Giants Draft 2014: Pick by Pick Analysis and Grades
By Felix Davila
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Round (#43 overall): Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State
James’ Take:
It’s hard for me to argue with the Giants grabbing the most pro-ready center in this year’s draft. Clearly, the Giants have a huge hole at the position and Richburg projects as a guy who can solidify that spot for years to come. Center is also a position where you really need a leader and a guy with grit, two qualities Richburg reportedly has in spades. This selection would have been an A+ for me, but I would have absolutely LOVED to see them take Jace Amaro. There were some others centers later in the draft that were intriguing, such as Corey Linsley, whereas the tight end talent really dropped off big time after Amaro.
GRADE: A-
Felix’s Take:
This particular selection disappointed me initially. While center was of major concern with no proven starter on the roster, tight end Troy Niklas (my favorite prospect of the tight end group) was on the board for the picking. With no real proven player at tight end either, it is logical to choose him, but the Giants did not place a premium on tight ends in this draft. With that said, Richburg has grown on me as I continue to review film. He’s a solid technician with proven leadership and durability in college with four years of playing under his belt and a “C” on his chest. While not the ideal size, the Giants may also covet his athleticism, as he displayed solid open field movement on running plays, along with refined technique emphasized through consistent hand placement and footwork. I was a bigger fan of USC’s Marcus Martin, but Richburg very well could become the next long term center, something not seen since Shaun O’Hara.
GRADE: B