Didn't see it posted anywhere, but GBN updated it's draft projection. Giants currently pick #8 and select:
Devante Parker, WR Louisville
I like this pick more than I have liked previous GBN projects as I wasn't sold on Oakman or most of the OTs in the first round.
Parker is 6-3 210, runs in the mid to high 4.4s. An education major who missed seven games this year to a foot injury, Parker has played in only 5 games, but has 35 receptions for 735 yards and 5 TDs. He also dominated FSU with an 8 catch 214 yd performance.
Parker pretty much sounds like everything the Giants hoped Reuben Randle would be, but has not lived up to. CBS sports describes Parker as:
STRENGTHS: At 6'3 with long arms, soft hands and superb leaping ability, Parker is as tough of a receiver to defend as there is anywhere in the country as he utilizes great body control and timing to win any ball thrown in his vicinity regardless of how well-covered he is. After the catch, Parker demonstrates impressive shiftiness despite being a long-strider and has a nice second gear to create distance once he's in the open field.
WEAKNESSES: Parker's initial burst and quickness off the line is only marginal, so he'll need to continue improving with his hands to routinely beat press coverage, and he lacks elite straight-line speed to separate vertically. He's also still developing as a route-runner as he lacks sharpness on cuts, and doesn't always work his way back to the ball, but he has shown steady improvement in this area.
Parker has first-round talent, and will certainly be a consideration there with another season like the last two.
--Derek Stephens (8/18/14)
While you can make a compelling argument that the 1st round pick should be a OL, DL, or Safety. Eli has one legit weapon right now, and Cruz returning to form is not a sure thing at all. Drafting Parker would allow the Giants to take it slow with Cruz, work him back in, relegate Reuben Randle to the #4 slot (or worse), and continue to capitalize on remaining years of Eli's prime.
I would say that if the Giants go WR early, they better use FA to find a Guard or RT.
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You already have significant money invested in the LT, future OC, RG, and RT position. (I assume Schwartz will eventually play RG). Those guys aren't going anywhere for at least two more seasons. I think the Giants are going to find a OG/RT (maybe both) in FA and plug him into the line. You really don't spend a premium pick on a Guard or a guy you expect to play RT, and a Top 10 pick in the draft is a chance to get an impact player.
80% of the line is arguably set for 2015. I really don't see the Giants investing a #1 draft pick in the line. I think Colin from GBN has a similar view.
I'd love another WR
Lots of holes, but OL, DL, LB and S have to be top priorities either in FA or the draft.
If a WR is the BPA, it is zero problem. The Giants have one offensive weapon right now -- one. They can't bank on Cruz, who wasn't even playing well, dating back to mid last year, before he got injured.
The draft isn't about year 1 it's about the next 3 or 4 years. Not investing a huge chunk of cap in 2 really good WRs would be a massive advantage.
If Peat comes out, I'd love to take him. Not sure of contract/$ implications, but as I've said before, Beatty is or soon will be 31 regardless of whether you like him or not. Peat, especially as an early college departure, could get acclimated over a year or two and take over for the "old" Beatty. Or could play on other side if, as has been suggested, Pugh moves to G.
Other than that, the best DEs and LBs -- our other greatest need, IMHO -- projected near there (e.g., Gregory, Ray, Thompson, Beasley) seem too skinny to me.
Do NOT be surprised if the Giants don't go after a top FA wideout.
Yes, we need OL but have to hope Pugh, Richburg come on stronger and Schwartz is healthy next year. Round 2 OG maybe? Round 1, may go defense.
Fowler or Oakman are most likely IMO. I'd prefer Fowler. If he's gone, then maybe Dupree after a trade down.
No thanks.
The Cowboys OL is making Murray look a HOFer, which he is not. A very good OL will make everyone look much better, including Eli, OBJ, Cruz and the third WR like Parker.
That said, I fully expect Reese to get a FA or 2 for the Oline.
I expect a big FA OL signing. + a high draft pick.
The Cowboys OL is making Murray look a HOFer, which he is not. A very good OL will make everyone look much better, including Eli, OBJ, Cruz and the third WR like Parker.
That said, I fully expect Reese to get a FA or 2 for the Oline.
OBJ- Legit
Cruz- Coming off major knee injury
Parker- He's your #3??? Come on, man. The guy is a 4th at best.
TE is still a ?
GB has been making do with 3 4th rd picks and a 7th rd R at C. Their highest pick - a 1st - is their worst player on the OL
Murray has run like this before, in 2 of his 3 previous years he avg over 5 ypc - w/o Martin. Difference is they are giving him 10 more carries per game to protect Romo's back
This continued notion that you have to have high draft picks on the OL to suceed is total BS, as is that they need to pick an OL just to pick one
Cleveland has 4 OL who have been picked in the top 37 picks and still struggle with pass protection and running the ball
I also do not believe we would draft the above mentioned guy that high coming off a major injury
So drafting a rookie offensive lineman will keep Eli off his ass? I'm hoping for the Iowa OT, but really, expecting us to draft someone like a Zack Martin is really wishful thinking.
RE: Cruz
Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
Don't be shocked if NYG drafts a WR in the first few rounds, given Cruz's knee and Randle's lack of development. Even if Cruz returns 100%, we still would have only two solid WRs.
A lot of early assessments pointing to strength and depth at DE, OT, and WR through three rounds.
If that holds true, how would a draft haul of those three look added to the NYG roster in May? It would be an excellent use of limited draft resources, addressing both needs and premium positions. They could add an OG, TE, RB in later rounds, for example.
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And help get Jerry and Walton out of the starting lineup?
So drafting a rookie offensive lineman will keep Eli off his ass? I'm hoping for the Iowa OT, but really, expecting us to draft someone like a Zack Martin is really wishful thinking.
How so?
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In comment 12042165 Emlen'sGremlins said:
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And help get Jerry and Walton out of the starting lineup?
So drafting a rookie offensive lineman will keep Eli off his ass? I'm hoping for the Iowa OT, but really, expecting us to draft someone like a Zack Martin is really wishful thinking.
How so?
Despite the criticism of Pugh here he has probably had the best career of the 2013 1st Round OL. OL is not an easy position for a guy to come right in and be stellar
Really? Walton, Jerry, Schwartz, Brown, Baas?
For the life of me the fantasy football mentality just doesn't stop.
How many championships has ATL won? Det. And why is Det even Winn I go now? Because their D is finally stepping up
Some really good things would have to happen in FA to get a Franklin, Bulaga, Iupati to actually be allowed to leave by their current team.
If we could get that to happen, fine; otherwise OL.
The draft isn't about year 1 it's about the next 3 or 4 years. Not investing a huge chunk of cap in 2 really good WRs would be a massive advantage.
This is a smart intelligent rational, thoughtful and insightful post..
It has no place on BBI...
I actually don't know much about Parker. But I'm all for WR, mainly if we have a shot at Cooper. Really don't care if it's me and 4 of my friends blocking if we go into 2015 with Beckham/Cooper/Cruz.
We will have cap to help with the OL. We won't have cap for another top target for Eli, however, which is why I'm not opposed to WR early.
This is only an issue for Giants fans. Beckum Barden and Jernigan didnt see the field because of the glut at WR.. they didnt see the field because they SUCKED..
Why is it that teams like the Packers. Saints Denver etc etc can go three to four deep at receiver and spend quality picks in doing so.. but when it comes to the Giants its like....
OH NO.. dont get more than two quality receivers.. We have OBJ and a Cruz coming off a MAJOR injury and a sub par Randle and Parker.. thats enough.. we dont need any more receivers..
I think they can pick up some solid FA pieces this year in some key areas. One is a FA veteran WR. I want Randall Cobb, if too much grab someone like Torrey Smith. But I would make a run for Cobb, he is excellent insurance if Cruz doesn't return to form, and would be a perfect pairing with Beckham.
I'm not sure the Giants go after a top FA OL again, I just don't see them wanting to invest that much in the OL. While I would love someone like Franklin, I think they look for some other second tier guys to compete with a 2nd-3rd rd OL pick. Schwartz, Beatty, Pugh, and Richburg are good building blocks. get better depth behind them, and a mean OG/RT in this draft and FA.
On defense I would take most people's suggestions of replacing Rolle with McCourty. Unless you can resign Rolle cheap, then get both. They have Berhe, and Taylor as depth. Bring back Thurmond, extend Prince to a long term deal and this secondary remains a strong point.
The market for JPP will be interesting, I think he will do better with a competent DC, but if he prices himself in the same category as Suh, who do you target? I think I try and keep the guy who has been a Giant here. They need to get another LB to play along with Kennard, and bring in a young DT to add to the mix. DE needs depth as well.
I actually don't know much about Parker. But I'm all for WR, mainly if we have a shot at Cooper. Really don't care if it's me and 4 of my friends blocking if we go into 2015 with Beckham/Cooper/Cruz.
We will have cap to help with the OL. We won't have cap for another top target for Eli, however, which is why I'm not opposed to WR early.
Great idea. 4 WRs and no QB would be the worst case result. And you will have mediocrity at best. If they don't have a good OL, they will be on the 7-9 to 9-7 treadmill. No consistency. They'll have some amazing games and numbers against other mediocre teams and lose the tough ones.