Best Possible Outcomes for New York Giants' Top 3 Draft Picks
If free agency teaches us anything, it's that players are always on the move. The best way to get to the top—and stay there—is to draft well on a yearly basis, not to outbid the other 31 franchises on the open market.
The New York Giants have done a better job bringing in impact rookies the last couple of draft classes, and that trend must continue if the G-Men are to avoid another losing season in 2015. Late-round picks are perks if they contribute, and mid-round selections are usually a toss-up; the key to winning the draft is to find starting-caliber athletes in the first three rounds.
With only weeks to go until the draft, the Giants surely have several eyes on the prospects they wouldn't mind adding to their roster. But draft day is fluid, and a good big board should offer flexibility. That means scenarios and backup scenarios and backups to the backup scenarios.
This slideshow will highlight five different draft-day scenarios that make sense for the Giants based on the team's needs and the value projected to be available when they pick.
Scenario 1: OL, EDGE, FS
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First-Round Pick: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
The Giants have a need at offensive line, and they can address it in the first round by selecting the 2015 draft class' most complete blocker in Brandon Scherff. Even though Scherff's collegiate experience at tackle translates best to a professional career at guard, the Giants could afford to add a dominant interior presence.
When Chris Snee was in Pro Bowl form, New York's O-line was imposing on the ground and reliable when quarterback Eli Manning dropped back to pass. Scherff can influence the unit in a similar way from Day 1.
Second-Round Pick: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA
After picking Scherff to shore up the offensive line, the Giants can address the other side of the trench by picking up an edge defender in Owamagbe Odighizuwa. Although his pass-rushing skills aren't the finest in this year's draft, Odighizuwa's tremendous athleticism was on full display at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Giants could pick up the UCLA product, mold him into the pass-rusher they want him to be and utilize his run-defending ability in the meantime. Odighizuwa could find his way into the defensive end rotation as a rookie, especially if Damontre Moore doesn't progress as planned.
Third-Round Pick: Gerod Holliman, FS, Louisville
New York's biggest hole on the defensive side of the ball is at safety, but it could plug it rather snugly if Gerod Holliman is still around in the third round.
Holliman has some serious appeal as a playmaker after picking off an NCAA-record 14 passes last season, so another team might be more eager to pounce on him. However, with only one productive college season under his belt and some serious tackling concerns, Holliman's stock could sink, and the Giants may end up landing a starting safety with a third-round pick.
Scenario 2: EDGE, OG, LB
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First-Round Pick: Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska
If the Giants go back to the basics and select a pass-rusher with the ninth overall pick, Randy Gregory might be their man. Although the lanky 235-pounder looks like a 3-4 rush linebacker, Gregory has the upside to be a unique talent at defensive end.
New York would need to be clever to get a player as raw as Gregory consistent playing time, but it'd be a good project for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to take on in his first year back with the team. A thicker frame and some quality coaching could set Gregory up for a long and successful NFL career.
Second-Round Pick: Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke
There are instant offensive line starters to be found in the second round, starting with Laken Tomlinson. The true guard from Duke is one of the smartest players in this year's draft class, so he's bound to be a student of the game at the next level.
Tomlinson isn't the most athletic lineman, but he'd fit in perfectly at right guard if the Giants want to keep Justin Pugh at tackle. This wouldn't be the most exciting second-round pick possible, but it's one that would immediately make the Giants a better team.
Third-Round Pick: Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
It would be a small step outside the norm for the Giants to spend a third-round selection on a linebacker, but Stephone Anthony is one worth the selection. Anthony could bring difference-making athleticism to a position in which New York is known to rely upon bargain talent.
With Jon Beason and Jameel McClain already in the fold, Anthony wouldn't be a first-year starter on the inside. That's fine, though, because the Clemson product probably needs a year to hone his instincts and refine his game while contributing on special teams.
Scenario 3: OT, DL, TE
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First-Round Pick: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Shuffling the offensive line isn't the most desired offseason endeavor. However, if it's a means to fit La'el Collins into the starting lineup, it's definitely worth it.
Collins may never turn into a franchise left tackle, but he would be more than serviceable on the right side. His specialty is run-blocking, and that's just what the Giants need to improve most. Even though Collins could play right guard as a rookie, the Giants should tuck Pugh inside and open up a long-term home for Collins on the edge.
Second-Round Pick: Eddie Goldman, DL, Florida State
If the Giants are looking for a cornerstone around whom they can build their defense of the future, they need not look any further than Eddie Goldman. A major peg in Florida State's 2013 national championship run, Goldman has the trusted pedigree to anchor an elite defense.
The 336-pounder is the ideal size for an NFL nose tackle, and he has the strength to move blockers out of his way and make a play. Goldman could work in tandem with Johnathan Hankins to complete a staunch interior defensive line.
Third-Round Pick: Clive Walford, TE, Miami
New York doesn't have a pressing need at tight end after Larry Donnell emerged as a viable pass-catcher last season, but it wouldn't hurt to bring in Clive Walford for a bit more competition at the highly specialized position.
Walford, if selected, would push Donnell for the starting job. While Donnell's size gives him a definite advantage as a red-zone target, Walford's blocking ability may actually make him the more complete tight end. As unlikely as this selection seems to be, it's enticing to imagine what a gadget like Walford could do for coordinator Ben McAdoo's offense in Year 2.
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Scenario 4: DL, CB, OT
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First-Round Pick: Malcom Brown, DL, Texas
Steve Spagnuolo specialized in getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks during his first stint as New York's defensive coordinator, and Malcom Brown could become the secret weapon needed to replicate his old magic.
Brown has some versatility to play several spots along the defensive front, but the lightning-quick 319-pounder would be most dynamic rushing the passer as a 3-technique. Johnathan Hankins could hold his own drawing double-teams at nose tackle, affording Brown plenty of one-on-one opportunities to penetrate the offensive backfield.
Second-Round Pick: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
The Giants already have two solid starters at cornerback in Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but P.J. Williams will come in handy when one of the two is sidelined for a week or two due to injury.
Williams is the prototypical cornerback, a perfect blend of size, speed and strength. The Florida State product is athletic enough to run with a receiver and throw him off his routes in physically demanding press coverage all day. He could even play a large percentage of snaps as New York's nickelback until he is inevitably needed to fill in on the outside.
Third-Round Pick: Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma
Tyrus Thompson has first-round pick written all over him at 6'5" and 324 pounds. However, NFL Media's Lance Zierlein notes that pro scouts have criticized his "football character" and called into question his love for the game.
Thompson doesn't play with great technique, but proper coaching could change that. A hefty paycheck and an opportunity to work his way into the starting lineup could also serve as motivation. It's a risky pick, considering the red flags, but the Giants could really use a blocker of Thompson's stature.
Scenario 5: SS, WR, EDGE
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First-Round Pick: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
New York is struggling to find a solution to its safety situation, and the only answer worthy of the ninth overall pick is Landon Collins.
The Alabama bruiser plays a lot like a linebacker, as he's able and eager to step into the box and make a hard hit near the line of scrimmage. This is also a criticism of his game, though, since he is sometimes caught guessing incorrectly, resulting in a big play over the top. Collins would still be the best safety on New York's roster, even if he's not the perfect prospect.
Second-Round Pick: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri
The Giants already enjoyed immense success with a receiver named Beckham, so why not double-down and go Green, as in Dorial Green-Beckham, this spring? Even though the team is well-stocked at the offensive skill positions, general manager Jerry Reese is notorious for falling in love with playmakers, especially ones who catch touchdown passes at 6'5" and 237 pounds.
An important note: Green-Beckham has a terribly troubled past that has some NFL scouts drawing connections to Josh Gordon, according to NFL Media's Lance Zierlein.
Third-Round Pick: Lynden Trail, EDGE, Norfolk State
Sometimes the Giants find pedigreed players to rush the passer; other times they go off the beaten path to locate a guy who can get after the quarterback. Well, this year, that path has led Big Blue to tiny Norfolk State, where Lynden Trail can be found.
Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net first reported back in January that the team was interested in Trail, and the fit has since become obvious. At 6'7" and 269 pounds, Trail has the perfect frame to become a dominant defensive end. He experimented at tight end at the Senior Bowl, too, heaping more intrigue on this small-school prospect.
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