There is no question that the New York Giants supplied their football team with a strong draft class. The question becomes this: Did the Giants do enough to make it the playoffs in 2015?
The playoffs have eluded the Giants for the past three seasons and the Giants have been under .500 for the past two seasons. The Giants aggressiveness displays a commitment to the now and a promise for the future. But does this bright future start right now, or do the Giants have to wait another year for the rewards of strong drafting?
Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Ereck Flowers (74) against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Hurricanes defeated the South Florida Bulls 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The answer is the Giants gave themselves a shot. Before the draft I would tell you that on paper the Giants were not a playoff team. The idea of starting Cooper Taylor and Nat Berhe as the back-end of the defense was less than promising. The defensive front seven needed an upgrade and the offensive line was still a work in progress.
I would say that the addition of Landon Collins was the biggest acquisition for the Giants at the present moment. Ereck Flowers may prove to be an all time great left tackle, but Landon Collins will provide a much-needed and immediate impact.
Collins will help all phases of the Giants defense. He has the ball skills and the coverage abilities to turn defense into offense. He has the physicality of a linebacker and the speed of a free safety. Playing at the strong safety position, Collins gives you the best of both worlds, coverage and attacking the run.
The addition of Owamagbe Odighizuwa will help the defense tremendously. Odighizuwa is one of the best run stuffing defensive ends that this draft offered. He will be a good player who will provide some pass rush. He may not have the pass rushing prowess of Jason Pierre-Paul but I wouldn’t suggest leaving him unblocked. In the NFL you can never have too many great defensive linemen.
Flowers will help the running game right away. He is a powerful man to run behind. Imagine the gaping cracks of daylight that Justin Pugh playing at right guard and Flowers playing at right tackle can provide. There will be holes for the running backs and Flowers can get to the second level of the defense, meaning big runs down the field could be sprung open.
The Giants still have a tough hill to climb in the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys certainly didn’t get any worse this offseason. Chip Kelly may or may not be crazy, but his Eagles certainly have the Giants number.
Collins will help with the diverse offense of the Eagles and Flowers will help with the pass rush of the Cowboys. Until the Giants prove they can take care of business against division rivals, it is hard to predict that they will once again be division champions.
The Giants gave themselves a chance to make the postseason. There is plenty of reason for hope in Giants Nation. The Giants need to stay healthy at the linebacker position (That means you Jon Beason) and the secondary where their roster is thinnest. The Giants gave themselves a chance, and that’s all we can really ask for.
Is it football season yet?
Next: 2015 NFL Draft: New York Giants Draft DB Mykkele Thompson
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