Wise men over the years have expounded the axiom that you never draft out of need because if you do, you will always be drafting out of need. Rarely do need and quality intersect in the NFL Draft, but if you’re the 2019 New York Giants, you can make a case that no matter who you choose in this draft it will be at a “need” position.
Even with 12 draft picks in their pocket, it’s almost impossible for the Giants to solve all of their roster inefficiencies in one weekend.
Here’s five positions general manager Dave Gettleman must address in this draft, and quarterback, ironically, is not one of them.
Right Tackle
Gettleman must have taken a look at the offensive line when he walked in the door in December of 2017, vomited and then wondered what he got himself into. Since then, he’s filled four of the five spots with solid players: Nate Solder (left tackle), Will Hernandez (left guard), Jon Halapio/Spencer Pulley (center) and Kevin Zeitler (right guard).
All that’s left to fill is right tackle and he’s done. Not sure id he’ll do that in Round 1, but on the second day of the draft, he can use one of his two picks on either Washington’ Kaleb McGary, Kansas State’s Dalton Risner or Tytus Howard of Alabama State. Later on in the draft, there’s Dennis Daley (South Carolina), Max Scharping (No. Illinois), Chuma Odoga (USC) and Bobby Evans (Oklahoma).
Cornerback
Last year, the Giants almost traded Janoris Jenkins, so that should tell you something right there. Sam Beal is highly regarded but let’s face it — no one has seen him play yet, so we have no idea what he’s capable of. Grant Haley was a undrafted free agent who earned a roster spot but he’s far from a stud.
In this draft, Gettleman must address the cornerback position. He probably doesn’t need to do it with high draft picks, although that would help. I see the Giants using some Day 3 draft capital to add some depth to this unit. Some possibilities: Joejuan Williams (Vanderbilt), David Long (Michigan), Sean Bunting (Central Michigan), Kris Boyd (Texas), Mark Fields (Clemson), Jimmy Moreland (James Madison), Blessuan Austin (Rutgers) and Isaiah Johnson (Houston).
Pass Rush
The Giants are expecting Lorenzo Carter and free agent Markus Golden to step up to the plate and anchor their pass rush. They’re also counting on B.J. Hill to provide some pressure as well from the defensive end spot.
Not enough. They are going to have to use both of their first round picks to fortify their front seven. Gettleman will forego taking a quarterback in the first round to select two of the many defensive studs in this draft. His first pick (No. 6 overall) on one of the Big Four: Quinnen Williams (Alabama), Nick Bosa (Ohio State), Josh Allen (Kentucky) and Devin White (LSU) should they fall to him. If not, the pick will likely be Montez Sweat, Rashan Gary, Clelin Ferrell or Ed Oliver.
With the 17th pick he’ll probably take another huge body at either EDGE rusher or defensive end. It could be one of the players listed above or someone such as Notre Dame’s Jerry Tillery, Dexter Lawrence and/or Christian Wilkins of Clemson or Florida State’s Brian Burns.
Other names to keep in mind after Round One: Zack Allen (Boston College), Joe Jackson (Miami), Shareef Miller (Penn State), Jalen Jelks (Oregon), D’Andre Walker (Georgia) , Jaylon Ferguson (La. Tech), Charles Omenihu (Texas), Anthony Nelson (Iowa) and L.J Collier (TCU).
Linebacker
Alec Ogletree had a mediocre first year in blue in 2018. They won’t draft over him this year, but he’ll need to lay better than he did last season. For that, he’ll need a new partner, maybe on both sides of him. B.J. Goodson has been inconsistent and often injured and it’s time for Gettleman to make a move at linebacker.
After Devin White, there’s Michigan’s Devin Bush, but he’s projected to go in the first first round, so scratch him. In Round 2, Alabama’s Mack Wilson will probably be taken, so they’re probably looking at a Day 3 option.
There’s four that I would not mind seeing in Blue: USC’s Cameron Smith, Vosean Joseph of Florida, Notre Dame’s Te’von Coney and David Long of West Virginia.
Nose Tackle
The Giants would kill two birds with one stone by using one of their first rounders on Quinnen Williams or one of the Clemson interior lineman but they may not be able to swing that. With Dalvin Tomlinson still adjusting and R.J. McIntosh still developing, Gettleman might see this spot as a rotational position and decide to fill it in the late rounds.
One player I like a lot is Texas A&M’s Kingsley Keke, who played mostly defensive end in college, but the Giants can use his pass rushing skills on the inside. He’d be perfect on passing downs.
There’s a glut of players that could help them immediately in a part time role: Dre’Mont Jones (Ohio State), Trysten Hill (Central Florida), Renell Wren ( Arizona State), Armon Watts (Arkansas) and Gerald Willis (Miami) are a few names of note.
