The Giants hold the 12th spot in the 2014 NFL draft, which is the highest in a decade. While this pick could field an elite prospect, it could also be a potential headache. They are right outside of the top 10, which means they will most likely miss out on the top tackles, Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews.
They will also most likely miss out on Khalil Mack, who is, outside of Clowney, the pass rusher in this class. While I believe that Anthony Barr could slip to the Giants, I'm not completely sold on him yet, mainly because he's sort of a "tweener." He's not big enough to be a defensive end, and I'm not sure if Perry Fewell will use him correctly as an outside linebacker.
A player who could be available at 12 is Derek Carr. No, this isn't a "draft a quarterback to replace Eli" article. However, there are some teams that could trade up to that spot to nab the quarterback. Jerry Reese stated at the combine that he would be willing to move back in the first round. If I were him I'd aggressively pursue this avenue, to stock pile picks and young talent. This is a roster that is stale, injured, and unmotivated.
Ideally, Cleveland could take Sammy Watkins at the 4 spot, and then move up from 26. The Giants could most likely get the number 34 pick along with another late rounder. In my eyes, a perfect three picks in this scenario for the first two rounds could be Jace Amaro, Dee Ford, and Ryan Shazier.
Jace Amaro could potentially be the best tight end in this draft. Of course there's Eric Ebron, but Amaro is bigger, and a better blocker. The only thing that Ebron is better at is getting behind the defense, and making the BIG play. Amaro is a better redzone threat, which could bode better for Eli. Amaro didn't have to do much inline blocking at Texas Tech, but he's got the big body, and was excellent at screen blocking. This makes him an even better prospect because of McAdoo's west coast offense, which could feature a lot of screen plays.
Dee Ford tore up the Senior Bowl, shooting him up draft boards. Some seem to think that he'll go in the first, but he seems like a top of the second round type player to me. Although he has longer arms, and a great burst, he seems to be a bit undersized and could have trouble against the run at the next level.
Ryan Shazier could shine at linebacker in the NFL. He has fluid hips, which allows him to go into coverage easily. He also is excellent at the point of attack, which is sometimes the weakness with linebackers who have a skinnier frame, like he does. However, if the Giants were to get him on a NFL nutritional plan, I think he could fill in just fine. Another knock on him is he needs to work on shedding blocks. Too many times he gets taken out of plays because he gets caught up in a block.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmT5sX7G3xk
I know what you're thinking. What, no linemen? For this, my answer is Cyril Richardson. The monster guard out of Baylor was once considered a first round prospect, but has since fallen a bit. He got blown up by Aaron Donald, during the one on one drills, and never really recovered. He may struggle to move laterally, but really excels as a straight-line blocker. The Giants need a mauling guard, and this could be their guy. I think if he were to lose a few pounds, the added speed could make him a force in the run game. It also doesn't hurt that he protected RGIII's blind side as a Left Tackle. Jerry Reese and the Giants love versatility.
The Giants need a roster overhaul. This was bound to happen after winning two super bowls in five years. While the 12th pick may sound juicy, moving back is just more practical when youth needs to be infused into the roster.