6. Draft Players
The Giants currently own the tenth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Additionally, they possess a pick in every round excluding the final round.
There is a tremendous amount of talent available, and while sites such as Big Blue View, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, and even us at Elite Sports NY have criticized Jerry Reese for his poor previous drafts, New York is in an enviable position at the Draft.
10. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
The Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013, Jack boasts absurd athleticism and a compact-built. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in September, which may have hurt his stock, but many aren’t worrying because “It was a tear near (or at) the edge of the meniscus which allowed for a repair, as opposed to a partial meniscectomy.”
The Giants certainly need another outside linebacker, and Jack can be the equivalent of a high-end signing, at a fraction of the cost.
40. Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
A player of Spence’s talent normally wouldn’t even remotely be on the board at the time of the Giants’ second round selection. But Spence, who had previous drug problems and was banned from the Big Ten, isn’t a normal linebacker. The fluid, balanced athlete has the lateral quickness and low pad level to be effective in the NFL.
With J.T. Thomas, Devon Kennard, Myles Jack, Brandon Marshall, Jonathan Casillas, Jasper Brinkley and Noah Spence, the Giants would have a legit linebacking corps.
71. Jalen Mills, FS, LSU
Lauded by his teammates as an “extra coach on the field,” Mills is constantly in position and has a knack for putting his hands up at the right moments. While he isn’t great against the run, Mills is a leader and a quick locator.
The Giants need depth in the secondary — and that’s exactly what Mills would provide.
106. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
Reese has been known to select the best available player in the past, and while the most eminent need may not be a defensive tackle, drafting Day definitely can’t hurt.
Explosive quickness and natural bend to alter his momentum enabled him to be one of the most dominant players in college football, while as an interior disrupter, he projects best as a three-technique in a four-man front.
The problem: Injuries, injuries, injuries.
137. Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU
The menacing offensive tackle possesses great size, is a solid pass protector, and a solid run blocker. He’s a bit slow, but the former Horned Frog helped key a TCU offense that finished second in the nation in scoring (46.5 points per game) and tied for fifth in total offense (533.0 yards per game) in 2014.
Now onto a more important question: how does Vaitai sign his name?
166. Kevin Byard, SS, Middle Tennessee
The highest touted Blue Raiders prospect since 2003 isn’t overwhelmingly quick or tall, but he is constantly in position and reads the quarterback very well. Byard is very agressive with strong hands and above-average hand-eye coordination.
