jlukes' Annual Mock Draft

Every year I try to go through the first few rounds of the draft and pick the guys I think/want the Giants should grab. I did my analysis using many different sites including, but not limited to, CBSports, Draftcountdown, footballsfuture, and walterfootball. Here are my thoughts for the 2012 draft.


1) Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State - 6'5", 303lbs

Large frame, quick of the snap, the ability to get past lineman, and the ability to clog up the middle. What more could you as for in a defensive tackle? Reminds me a lot of fellow Penn Stater Jay Alford – only with a larger upper body. The only real knock on him is that he is inconsistent with his get-off on the snap (from a lack of technique), but that can be easily coached. Would be an excellent person to have in the rotation with Linval, Canty, and Austin, and would be a potential replacement for Canty as early as 2013 if Canty’s cap number becomes too much of a hinderance


2) Kelechi Osemele, Offensive Guard, Iowa State - 6'6", 333lbs

I can’t help but salivate every time I read a scouting reporting of Osemele. Dude is an animal. Reminds me a lot of Carl Nicks (now with the Bucs) in terms of sides and ability to finish his blocks. He played all over the line in college, including left tackle. I see Osemele being our RT or LG for the next 10 years. The only reason I would project him more towards RT is we ask our LG to pull a ton, and pulling is probably Osemele’s only weakness.


3) Cyrus Gray, Running Back, Texas A& M – 5’10”, 206lbs

Has all the tools to thrive in the Giants’ offense. Extremely quick feet. Can change direction in an instant. Sub 4.5 40 time. Runs behind his pads and though not a “big back,” he runs with power. Excellent pass blocker and receiver out of the backfield. Experience as a kick returner. Biggest knock on Gray is that sometimes he is overly patient and does not immediately accelerate through the hole. The acceleration is there, he just needs to learn to trust what he sees.


4a) Omar Bolden, Cornerback, Arizona State – 5’10”, 202lbs

Coming into the year, Bolden was rated as one of the top CBs in the country. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in Spring practices. Bolden was able to run at ASU’s pro day and clocked around 4.45 in the 40 less than a year removed from his ACL injury. Bolden is a classic cover corner that can stay with the quick receivers. He can press most guys, but he isn’t the biggest corner – however he can still be physical with larger WRs. Great read and react ball skills Reads the QB and can break on the ball in an instant – has the hands to make the INT once he gets there. Solid tackler and punt returner. Would be a great value for the Giants here, and having 4-5 starting caliber CBs is pretty much a must in the pass driven NFL.


4b) Travis Lewis, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma – 6’1”, 246lbs

My favorite run and chase linebacker in the draft. We saw last year how valuable Michael Boley was, and it was clear that we didn’t have a backup capable of filling in for him. Lewis is extremely fluid in pass protection and posses safety-like skills when dropping into a zone. He is so quick that he can stay with pretty much any Tight End and a fair amount of WRs. Creates turnovers. Not overly physical against the run, but has the ability to shoot the gaps and disrupt plays. Could even see the field as a 3rd "safety" in the big nickel package. My favorite quote that I read about him is regarding his read and react skills: “Combines very good instincts with above-average reaction skills. Almost always finds the ball in traffic. Greet feel in coverage, sees quarterback and receiver, jumps routes to prevent completion, or at least stop yards after the catch. One-man wrecking crew against screens because he sniffs them out and has the quickness to grab the receiver.” – Chad Reuter


5) Tommy Streeter, Wide Receiver, Miami – 6’4”, 215lbs

Giants need to find another big body that can stretch the field. Streeter has a good chance of being that guy. At 6’4, Streeter is a burner, but also isn’t scared to go across the middle of the field. Put up decent numbers, but his production was limited to sub-par quarterback play. Could instantly challenge Jernigan, Hixon and Barden for spot in 3 or 4 WR formations



Appreciate any and all feedback!