2012 NFL Draft: Grading the New York Giants' Last Four Picks

I gave the Giants a B+ on their first three picks. None of them were spectacular, impact players, but each filled a need that came from a free-agency departure.

The Giants were happy to get two of their top five players in the first two rounds when Rueben Randle fell to the 63rd pick. And their third-round pick, Jayron Hosley, could have been a first-rounder last year, but had a somewhat down year this season at Virgina Tech after struggling with a hamstring injury and a concussion.

So in Jerry Reese's mind, the Giants snagged three first-round talents with their first three picks. But the late rounds of the draft are a whole different ballgame. You have to mine the talent pool for sleepers and players with high-upside, something that Reese has been particularly adept at in previous drafts.

Linebacker Jacquain Williams was chosen in the sixth round last year, and forced the key fumble in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers. Another talented linebacker, Jonathan Goff, went in the fifth round in 2008. And Reese snagged starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw in the seventh round in 2007.

With their needs at running back (Brandon Jacobs to San Francisco), wide receiver (Mario Manningham to San Francisco) and cornerback (Aaron Ross to Jacksonville) filled in the first three rounds, the Giants had to address holes on the offensive and defensive lines as well as at tight end.

They could also bolster their safeties or linebackers with late-round choices, so who did they pick?

Round 4, Pick No. 127

Adrien Robinson, TE, Cincinnati

Grade: B

Robinson is 6'4", 267 pounds of speed and athleticism at the tight end position. GM Jerry Reese called him “a JPP of tight ends,” and that is high praise indeed.

With the Giants losing tight ends Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum to ACL injuries in the Super Bowl, they were left with only Bear Pascoe at the position. They signed Martellus Bennett from the Cowboys, and while he has the tools to be a starter, he hasn't demonstrated consistent production in the NFL yet.

Adrien Robinson gives them added depth at a position that is now in vogue in the NFL, with the Patriots and Saints showing the dynamism that multiple tight ends can bring to an offense.

Robinson set off a meteoric rise in his draft stock after shining at his workout. Not only did his 4.58 40-yard dash time impress scouts, but he posted a 39.5" vertical jump and a 11'3" broad jump.

While Robinson had only 29 catches in four years with the Bearcats, including 12 last season, he did score three touchdowns, including a 72-yarder in 2011. While Robinson may represent a bit of a project, he has all the physical tools to be a big-time player, and Giants' tight ends coach Mike Pope is one of the best in the business.

Round 4, Pick No. 131

Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn

Grade: B+

With their compensatory pick (last year, the Giants lost Kevin Boss, Barry Cofield and Steve Smith, while signing David Baas and Steve Weatherford) the Giants finally strengthened an offensive line that finished last in rushing in 2011.

With Kareem McKenzie, Tony Ugoh and Stacey Andrews all currently without a contract, the Giants had to bring in some youth to their offensive line, and ideally, a player who could also offer versatility. Brandon Mosley provides just that.

"He may be a guy that can handle learning both guard and tackle right away so we look forward to that," said head coach Tom Coughlin. The Giants started last year with Will Beatty playing left tackle and David Diehl playing left guard. After some injuries, they ended the year with Diehl at left tackle and Kevin Boothe at left guard.

Diehl's versatility earned him the longest-named award in sports, bestowed by ESPN.com's Gregg Easterbrook (aka TMQ), the Tuesday Morning Quarterback Non-Quarterback Non-Running Back NFL MVP. But the Giants can't rely on Diehl to give them such ability at multiple positions every season.

Mosley only learned to play O-line once coming to Auburn, after playing tight end and defensive line in junior college. Measuring 6'6", 314 pounds, Mosley certainly has the size to play in the NFL. And after blocking against SEC defenses, he should have the mettle to face any challenge that's thrown at him.

Round 6, Pick No. 201

Matt McCants, OT, UAB

Grade: B-

As stated in the previous slide, the Giants needed to target players in the draft to bolster their offensive line, which struggled mightily in run-blocking last season. Even after signing Sean Locklear in free agency, the O-line remained a position of need.

Matt McCants from Alabama-Birmingham was projected to go in the fifth round, and as high as the third, so the Giants were happy to select him at the end of the sixth round.

Like fourth-round selection Brandon Mosley, McCants is also 6'6" tall, offering an imposing body to block for Eli Manning. While McCants did earn an invite to the Senior Bowl, he posted somewhat disappointing numbers at the combine, including a 5.52 40-yard dash.

He was a four-year starter at UAB after not playing football in high school until his senior year, and could be another project for the Giants. But he played well for the Blazers and could catch on in New York.

Round 7, Pick No. 239

Markus Kuhn, DT, NC State

Grade: B-

With Dave Tollefson departed to the Oakland Raiders and Osi Umenyiora's contract situation unclear, the Giants used their last pick in the draft to deepen their defensive line.

Their two Super Bowl victories in five years have showed the NFL a winning formula: pressure the quarterback with your front four, and stout defense will follow. Even after signing free-agent defensive tackle Shaun Rogers on the first day of the draft, the Giants needed some youth to supplement Rogers' veteran savvy.

At 6'5", 299 pounds, Markus Kuhn gives the Giants a big body in the middle. And he's got undeniable quickness, evidenced by his 4.89 40-yard dash.

Kuhn represents yet another project for the Giants. Born in Germany, he is still learning the game of football. But that was the case with Jason Pierre-Paul, and he looks to be a star for the Giants for many years to come.

Kuhn is a gym rat according to Coughlin, and speaks three languages, so he's got a keen mind. After recording 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year for the Wolfpack, the Giants will look for Kuhn to contribute in 2012.

Overall Grade

Grade: B

With their last four picks, the Giants targeted a tight end to lend more depth to an injury-depleted position, a couple of tackles to broaden their O-line, which struggled in run-blocking last season, and a defensive tackle to add to their fearsome front four.

All four players are unproven to a degree, but show tremendous potential. While their ability remains to be seen, any one of the four has the talent to become a gem for the G-Men and shine for years to come.

And all four rookies are lucky enough to be joining the World Champions.