Draft Grade: New York Giants
Notable Picks
12th Overall: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (LSU)
The Giants were in desperate need of an outside receiver to pair with the excellent slot receiver Victor Cruz, and they got that with Beckham, who will join fellow LSU alumni Randle Rueben on the Giant’s receiving corps. Beckham is not physically imposing (5’ 11” and only 7 reps in the 225 bench press) but his speed (4.38 second forty yard dash) and sure hands should make him a viable deep threat for Eli Manning.
43rd Overall: C Weston Richburg (Colorado State)
Eli saw an awful lot of pressure last year, which contributed greatly to his terrible ratio of 18 touchdowns to 27 interceptions in 2013. Richburg was clearly the best center available in this draft, with the strength to handle bull rushes and the balance and lateral agility to deflect speedier defenders. He should be the anchor of this line for a long time.
74th Overall: DT Jay Bromley (Syracuse)
This one was a bit of a head-scratcher. Bromley was projected to be a fourth to sixth round pick, so he seems like a reach here in the third. And there is no reason for the Giants to reach for a DT when they could use an edge rusher opposite Pierre-Paul or an offensive guard much more.
113rd Overall: HB Andre Williams (Boston College)
Williams was a Heisman finalist and racked up over 2,000 yards on the ground last year. He is not the most elusive back, but he has a shot at winning the starting job in New York. If he can’t win the starting job, his physicality will at least render him able to contribute on third-and-short and goalline situations.
Final Grade: B
Beckham Jr. and Richburg should make things easier for Eli, who will be looking to rebound this year after a terrible showing in 2013. Williams should be able to contribute to the offense as well. The o-line still needs additional talent, particularly at guard.
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