Dear New York Giants, Draft Linebacker Akeem Ayers of UCLA!

Okay, I'm a West Coast UCLA fan and a bit of a homer on this one. I think Akeem Ayers would be a wonderful pick for the New York Giants. 

However, determining whether Ayers a good fit for the New York Giants is a completely different issue.

You see the Giants run a hybrid 4-3 defense while UCLA runs a defense that allows Ayers to zone coverage, zone blitz and run in space. The closest position the Giants have to this is the weak side linebacker position.

The 4-3 somewhat limits the role of the outside linebacker, because there is one less linebacker on the field. He has to be more disciplined in his play.

He is an athlete. I've watched several games and have enjoyed watching him shine on a mediocre squad. He had to do a lot to overcompensate for other holes in the defense around him. The Giants would get a linebacker who is highly capable of playing different places on the field.

UCLA is developing a system in which they are developing strong defensive personnel with a crew of strong yet tough guys.

In spite of how mediocre the offense is, Akeem Ayers always helped keep his team in the game. UCLA is having more successful defensive players in the NFL, and that's a really good sign.

Ayers is tough to scout because he had to overcompensate...and he held his own. He has a great size and great speed, so it leads a scout to wonder if, when surrounded by excellent talent, would he shine?

I think the upside is too good to ignore. Ayers would be learning from Bulloch (a quality linebacker, one of my favorites) —if he is brought back. Either way, it's a win-win situation. Ayers is highly skilled.

I've heard a lot of arguments that the Giants should really pursue a first-round talent on the offensive line. Offensive line has always been a position where Hall of Fame talent can be found in the first seven rounds. 

If the Giants can take Ayers, they would benefit from having such an athlete on their team. There will be a quality tackle in the 2-4 range. There always is. History has proven that finding a star linebacker often comes at the top end of the draft.

While the Giants have to wait and see who will fall to them, it is also simple choice if Ayers fall to them.

Make the Bruin a Giant.