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2015 NFL Draft: What Giants Won’t Do In First Round

By Anthony Sciarratta

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The 2015 NFL draft is only two days away and predictions are finally coming to a close. It’s very difficult to predict the madness that goes on during the draft, but I’m going to tell you one thing that won’t happen for sure. The New York Giants will not draft an offensive lineman with the ninth overall pick.

I believe that Jerry Reese and the Giants’ organization have a lot of confidence in the squad that they already have. They signed some quality offensive lineman in last years’ free agency who fell to injuries. Now that everyone is back at full health, Reese feels confident enough to address other weak positions.

I’m not saying that the Giants won’t address their offensive line, they will but not in the first round. There is plenty of second and third round talent that would fit in just fine with Big Blue.

Now if the Giants aren’t going O-line, who would they choose? If Amari Cooper falls down to them, I am confident that Reese will put his “best player available” strategy into play and draft him without thinking twice. However it’s very far-fetched that Cooper drops so far down.

Pairing Cooper with Odell Beckham and Victor Cruz would easily make the Giants’ receiving core the best in the entire NFL. Not to mention that they would have a huge insurance policy in the event that Cruz never bounces back from his injury. They would ensure their receiving core for years to come.

Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams (18) is tackled by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

At this moment, defensive end Shane Ray, nose tackle Danny Shelton, or defensive end Randy Gregory seem like better fits for the Giants. Steve Spagnuolo needs a toy to play with and having one proven pass rusher isn’t going to do the job. The Giants did a great job of signing good rotational pieces, but no one who could make a serious impact.

Shelton could be a fearsome force paired up with Jonathan Hankins in the interior of the Giants defense. It would be a great way to beef up on their run defense as well. If the Giants elect to go with Gregory or Ray, either player would be a fantastic addition to rushing the edge.

Jason Pierre-Paul can’t make a fearsome pass rush on his own, he needs to be paired with someone opposite him. Ray and Gregory have completely different body types than Pierre-Paul. They provide more of a speed rush while Pierre-Paul has more of a power rush. Adding the elements of speed and power would totally revive the Giants pass rush.

The Giants happen to be really lucky that Ray and Gregory had their own respective incidents that might hurt their draft stock. Now these two very talented players have a very strong chance of falling down to the Giants.

Prediction: Giants draft defensive end Shane Ray

Next: NFL First Round Mock Draft: Danny Shelton Is A Giant

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