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New York Giants Need To Draft Danny Shelton

By Chris Schisler

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If the New York Giants draft Danny Shelton, it would leave a lot of casual fans scratching their heads. Drafting a space eater on the defensive end is not the sexy pick; it is however the right selection for the Giants.

The Giants defense was abysmal in the 2015 season. Everything starts up front. There is a reason the Giants got gashed with regularity on the ground, giving up an embarrassing 4.9 yards per carry. The Giants defense got pushed around and bullied. Linebackers too busy fighting off blocks to make tackles in the backfield was a problem each and every week. Drafting Shelton with the 9th overall selection would change that.

Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) reacts as he taunts Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver David Glidden (13) in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Shelton is a big 339 pound mammoth of a man. He is the immovable object and he can really move. He is nimble and quick which is an almost unfair combination with his power and size. Shelton would change everything as an interior defensive linemen. He would change the entire defense.

Just how would he do this? Shelton would demand double teams by opposing offensive lines. This means that they cannot double team the best outside pass rusher. It also means that linebackers will be unscathed in their pursuit of the football. It means that on 4th and inches, the opponents QB sneak would be a one yard loss instead of an easy first down. The Giants defense would go from the bullied to the bully.

Many reading this are probably screaming that I’m wrong, pointing to the offensive line as the Giants biggest need. To that I summon my inner Aaron Rodgers and say R-E-L-A-X, relax. Because the offensive line is not the big problem you think it is.

Justin Pugh has the ability to play guard or tackle. He has become a pretty good player and he has done it with out much credit. Geoff Schwartz, one of the best guards in football is coming back from injury. The Giants signed a stud offensive lineman from the CFL, Brett Jones. Weston Richburg is young and pretty talented (another player who can play multiple positions). Will Beatty is a serviceable talent at either tackle position.

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You can get good value at the offensive line position in the 3rd or 4th round. The Giants cannot pass up on a great game changing defensive football player. They had the 31st ranked defense and the 7th ranked offense.

Take no offense when I tell you, that defense is the only acceptable way to spend the golden ticket that is a top 10 selection.

Shelton is a great player who will make the entire defense better. By demanding double team blocks, Shelton will create a numbers advantage for the Giants front 7. He will consistently make plays in the backfield.

Many Giants fans see Ndamukong Suh as a dream free agency signing, that the team cannot afford. Well what if I told you that drafting Shelton would provide an even greater impact than they could get from Suh. If Shelton is available at the 9th pick, the Giants have to take him.

The Giants can address other needs with their other selections. With the 9th overall selection they must draft the player that can impact the entire defense, by dominating the line of scrimmage.

Next: NFL Combine: Ali Marpet Steals The Show

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