NFL Draft 2015: New York Giants Day 2 Strategy
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The 1st round is in the books and the New York Giants have decided to fill a big need on the offensive line. So, what’s next? Playing GM is always fun so that’s what I’m going to do with the New York Giants 2nd and 3rd round picks.
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The two words that define the draft are value and need. Which is more important? I’m always in the business of value over need. First off, you can never have enough depth in the National Football League.
I understand the thought process of balance and filling holes, but I feel like if you have too much of something you can take that piece and move it to another team for a need down the road anyway.
There are many value plays left as we enter day two of the draft. I couldn’t believe just how much talent was still left when the New England Patriots handed in their draft card for the final pick of the 1st-round. The Giants can really hit the draft jackpot if they consider these prospects:
Nebraska’s Randy Gregory is the most intriguing prospect left. How a guy that was projected as a top five pick a month ago is still on the board is beyond me. Now, does he really fit the Giants 4-3 defensive scheme as a down lineman at his 235 lb. frame? Not sure. I just think it’s worth the risk based on his pass rushing ability. Food for thought to consider in the 2nd round.
Alabama’s Landon Collins and Missouri’s Dorial Green-Beckham are two other prospects to consider in the 2nd round based on both need and value.
Collins has been widely known as the best safety in the draft and for the Giants to find him in the 2nd-round would be a steal considering some saw him as an option with the team’s 9th overall pick. As you probably know by now, the Giants safety position is a complete question mark. I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a call to roam the outfield. It’s going to be hard to say no to Collins if he’s there at the Giants pick.
We all know about Dorial Green-Beckham’s off-field issues, but his talent is undeniable. Some have compared him to Josh Gordon, while others to Calvin Johnson. How as a team can you not take a risk in the 2nd or 3rd round if you know that prospect could be Calvin Johnson like. Not to mention he would be complimenting Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz. If I passed on him I’m not sure how I’d live with myself if he lived up to potential.
If all three happen to go I want to see some big guys. Lineman aren’t sexy, but they make others look sexy. Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips and Florida State’s Eddie Goldman are big players that can clog up the opposing team’s run game. Something this team really lacks next to Johnathan Hankins.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if the team decided to add Cornerback depth. LSU’s Jalen Collins and FSU’s P.J. Williams are great value picks in either the 2nd or 3rd round. Both would add a girth of talent and fill a need in the secondary. In today’s NFL, three receiver sets are the norm and personal is key in trying to compliment that strategy.
Earlier today, I came out with 10 prospects the Giants should target in the 2nd round and I based all of them on sheer talent alone, while at the same time fitting needs. If I were playing GM I would consider all of these prospects in both rounds. It wouldn’t surprise if New York felt the same way.
Next: NFL Draft: Best Case Scenario For Giants’ Second, Third Rounds