I had originally planned to publish this piece last Friday, but given its nefarious nature I reconsidered the wisdom of putting it out for public consumption of Aril Fools Day. So here it is two days later. Let me remind you all of how this process works in my mind, since there will be additional Team Mocks in the month ahead. I start by listing the actual Picks by team as they exist today. In recent years we have seen little Pick trading in preparation for the actual NFL Draft. Wheeling and dealing has been most prevalent as the Draft is unfolding in real time this decade.
After considering each team’s current roster and recent trends in player acquisition I refer to Pigskin Paul’s Regardless of Position list, which is held in deep secrecy until the week of the Draft. Then I move from Pick to Pick taking into account the reality that the 2nd ranked player on my Big Board is not likely to be available to the GIANTS picking down at Pick 10, in this case. But I do allow a small range of players before their actual Pick to be considered since this is not a perfect ranking system. So in this case I perused names starting at No. 8 and going as far past No. 10 as I desired. In most cases however I am unlikely to go more than 7-10 slots past my 10th ranked player, assuming most teams draft Best Available, rather than reaching too far to fill needs.
Enough of an explanation. Let’s get to the Picks and then I’ll throw in a few disclaimers at the conclusion.
Round 1 Pick 10 RONNIE STANLEY/OT/NOTRE DAME 6’6/312
A few of the short term VFA players have been purged from the GIANTS roster and the OL is now almost completely rebuilt with young draftees with this move. This pick is significant since the team needs to protect their franchise QB ELI better, and establish a more consistent running attack. I would expect STANLEY to be placed at RT with the more athletic FLOWERS staying on the left side. For those screaming here for DL remember that new blood has come to town in Veteran Free Agency already. PP#13
Round 2 Pick 40 TYLER BOYD/WR/RS/PITT 6’2/197
Other than a lack of blazing speed there isn’t much not to like about this pick. BOYD is very reminiscent of another former PITT great in LARRY FITZGERALD. He will compliment ODELL very nicely, especially if VICTOR CRUZ is not his pre-injury self any longer. IF CRUZ is back truly healthy BECKHAM, CRUZ, BOYD & DWAYNE HARRIS form an outstanding WR group. He can also help in the Return Game if needed. PP#39
Round 3, Pick 71 KENNY DIXON/RB/LOUISIANA TECH 5’11/217
If not for so many touches as a collegian I’d have DIXON slotted in Round 2. He is more multi-dimensional than any RB currently on their roster. He is explosive through the hole, is excellent as a pass catcher and blocks better than any RB currently on the roster. He might allow the team to part ways with expensive/injury prone RASHAD JENNINGS. He has everything the coaching staff desires from a RB in supporting ELI. PP#69
Round 4, Pick 109 JERELL ADAMS/TE/SOUTH CAROLINA 6’5/247
ADAMS has the potential to be the best all-around TE on the GIANTS roster. He’s a willing and solid blocker for the running game and possesses excellent size, athleticism and good hands. His stats at USC are more reflective of weak QB play during his career than his own ability. He was the fastest TE at the Combine with a 4.64/40-time. His 34 34 3/8″ arms and 9 3/4″ hands should make him a very attractive target for ELI. PP#112
Round 5, Pick 149 KAVON FRAZIER/S/CENTRAL MICHIGAN 6’0/187
So I got to Round 5 before some of you groaned and said, “WHO?”. FRAZIER capped a solid career at CMU with a 108 tackle senior campaign. He shows good range and high football IQ, and should also help on Special Teams as the G-Men try once again to rebuild their secondary this coming season. I searched hard here for a LB, but the best for their scheme might have been the seriously undersized ERIC STRIKER, so I went with FRAZIER. PP#149
Round 6, Pick 184 JAMES COWSER/DE/ER/LB/SOUTHERN UTAH 6’3/248
And here is the boom/bust project for the GIANTS coaching staff. COWSER reminds some of JARED ALLEN coming out of college. I’m not convinced that he has ALLEN’s frame to bulk up to real 4-3 DE size. Can he develop into a stand-up OLB? Maybe, but it’s harder in 4-3 scheme like the GIANTS base D. However, he shows serious natural pass-rush ability and it is Round 6. He makes an intriguing project for a team that always covets pass rushers. He showed some serious flashes at the Shrine venue. PP#181
Sorry to say, but that’s all GIANTS fans! Having only 6 Picks will challenge the team’s ability to not swing and miss on any picks, as well as to find a couple of gems in the URFA market place on Day 4 of the Draft. The scouting staff for the GIANTS is top notch and always seems to come up with unexpected help at this time of year. The good news is that all of these first 4 Picks might be a big help to the GIANTS Offense by October at the latest.
PIGSKIN
