6. 2013 Draft
This was the first NFL draft that I ever watched, so suffice to say that I was a bit let down when Big Blue selected an offensive lineman with their first rounder.
However, in the coming years, I have learned just how valuable that an offensive line is to an offense. Taking a look back at recent years, a poor offensive line has restricted the Giants from being able to have an effective passing and running offense.
But this is not the fault of Justin Pugh, the Giants first selection in 2013. Since he joining the team, he has arguably been their best offensive linemen. He started off playing right tackle and was a serviceable option there. Eventually, he was moved inside to guard where he has managed to excel as one of the best guards in the game.
The other starter produced from this draft was Johnathan Hankins, a defensive tackle from OSU. In his first season, he was coming off the bench due to Linval Joseph. Ever since then he has been locked down as a starter. In his first campaign as a starter, he recorded an 85.9 grade from PFF, which has been his best so far in his career. His next season was shortened by an injury, so he was only able to start nine games.
However this year is the outlier, he had his worst season in his career. In a contract year, some were surprised to see this dud from Hankins. It is not all that surprising, Damon Harrison arrived and he took over Hankins spot on the defensive line. The OSU product was forced to play the three tech and that position is more suited for pass rushers. The former second rounder is more of a run stuffer, this caused Hankins to have his worst season to date.
The defensive tackle is currently a free agent, and he has so far gone unsigned on the market. In fact, he has been almost too quiet in the market. As of now, there is a slim chance that Hankins returns to the G-Men, and that is only due to his lack of a market.
Selected in the third round, Damontre Moore has recently signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Hopefully, Moore can get his career back on track with a change of scenery close to Texas A&M.
The other active player from this draft, Ryan Nassib did not play a snap with Big Blue this past season before going on injured reserve. Similarly to Hankins, he is currently a free agent and not expected to re-up with the G-Men.
In one of the weakest drafts in the history of the NFL, it is showing of Reese’s ability to evaluate talent to see that he drafted two above average starters.
