Grading the New York Giants 2014 Draft

By Ryan Ratty on Friday, May 16th 2014
Grading the New York Giants 2014 Draft

The New York Giants were one of the most active teams in free agency, as they made it clear that they wanted to address the offensive line and make some improvements on the defensive side of the ball too. The Giants went into the draft with the same idea, but they also added some quality skill players. Let's take a look at the Giants' draft and see how it compared to rest of the NFL.

 

1st Round, Pick 12: Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver, LSU

After letting Hakeem Nicks walk in free agency, the Giants elected to draft Odell Beckham Jr. out of LSU pair with Victor Cruz. Although Cruz and Beckham Jr. are both under 6", both are polished players who excel at moving the chains. Eli Manning will be happy to have another weapon in this offense. (Grade: A-)

 

2nd Round, Pick 43: Weston Richburg, Center, Colorado State

Although the center position wasn't necessarily a need, the Giants elected to grab Weston Richburg out of Colorado State. Richburg is a mauler who has the makings of a perennial Pro Bowler at the center position. Richburg will bring his nasty attitude to this offensive line. (Grade: B+)

 

3rd Round, Pick 74: Jay Bromley, Defensive Tackle, Syracuse

Lindval Joseph left in free agency, which created a void at the defensive tackle position. Drafting Jay Bromley in the third round was a bit of a reach, but the Syracuse product has a nice burst off the ball and he is everything you want for a 3-technique defensive tackle. (Grade: B-)

 

4th Round, Pick 113: Andre Williams, Running Back, Boston College

Despite being the most productive running back in Boston College history, Andre Williams wasn't really talked about in the pre-draft process. His calling cards are toughness and vision, and those two traits will be of great use next to Rashad Jennings. (Grade: A)

 

5th Round, Pick 152: Nat Berhe, Safety, San Diego State

There were better safeties on the board, so this pick was a little puzzling to me. The Giants had one of the worst special teams in the NFL last year and Nat Berhe will make an impact as a gunner on special teams. He will also make a push for a starting job if Antrel Rolle doesn't produce. (Grade: C)

 

5th Round, Pick 174: Devon Kennard, Outside Linebacker, USC

Devon Kennard has the potential to be a nice player off the edge in the NFL, but his game needs a ton of refurbishing. At 6'3", 250 pounds, Kennard looks the part of a big outside linebacker. His problem, however, is that he overruns plays consistently. (Grade: B)

 

6th Round, Pick 187: Bennett Jackson, Cornerback, Notre Dame

Even though he is barely 5'11", Bennett Jackson is going to be a name for Giant fans to remember. He was the captain of Notre Dame's defense last year and he is a playmaker. Jackson will make an impact when the Giants go with a zone defense. (Grade: B+)

 

The Giants improved on both sides of the ball, even though there were a few reaches. After starting the year 0-6 last year, the Giants finished the season 8-8. The talent is there for a deep run in the playoffs. By giving Manning some time in the pocket, the Giants will benefit. Time will tell if the reaches they made were worth it, but as of now, the Giants could've drafted some better players. Final Grade: B-

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