New York Giants: The Impact Of Each Of Their Draft Picks

The New York Giants filled key areas of need in the 2015 NFL Draft. Here is a breakdown of how each drafted rookie will impact the Giants in 2015:

Round 1 (9) : Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

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

Flowers gives the Giants a very big (6’6” 329lbs) and strong offensive linemen that should step in and start immediately. His presence will give Eli Manning more time to get the ball to his receivers and more importantly keep Manning upright.

I expect Flowers to start at right tackle with the possibility to move to the left side down the road. He will also help in the run game that is in desperate need of revamping. This selection actually addresses two positions, tackle and guard.

With Flowers at right tackle the Giants can move 2013 1^st round pick Justin Pugh inside to guard while bumping veteran John Jerry to a reserve role. This will go a long way in improving a run game that has been non-existent for a few years now.

Round 2 (33) Landon Collins , S, Alabama

Give Jerry Reese credit for moving up to grab Collins at the top of the 2^nd round. Collins is a proven tackler and hard hitter who can play in the box to greatly support the run.

As a physical safety Collins also possesses good range to cover ground over the top of the secondary with the ability to force a turnover, having 5 picks and 3 forced fumbles during his final two collegiate seasons. Collins, in all likelihood , is penciled in as a starter at the safety position for Big Blue. The Giants were in need of some serious help at the position after the departure of Antrel Rolle. They got some here.

Round 3 (74) Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs away from UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Owamagbe Odighizuwa (94) during first half action at the Rose Bowl. Oregon went on to a 42-30 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Odighizuwa will immediately step into Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive line rotation and can be a force versus both the run and the pass. He has the speed to play on the edge to get the passer and the size to move inside to help against the run or even rush the quarterback from there.

He has drawn numerous comparisons to ex-Giant great Justin Tuck, who was an integral part of 2 Super Bowl Champion teams. The defensive line will play a key role in the Giants new defensive scheme and that unit just got a whole lot better with the Odighizuwa.

Round 5 (144) Mykkele Thompson, S, Texas

Thompson comes in, along with 2^nd round pick Landon Collins, to fill in the vacancies at the safety position. Unlike Collins however, I don’t expect Thompson to be an immediate starter. He is more of the prototypical free safety as his length, range, and speed make him more of a center field type guy who will play better against the pass.

That doesn’t mean he can’t tackle though, Thompson showed in college that he is not afraid to come up and make a play in the run game. He has the ability to play corner as well, making him versatile and that more valuable. He was a quarterback in high school and that is something that can go a long way, especially for a defensive back.

Round 6 (186) Geremy Davis, WR, Connecticut

Davis will come in and compete for the 4^th or 5^th wide receiver spot on the roster. He has good hands but does not have the speed to break away from the defense. He looks to be more of a possession receiver or special teams player. That being said Davis did produce 71 catches and 1085 yards as a junior and did show the ability to be a reliable receiver at Connecticut. If he can make some plays as a special teamer he has a good chance to displace Corey Washington’s spot on the 53-man roster.