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NFL Draft 2021: Why NY Giants must ‘hit a home run’ with No. 11 pick

By Matt Lombardo

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Even with an improved roster, NY Giants GM Dave Gettleman landing a playmaker with the No. 11 pick in the NFL Draft is critical 

When the NY Giants take the field in September, there is no question that the roster will be a more talented one than the group that finished off a 6-10 campaign in 2020.

That’s the result of smart and targeted shopping at the top of the free agent market, that included re-signing defensive lineman Leonard Williams, adding top wide receiver Kenny Golladay, and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, to fill pressing needs.

But, the work of general manager Dave Gettleman is far from finished.

If the NY Giants are going to take the step from falling one game shy of winning one of the historically weakest division races ever in 2020 to making the postseason in 2021, adding marquee talent in the NFL Draft is imperative.

Pro Football Focus is bullish on the Giants in 2021, if the draft breaks Gettleman’s way:

"The Giants had two of the biggest free agent signings of 2020, extending DI Leonard Williams for three years, $63 million and adding WR Kenny Golladay on a four-year, $72 million pact. They also made a pretty big splash in the second wave of free agency, agreeing to terms on a three-year, $39 million deal with CB Adoree’ Jackson after the Titans cut him to avoid paying his fifth-year option. The Jackson deal presents a great risk/reward, as he is a very good player so those extra years of control could prove to be extremely beneficial, but he’s also dealt with injuries and odds are his market outside of New York consisted of one-year prove-it deals.New York needs to hit a home run with the No. 11 pick in the upcoming draft, and it appears they may be getting the sixth non-quarterback prospect, which could end up being a really good player. The NFC East is wide open, and if their additions this offseason pan out, the Giants may have a winning record for the first time since 2016."

Gettleman, in his first draft collaboration with head coach Joe Judge last spring added at least three starting caliber players, including left tackle Andrew Thomas, cornerback Darnay Holmes, and defensive back Xavier McKinney.

Replicating that success just might hold the key towards the NY Giants taking the next step.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.

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