2012 NFL Draft Projections: New York Giants Set Market on Top Positions of Need

If we weren't aware of this already, the New York Giants' Super Bowl triumph reminded us that in today's NFL, you win with a franchise quarterback, playmaking wide receivers and a terrorizing pass-rush.

Having a sturdy offensive line to allow said quarterback to flourish is also clearly a necessity.  

Although Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will headline the beginning of the first round on April 26th, a myriad of wide receivers and offensive and defensive linemen will ultimately be the biggest stories of the draft's opening round. 

In my most recent mock draft, I have five wideouts being selected in the first round and I wouldn't be stunned if that number reaches six.

The Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers will be thoroughly examining the premier pass-catchers. 

They all can't pick up guys in free agency.

I also have eight offensive linemen being taken in the first 32 selections. It seems like an astronomically high number, but even if I'm off by a few, the combination of receivers and offensive linemen will take up more than a third of the first round. 

Disruptive defensive linemen are clearly held in high regard and between four and six should go in the first round, as well. 

Yes, Alabama's Trent Richardson is a complete running back prospect that will be the featured guy on some team next season, but his stock has unquestionably dropped due to the type of league he's entering. 

Even if Richardson becomes one of the better backs in the league, injuries are so prevalent and the overall shelf-life is so short at his position. Is he really worth a Top-10 selection then? 

No. 

Many of the teams in the NFL's upper echelon have established quarterbacks, wideouts and pass-rushers but are in dire need of protection for their franchise signal-callers. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers will almost assuredly take an offensive lineman with their first pick. The Baltimore Ravens need a Matt Birk replacement. The San Diego Chargers need depth along their offensive line amid rumors they'll cut left tackle Marcus McNeill and the possible retirement of Nick Hardwick. Will the Arizona Cardinals go into the 2012 season with the often-victimized Levi Brown as their blindside protector?

Even the New York Giants will most likely lose their right tackle, 32-year-old Kareem McKenzie, to free agency. 

The type of game played in the NFL has swiftly shifted, and after the first round of the 2012 NFL draft we'll once again be reminded of that. 

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