How Did the New York Giants Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?
The New York Giants had a disappointing 2013 season finishing at 7-9. But the games were a lot uglier than the record indicates. Eli Manning at times looked like a rookie QB getting intercepted multiple times a game.. The Giants forgot how to run the ball. GM Jerry Reese put up a countdown clock to the Super Bowl at Met Life stadium, but it was more of a countdown to their doom. Will the signing of Oakland's RB Rashad Jennings and back from the injured list, New York Giant David Wilson reestablish the New York Giants much beloved Ground and Pound football. Will The New York Giants be able to make up for the loss of two years worth of players. The Giants let a lot of players walk in the off season and signed almost a whole new football team. They will need a good draft to fill in the needs on the field which are primarily, DT, WR and CB. I think the team is too new to have any chemistry and it will show on the field. I sadly predict that the New York Giants will have a disastrous 5 win season, finishing 5-11. Coach Tom Coughlin will retire and GM Jerry Reese will be fired.
2014 NFL DRAFT PICK RECAP AND ANALYSIS
Odell Beckham WR, Louisiana State Round 1 Pick # 12
The Giants picked #12 and I think they blew the draft pick. They overpaid and could have picked a better player. Two players that would instantly have helped the Giants were Offensive Lineman Zack Martin or DT Aaron Donald who I had projected the draft pick to be in my 2014 NFL Mock Draft.
Weston Richburg C, Colorado State Round 2 Pick # 11
Should a starter from game 1 when he easily takes the starting Center job from J.D. Walton. Richburg adds versatility as he played all over the line in college and knows many different offensive schemes which should make him an instant favorite of new Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. He is smaller than normal lineman but that seems to be The Giants direction, smaller but more athletic which means a lot of pulling guards and tackles and lots of flat passing and screens. Look for them to continue the trend of speed players to round out the offense.
Jay Bromley DT, Syracuse Round 3 Pick # 10
This is the answer to losing Linval Joseph and they overpaid. I had this guy as a late 5th, early 6th round pick so I have zero clue what the Giants were thinking here. They must have fallen in love with his 10 sacks one year. Clearly this guy is not a third round pick. That being said, he Giants keep the theme and draft this pretty quick run stop specialist who can also swim move his way to a sack. I just don't know if he has the skill, technique and strength to beat a guy who is 35 to 50 pounds heavier and stronger. This isn't college, it's the NFL and every player is an All-American.
Andre Williams RB, Boston College Round 4 Pick # 13
We lose an Andre Brown at RB and draft an Andre Williams. Too funny cause I was a big Andre Brown fan and totally disappointed the Giants dumped him. At 5"11 230 He will play more like a fullback. Weak skill catching the ball but is a power runner so I suspect if he shows any promise Peyton Hillis might be going back to his farm in Tennessee before the season starts.
Nat Berhe SS, San Diego State Round 5 Pick # 12
Last year with the same pic, #152, the Giants drafted Safety Cooper Taylor in the 2013 Draft. Just thought that was ironic when I saw it. Had a big day at pro day at San Diego State and posted 4.5 time in the 40, 9'10 in the broad jump,35" vertical, and 17 reps. Team Captain in college and secondary play caller on the field. Leadership qualities with a nose for the ball. Needs to be taught patience and not to fall for fakes by receivers. With some coaching, this project player definitely can crack the lineup in the future. Should make an immediate impact on cover special teams.
Devon Kennard OLB, USC Round 5 Pick # 34
Father played in the NFL as a lineman for 11 years so he knows the brotherhood of players and was around the game his whole life. I really like this pick. Been groomed to play the game since birth. Has a muscular body, great leadership, and raw skills that make him a pretty good bet that he may hard work himself into the lineup. If he gets quicker could be a great Strong Safety. Good Pick.
Bennett Jackson CB, Notre Dame Round 6 Pick # 11
recruited and played wide receiver for Notre Dame but was switched to defense. That makes this an interesting draft pick. Giants could use him in a lot of roles. He certainly will make the roster for his special teams skill as shown in college to be above average. 6/0" 200 with 4.5 speed, an amazing 10'8" broad jump and a 4 second 20 yard shuttle. This guy is quick and has loads of athleticism. I LOVE this guy. Can easily see the Giants turning him back to a wide receiver. That's what I would.
Overall Team Draft Day Analysis
Weird draft day for the Giants. Really thought they needed more focus on a real stud at Defensive Tackle. Shocked they pulled the trigger on Beckham, don't get me wrong, I had him penciled in for the New York Jets at #18 and I like him a lot. But a #12 pick is something that doesn't happen every year and drafting a guy that on most boards was at least a 1/3 of the way further down the first day board is overpaying by definition. I liked the Giants picks, but rarely said "AHA" when they drafted like, wow, great pick. So it was a mediocre day and I am a bit disappointed.
Draft Grade: C+
Too quick on the trigger for Beckham. Should have either traded up in the first and got WR Sammy Watkins or TE Eric Ebron or traded down for WR Brandin Cooks. Both ways would have worked if they were looking for more targets for Eli Manning. They could have also traded up in the second round and landed WR Kelvin Benjamin or Dominique Easley.
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