Our Analysts Hand Out New York Giants 2016 Draft Grades
By Neal Lynch
Overall
“While the opening round of the 2016 NFL Draft was a dramatic and confounding one for the Giants, Reese and company stuck to their guns and a delivered a draft that addressed several key needs (which wasn’t tough to do, since the Giants have needs at virtually every position). As it stands now, Eli Apple is a bit of a gamble with a very high ceiling; the 10th overall pick generally requires a GM to deliver a can’t-miss prospect. The other worrying aspect is that the Giants did not find an answer at right tackle, meaning that we’re headed into the 2016 season relying on Marshall Newhouse and/or Bobby Hart. However, Reese likely hit some home runs with the selections of Shepard, Thompson and possibly Adams. I also expect Goodson and Perkins to become solid contributors in short order. Overall, this draft went a long way towards making the Giants more formidable.”
Steve Curry: B+
“It’s near unforgivable to watch the Giants emerge from this draft knowing the player least challenged by a rookie is right tackle Marshall Newhouse. However, there’s optimism surrounding each selection individually, and if – the universally big if – they all pan out, then Reese’s job is saved. Apple is a clean and premier hit albeit from under fans’ radars, Thompson might just be the name alongside him that carries equal weight in the future and the value delivered by skills positions in the bottom third of the draft is encouraging. Combined with the free agency spree and coach-culture makeover, fans should feel a little better than usual in May.”
Michael Luca: B
Next: Keep An Eye On These 11 Giants Entering Final Contract Year
The Giants also signed more than a dozen undrafted free agents. Considering the success of Victor Cruz and Will Tye, there’s a decent chance one of these guys not only makes the team, but also makes significant contributions:
Romeo Okwara (DE, Notre Dame)
Mike Rose (DE/DT, North Carolina State)
Greg Milhouse (DT, Campbell)
Melvin Lewis (DT, Kentucky)
Donte Deayon (CB, Boise State)
Michael Hunter (CB, Oklahoma State)
Andrew Adams (FS, UConn)
Mykel Esiobu (WR, Lakeland)
Roger Lewis (WR, Bowling Green)
KJ Maye (WR, Minnesota)
Darius Powe (WR, California)
Ryan Malleck (TE, Virginia Tech)
Cedric Lang (TE, UTEP)
Josh Woodrum (QB, Liberty)