available with Evans OTB.He possesses ELITE explosiveness and fluid athleticism for the position (akin to a 245 lb. wide receiver). Ebron can wreck a game with YAC after short receptions or test the back line of defenses vertically.With 10-inch hands, drop concerns are more concentration based. While willingness to block is present, technique in this area needs amelioration"
The Giants can go multiple directions with the pick. Earlier in the draft process, I wrote about whether the Giants should consider Mike Evans, Aaron Donald, a pass-rusher and yes, Eric Ebron.
Any of those players would immediately add a playmaker to the team, but Eli Manning had a terrible year last year without his usual security-blanket tight end. Ebron is a game changer who will play a similar role to Vernon Davis and Rob Gronkowski in the Giants’ new offense.
I like the pick, especially with the Mike Evans off the board. Ebron will go a long way to help soothe the offensive woes especially considering they can find a talented receiver later in the draft.