The Game Haus is back with another edition of Draftmas. This is the 21st edition of Draftmas and it focuses on the New York Giants.
Summary
There is a lot to be optimistic about if you’re a Giants fan. They finished last season 11-5 and will be in great position to compete for a divisional title this season. New York looked pretty bad in their Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers when they lost 38-13.
The Giants have had a solid offseason thus far. They signed six-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall to create arguably the best receiving corp in all of football. They also signed D.J. Fluker who will compete for a starting tackle position.
As far as resignings go, they locked up Jason Pierre-Paul to a four-year, $62 million deal. There are few weaknesses on this team and they will be legitimate Super Bowl contenders. This draft will be about filling their few weaknesses, but mostly about creating a deeper team.
Picks and Needs
The Giants have seven picks in this draft, with one in each of the seven rounds.
First Round: (1) No. 23
Second Round: (1) No. 55
Third Round: (1) No. 87
Fourth Round: (1) No. 140
Fifth Round: (1) No. 167
Sixth Round: (1) No. 207
Seventh Round: (1) No. 241
Offense:
Right Guard: Right guard is probably the weakest area of the Giants’ line. It isn’t a major need, but they can improve upon this in the draft.
Running Back: The Giants must find a running back in this draft to take pressure off of the passing game. This class is loaded with running backs and it should be easy to find their next starting back.
Defense:
Defensive Tackle: This isn’t a dire need either, but there is no such thing as too much depth at the defensive tackle position.
Middle Linebacker: If possible, the Giants should look for a legitimate starting middle linebacker early in the draft.
Free Safety: The Giants have a great secondary and free safety is the weakest part of that secondary.
Outside Linebacker: This is the weakest area of the Giants’ defense.
Targets and Thoughts
These predictions are without trades.
First Round, Pick 23: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Lately, there has been news swirling that Dalvin Cook is falling in the draft due to concerns over the company he keeps. Cook is easily a first round running back who has the talent and skill to go top 15.
New York needs a running back and getting Cook at 23 would be a huge steal. The Giants have a good offense, but drafting Cook could take them from good to great.
Second Round, Pick 55: Raekwon McMillan, MLB, Ohio State
Raekwon McMillan is a very underrated player in this draft. His 6-foot-2, 240-pound frame is prototypical for an NFL linebacker. McMillan is an excellent tackler who could be a defensive cornerstone in the NFL.
The Giants need to draft McMillan if he is available to create a stronger defense that is capable of winning the Super Bowl.
Third Round, Pick 87: Danny Isidora, OG, Miami (Fla.)
The third round is the perfect time for the Giants to address their need at guard. Danny Isidora from Miami is an excellent pulling guard. His quickness allows him to get out in space to create holes for runners.
Some say he is rather lazy and inconsistent, but if he can improve on his consistency, he will be a good player. One thing Isidora has is durability, and one of the best abilities to have is availability.
Conclusion
The Giants are extremely close to getting back to a Super Bowl. Their defense made great strides last season, but needs to improve if they want a deeper postseason run. Their offense is one solid running back from being unstoppable. This draft should push the Giants really close to a Super Bowl.
You can read all previous Draftmas profiles here.
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