We are finally in the top ten in the Draft War Room series! The New York Giants hold the 10th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft with a number of possibilities the team could go with on draft day. Can the Giants pick wisely in order to return to the playoffs for the first time since they won the Super Bowl in 2011?
On offense outside of Odell Beckham the Giants frankly do not have much offensive weapons. With Rueben Randle on his way to Philadelphia the Giants could use a receiver. Picking Laquon Treadwell 10th overall may be to rich for my taste considering his 4.65 40 yard pro day time. I believe Michael Thomas from Ohio State could be a nice fit in round 2. Thomas, the relative of Keyshawn Johnson, in a solid target who can separate from defensive backs using his route running and elite size.
The appeal of running back Ezekiel Elliot also remains a possibility for the Giants. The G men passed on rookie of the year Todd Gurley last year for tackle Ereck Flowers who did not garner the top 10 selection. Elliot could be the pick this year for the Giants as he is one of the most complete backs I have seen in the collegiate stage in quite some time. The former buckeye can do it all especially pass protection which often takes the typical rookie some time to learn.
On defense the offseason signings of Janoris Jenkins and Olivier Vernon may sway them to stay away from that side of the ball in the first round. One area I think New York could look is the linebacker position. The Giants could be one team that takes a look at injured linebacker Jaylon Smith with the thought of him sitting out of 2016 entirely. Another possibility could be Tyler Matekevich from Temple. Matekevich impressed me during the Reese’s Senior bowl. He isn’t ultra athletic but he has a knack for finding the football possessing elite instincts.
