NFL Draft 2011: Mel Kiper Says New York Giants Stole Prince Amukamara

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NFL Draft 2011 and Mel Kiper Says New York Giants Stole Prince Amukamara

The New York Giants came into this draft on the cusp of another playoff run, but the team is aging, and aging fast.

With the Giants offensive line being the biggest priority, it was a bit of a failure because they didn’t address that need until later in the weekend.

What they did do was take what they thought was the best player available and selected cornerback Prince Amukamara in the first round and defensive tackle Marvin Austin.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Draft Grades: Report Cards for All 32 NFL Teams Entire Drafts

Mel Kiper’s Analysis:

Give the Giants credit -- they got some serious value with their first two picks. Amukamara had dropped a bit on my Big Board leading up to the draft, but was still a really good value at No. 19 overall. And Austin has the talent to be a really good NFL defensive tackle if he can add a little consistency. His talent is obvious, but the production hasn't matched the ability. Jernigan is a flyer and could work the slot and help in the return game. But I do wonder if the Giants waited a little too long to gain any help along the offensive line. Brewer at No. 117 is a fair pick, but that line is not a young group, and isn't any better than they were three days ago. They did wisely get a pair of linebackers for a unit that was pretty bad in 2010, but can they help soon?

Grade: B-

While they did get some of the best players in the draft with their first two selections, they ignored the biggest concern, which is the clearly the offensive line.

Check out more NFL Draft Coverage from your home of everything Football, Bleacher Report.

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