A few thoughts about the draft: Only a small percentage of the players drafted actually start for their team when the NFL kicks off this September. Most will be backups and situational players, gradually working in more and more playing time as the season goes on. Some in fact, don’t play at all. It’s not easy being a rookie in the NFL. That being said, people tend to get overly excited about their team’s selections. Take the Giants for example. They were about as average as you can get last season, 8-8 and picking just about in the middle of the first round. How many positions can you name where a draft pick could start next year? I can only think of three: safety, corner, and outside linebacker. And corner, which is technically one of the more difficult positions, is probably a reach. Every other position is entrenched with a pretty good player. Obviously that doesn’t mean the Giants will only pick at those positions. The draft is a way to build depth and secure future starters. This draft is important for the Giants to help build their roster three and four years down the line. The real key is how quickly you can get rookies to contribute in some capacity on the field and thus make your team better.
Okay, so here’s what the Giants won’t draft: a kicker, punter, a quarterback, or a defensive end. That’s my preview. Any other position is up for grabs. Again, that would seem to indicate the Giants have a weak roster. Quite the contrary. I believe the Giants have good players. Their line play on both sides of the trenches is pretty darn good and they have playmakers at the premium positions on the offensive side of the ball.
This team’s weakness right now is defense. The defensive line could use another tackle who can contribute (there’s that word again) and an athletic linebacker. Same deal at safety and corner. But I wouldn’t mind seeing the Giants draft a wide receiver if that was the best player available. That’s the key. Don’t reach for a player based on need; take the best available athlete. Since the draft is a building ground for future years, taking the best player is in my opinion the best draft philosophy.
This draft is interesting because I believe, between picks 20 through 35, you are going to get a comparable player. That would make a good case for the Giants trading down, and acquiring an additional pick(s) in say round three or four.Â
Finally, for posterity, I do want to throw out three names that I’d love to see the Giants take with their first rounder. If they do indeed trade down, I like Penn State LB Paul Posluszny. If they stay at #20, LSU wide receiver Dwayne Bowe or Pitt corner Darrelle Revis would be great additions.Â