New York Giants: ESPN Releases 2017 Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; The New York Giants huddle in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; The New York Giants huddle in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN has released its annual offseason NFL power rankings, and the New York Giants landed in the top 10.

Despite adding Brandon Marshall, Rhett Ellison, Evan Engram and Dalvin Tomlinson to a rather established New York Giants team, ESPN hasn’t budged with their post-draft evaluation of Big Blue.

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants landed at number 9 for ESPN. Why? Perhaps, because the New York Giants didn’t break the bank or make too much noise in free agency this offseason.

Marshall is a fantastic pickup, but him alone won’t propel a starving Giant’s offense into the top 5.

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ESPN was right to the point and concise with their evaluation of the G-Men.

"“The Giants brought back almost the exact same defense that dominated for them last season, which is good. They added Brandon Marshall and Evan Engram to the passing game, which is good. They didn’t do much at running or offensive line, which is potentially disastrous. But at least they know how to beat the Cowboys."

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New York managed to rank higher than both the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, putting them in good position as pre-season approaches.

ESPN ranks Dallas Cowboys No. 5

The Dallas Cowboys clocked in at number 5 overall, showing that they hold the edge despite losing to Big Blue twice in 2016.

Remember the old “sophomore slump” saying? Well, let’s hope Dak Prescott catches a nasty case of it.

Must Read: How does Dalvin Tomlinson stack up against Johnathan Hankins?

The Cowboys will be fearsome after drafting edge rusher Taco Charlton from the Michigan Wolverines and Colorado Buffaloes corner back Chidobe Awuzie. An upgraded defense and stellar offense will once again be a significant challenge for the New York Giants.

Dallas also lost a vital piece of their offensive line in Doug Free, who retired this offseason. This will surely make the likes of Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul happy, knowing their journey to Dak Prescott might be expedited.

Hopefully, adding first-round draft choice Evan Engram to the offensive mix will give head coach Ben McAdoo a little more room to play with.

McAdoo doesn’t normally utilize two tight ends on the field, but with Rhett Ellison and Engram having polar opposite skill sets, it will be appealing to keep defenses on their heels.

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