ROUND:1 PICK12 ODELL BECKHAM JR. WR LSU
HEIGHT: 6’0”
WEIGHT: 194 lbs.
CLASS: Jr.
The Giants forgo the safe meat and potatoes pick of Zack Martin for the speedy playmaker, Odell Beckham Jr. Reese wanted to aide Eli, and give him another weapon for his arsenal to help him bounce back. “ODB” is the by far the best route running wide receiver in this class, and also has elite kick returning ability. While I would have considered Aaron Donald at this pick, I fully expect Beckham Jr. to get a ton of playing time next year, and will be a future number one for Eli.
GRADE A-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCwKdJUVrno
ROUND: 2 PICK 43 WESTON RICHBURG C COLORADO STATE
HEIGHT: 6’3”
WEIGHT: 298 lbs.
CLASS rSr.
Here is the beefy pick of the draft. While players such as Stephon Tuitt and Kony Ealy were still on the board, Reese went with a player who could anchor the Giants offensive line for the next decade Richburg scored an impressive 31 on the Wonderlic test, which is important in the new style of offense. Coughlin said that, “He can pull, he can block the zone schemes, and he makes all the calls.” This implies that he could have a role in calling blocking assignments, leaving Eli to call out routes for his wide receivers.
GRADE A-
ROUND: 3 PICK 74 JAY BROMLEY DT SYRACUSE
HEIGHT: 6’4”
WEIGHT: 306
CLASS: Sr.
You can never have too many pass rushers, and right now the Giants are pretty bare when it comes to getting pressure up the middle. Bromley is a great story, and while at first many Giant fans were scratching their heads, after everything settled, the pick makes sense. First, Bromley had 10 sacks, which is impressive from any pass rushing position, let alone from the three-technique position. He has 33” arms which to put into comparison is the same as ex Giant Chris Canty who is 6’7”. He is another high character player with an even higher motor, who will get to play for his home team Giants.
GRADE: B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he-goBisIC8
ROUND: 4 PICK 113 ANDRE WILLIAMS BOSTON COLLEGE
HEIGHT: 5’11”
WEIGHT: 230 lbs
CLASS: Sr.
This is a Tom Coughlin pick if I’ve ever seen one. Andre the Giant, a 2,000-yard rusher, is a power back who relishes contact. While he does have decent speed, Williams makes his mark barreling over defenders as well as with a punishing stiff arm. I believe that he will be the perfect compliment to David Wilson as a future thunder and lightning, and if the 2012 draft pick’s career ends prematurely, Williams could be a bell cow. Andre may not be able to catch the ball, but the Giants won’t need him to. While he wasn’t asked to block much at Boston College, both Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese expressed confidence that he would pick it up easily. Look for the bruiser to push the ball across the goal line a healthy amount of times next season.
GRADE: A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujt1S9P2XHE
ROUND 5 PICK 152 NAT BURHE SAN DIEGO STATE
HEIGHT: 5’10”
WEIGHT: 193 lbs
CLASS rSr.
While this scrappy safety may be undersized, it would be wrong to underestimate him. Berhe ended his career with 299 tackles, which is impressive for any position let alone a defensive back. He’s got great game speed, and when he zeroes in, he looks as if he wants to take the ball carrier’s head off. Anger is just what the Giants need on the defensive side of the ball, and they found a kid with some to spare. He will most likely start on special teams, but could be prematurely thrown as a situational player, depending on Will Hill’s status.
GRADE B
ROUND 5 PICK 174 DEVON KENNARD LB USC
HEIGHT: 6’3”
WEIGHT: 250 lbs
CLASS rSr.
The Giants are all about versatility, and Kennard has played multiple linebacker positions during his college career. What I find impressive is for someone his size, he is surprising effective in coverage especially in short drops. He can also rush the passer, but I don’t think that this will be his strength at the next level. Kennard has a rather lengthily list of injuries, otherwise he would have most likely been taken higher, but at this point of the draft, it’s well worth the gamble. If I were Kennard I would follow around veterans Jon Beason and Jameel McClain as if he were their shadows.
GRADE B
ROUND 6 PICK 187 BENNET JACKSON CB NOTRE DAME
HEIGHT: 6’0”
WEIGHT: 195 lbs
CLASS: Sr.
It seemed that the focal point for the Giants offseason was loading up on defensive backs, and that trend continued through the draft. While many Giant fans were most likely cursing at this pick, it must be noted that many of the contracts the Giants handed out were one-year deals. The draft is not about immediate needs but what the will help the team in the future. Jackson certainly does have the size, and as an ex wide receiver he will be able to read routes easier. While I do believe he should be redshirted his rookie year, he could be a solid contributor down the road.
GRADE B-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhCDDczXbCI
The Giants went into the draft not only looking for players who could help them on the field, but also men who could bring pride to their organization. Six of the seven draft picks were team captains, and are all seen as extremely hard workers. It’s a simple philosophy that Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin came in with, and it’s no wonder after dealing with players such as Hakeem Nicks and Will Hill. While this draft wasn’t as flashy as some fans would have wanted, these players are all solid prospects who will help the Giants drive for five