With the NFL Draft completed, we no longer have to listen to the whole ESPN "Todd McShay vs Mel Kiper" 'feud' in which they are frenemies. Or Mike Mayock being Mike Mayock, though I'd take him and Rich Eisen's hilarity over Boomer, Jon Gruden, Kiper and McShay being annoying as all hell. At least enjoy Mike Mayock's dancing. Let's recap how the Giants did. Reportedly, co-owner John Mara wanted the Giants to address the offensive and defensive lines, and GM Jerry Reese listened. Reese adhered to his "best value pick" philosophy, notably in the 3rd and 4th round picks. Here is Florio Facts' recap and analysis:
Round One: OT Justin Pugh, Syracuse
Jokingly, the Giants said he won his draft selection with his response to the question, "Who is the most prominent Syracuse alum that you know?" by answering with Coach Tom Coughlin. Surely Coughlin has had discussions with former Syracuse and current Bills HC Doug Marrone about Pugh and another Giants draft pick in the 4th round. I did not care for the pick at first because it was not a glaring need, but upon second thought, it made sense. Pugh played all 5 OL positions at 'Cuse, according to Mayock, which will help the Giants this year until he likely secures LG with Kevin Boothe's impending free agency. His ceiling? A better, younger, Dave Diehl, who he could replace at RT.
Round Two: DT Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State
Ohio State picks always seem to be boom or bust (Boom: James Laurinatis, Nick Mangold/Bust: Anthony Gonzalez, Troy Smith). Let's hope it is a boom. I also questioned this pick, with 6 DT's on the Giants roster already but here's what won me: he's a run-stuffer. The Giants, finishing 31st in run defense last year, and with sub-par linebackers, need help here. If he stays in shape (a problem at OSU), he should be a fine yang to pass-rushing Cullen Jenkins' ying.
Round Three: DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
Here's one of the biggest steals of the draft. On some boards as a late first rounder, and 33 overall on Mayock's, the Giants took him at 81. He has first round talent, and is younger than me at 20 years old. Moore has the potential to start as soon as next year with Justin Tuck's impending free agency and looking much slower in 2012. Moore fell as a result of poor combine times and questions surround his work ethic. Coughlin should be able to keep his head on straight and be the most valuable contributor for the Giants 2013 draft class this season.
Round Four: QB Ryan Nassib, Syracuse
This pick threw nearly every commentator. Particularly so because Reese traded up for Nassib. He was projected to go as early as #8 overall to Marrone's Bills but fell all the way to round 4. Nassib is a smart thrower with solid awareness, a good arm and will stand in the pocket and take a hit. If the Giants can correct his flawed mechanics (particularly his footwork), he's a developmental project which they can spin for draft picks later or down the line replace Eli Manning. Nassib safeguards themselves against a long-term Manning injury (Kirk Cousins looked good for Washington last year, right?).
Round Five: S Cooper Taylor, Richmond
Mayock compared a lot of safeties to Seattle's SS Kam Chancellor, a steal in the 5th round 3 years ago, Taylor is another. Taylor is a big dude, towering at 6'4". Marc Ross, Giants' college scouting director said of Taylor, "We think we got a hidden gem there.This guy is big, fast, smart, plays the game the right way. He does a lot of things for Richmond. They line him up at multiple positions. You’ll see him in the box; you’ll see him back deep. He covers the slot. Productive there...The kid is really smart. Loves football, so we think he has a ton of upside." I would love him to move to OLB because the Giants can't cover to save their lives.
Round Seven: RB Michael Cox, Massachusetts
Nearly Mr. Irrelevant, Reese believes that there is some upside to him. "“You don’t see a lot of production but if you look closely at this guy, we are excited about him. He is big, powerful, elusive guy with speed. He has got a lot of things that we like about him.” It can't hurt to have more running backs, though, I wish the Giants pulled the trigger on a LB here.
So, how did the Giants do? If you believe in the old adage of "You win games in the trenches" you'll probably like this draft. Reese had an eye on 2014 with this draft and free agencies coming. I'll give it a B+ with the potential to hit an A.
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