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Alright Giants fans, how are we feeling? More importantly, how did Joe Schoen do? The first draft from the new GM has passed and eleven new young men join the Big Blue. A draft that had very few game changers in the first, but a multitude of depth in the later rounds, it was a true test of research and strategy from the front office.
Besides the incredible talent added to the team, I love how Schoen manipulated the reports and handled business. He leaked false info saying they were in love with Mississippi St. OT Cross, and that the 7th pick is for sales. That was one big SIKE, a smokescreen that Schoen projected in order to secure his guys.
He is here, and he's not messing around.
For the first time in a long time, the national media gave positive outlook to the Giants draft.
PFF said the Giants gained the 3rd-most value from the draft. Not bad not bad!
Schoen came in and made moves that Gettleman promised. Bolster the O-Line. After signing a flurry of lineman, the Giants went out and drafted two OL in the top-75, the first since 1989. It's only the second time since 1989 that they drafted 3 OL in one class.
The first round was headlined by stars Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux and Alabama OT Evan Neal, both of who were on my wish list. These two have the potential to be developmental cornerstones that can help build a championship contender. Wan'Dale Robinson is an elusive playmaker who caught 104 balls for 1,334 yards and seven touchdowns last season at Kentucky. He ran a 4.44 and the combine, and he's tough, slippery and explosive. North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu is a big and versatile blocker who can play across the line. Plus the additions of CB Cor'Dale Flott (LSU) and S Dane Belton (Iowa) can be great complimentary pieces alongside Xavier McKinney, Julian Love, Adoree Jackson, and hopefully James Bradberry.
As mentioned this was the largest draft since 2003. That draft is a special one for Giants fans because they added three integral players who helped win two Super Bowl's for the GMen. Osi Umenyiora (second round), David Diehl (fifth round) and David Tyree (sixth round).
Could history repeat itself? I sure hope so.
Overall, I'd give this draft a B+/A-. The offensive line is replenished, new weapons have been added to Daniel Jones arsenal, and new defensive playmakers have been added in all categories.
Draft Class
Rd 1, Pick No. 5 - EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)
Rd 1, Pick No. 7 - OT Evan Neal (Alabama)
Rd 2, Pick No. 43 - WR Wan'Dale Robinson (Kentucky)
Rd 3, Pick No. 67 - OL Joshua Ezeudu (North Carolina)
Rd 3, Pick No. 81 - CB Cor'Dale Flott (LSU)
Rd 4, Pick No. 112 - TE Daniel Bellinger (San Diego State)
Rd 4, Pick No. 114 - S Dane Belton (Iowa)
Rd 5, Pick No. 146 - LB Micah McFadden (Indiana)
Rd 5, Pick No. 147 - DT D.J. Davidson (Arizona State)
Rd 5, Pick No. 173 - OL Marcus McKethan (North Carolina)
Rd 6, Pick No. 182 - LB Darrian Beavers (Cincinnati)
Undrafted Free Agents / Rookie Try-Outs
CB Darren Evans (LSU)
CB Zyon Gilbert (Florida Atlantic)
DT Antonio Valentino (Florida)
DT Chris Hinton (Michigan)
DT Jabari Ellis (South Carolina)
DT Tyrone Truesdell (Florida)
G Josh Rivas (Kansas State)
LB Tomon Fox (North Carolina)
RB Jashaun Corbin (Florida State)
S Trenton Thompson (San Diego State)
S Yusuf Corker (Kentucky)
TE Austin Allen (Nebraska)
TE Jeremiah Hall (Oklahoma)
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