Now that the euphoria of free-agency has wound down, and former Bronco Robert Ayers being the likely final significant free-agent addition, the Giants have a clearer picture of what they can accomplish next month’s draft. So here I present my New York Giants Mock Draft 2.0. And this time, it has a better chance of being remotely plausible, but it won’t be right.
Round 1; 12: Eric Ebron, Tight End; North Carolina: One guy who is shooting up the draft boards is Eric Ebron, who is apparently the second coming of Tony Gonzalez if you’re judging by the amount of pub this guy is getting. The buzz around him has gotten so hot that it is extremely possible that he’ll be well gone before 12. But the Giants need playmakers outside of Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle, and tight end has been a spot of considerable turnover ever since Jeremy Shockey was here. Ebron would be the perfect blend of luxury and long-term need here.
(Other possibilities: Taylor Lewan-OT; Michigan; Mike Evans-WR; Texas A&M; Aaron Donald-DT; Pittsburgh; Trade down?)
Round 2; 43: Cyrus Kouandjio, Offensive Tackle; Alabama: Continuing the rebuild of the offensive line is job number one going into this season, and getting Kouandjio here is good value. Kouandjio was part of Alabama’s vaunted offensive line that made players like Trent Richardson look competent. He was initially considered a first-round quality prospect before teams were scared off by health concerns. I could see the Giants taking a chance here.
(Other possibilities: Ra’Shede Hageman-DT; Minnesota; Antonio Richardson-OT; Tennessee; Jordan Matthews-WR; Vanderbilt)
Round 3; 74: Gabe Jackson, Guard; Mississippi State: The Giants were hoping to retain the versatile Kevin Boothe so they could slot him in as insurance for Chris Snee, but he left for the Raiders. Add in Dave Diehl’s somewhat surprising retirement, and now the Giants need some interior line depth. It’s also about here where we’ll find out if the Giants are serious about JD Walton being their long-term center. (I’m not convinced.)
(Other possibilities: Brandon Thomas-G; Clemson; Travis Swanson-C; Arkansas; Weston Richburg-C; Colorado State)
Round 4; 113: Bryan Stork, Center; Florida State: And here is where they answer the center question. Stork made the calls for Florida State’s national championship team, so his star is shining a bit bright at the moment. He should be able to challenge Walton right out of the gate for the top spot.
(Other possibilities: Ka’Deem Carey-RB; Arizona; Jeremy Hill-RB; Louisiana State; Ed Reynolds-FS; Stanford)
Round 5; 152: Ben Gardner, Defensive End; Stanford: The Giants live for pass rushers. They draft one every year. This is more of a move because “that’s the way we do things” more than anything else. The good news is, we’ve seen that those kids from Stanford can play at little bit. Gardner’s selection could potentially pay off big.
(Other possibilities: Tyler Starr-OLB; North Dakota; Shaq Evans-WR; UCLA; Cody Latimer-WR; Indiana)
Round 5; 174 (Compensatory Selection): Cody Latimer, Wide Receiver; Indiana: Another potential playmaker for Eli. at 6’2″, 215 pounds, his measurables compare favorably to new Colt, Hakeem Nicks. He’s got prototypical size that makes the scouts drool, and in a fairly deep receiver class, Latimer could be an unearthed x-factor in Ben McAdoo’s rebuilt attack.
(Other possibilities: Tyler Starr-OLB; North Dakota; Shaq Evans-WR; UCLA; Andre Williams-RB; Boston College)
Round 6; 187: Andre Williams, Running Back; Boston College: With the uncertainty still swirling around David Wilson’s health, it probably wouldn’t hurt to pick a guy who actually garnered some Heisman hype. Even with newly-signed Rashad Jennings as Wilson insurance and Peyton Hillis looking to get a paycheck however he can, don’t be surprised to see the Giants pounce on this talented and tough runner.
(Other possibilities: Prince Shembo-OLB; Notre Dame; Hakeem Smith-SS; Louisville; Tyler Gaffney-RB; Stanford)
(And again, the Giant sent this year’s seventh-rounder to Carolina for Jon Beason.)
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