Team: New York Giants
2012 NFL Draft Grade: B
The New York Giants brain trust picked wisely taking few chances in the 2012 NFL Draft. They selected a number of players that matched the character of the team and filled some of their more pressing needs. However, there were also a few curious picks that may make this draft marginally successful at best.Round 1, Pick 32; David Wilson (RB - Virginia Tech)
The New York Giants brass will say all the right things. They will proclaim the draft selection of David Wilson and say he was in their sights all along.
Yet the question must be asked - how surprised were the Giants when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded up and selected Doug Martin one spot ahead of them?
Wilson, simply put, is not a horrible pick at the position New York selected him. The Virginia Tech product has a strong lower body, has proven durability, and possesses enough explosiveness to improve the running game vastly. His one potential downfall - the tendency to leave the ball on the ground. That aspect of the game will need to improve drastically if he is to remain in Tom Coughlin's good graces.
With Coby Fleener (TE; drafted by the Indianapolis Colts) on the board and other solid but unspectacular RBs still in play (Isaiah Pead, LaMichael James, plus they could have had Michael Smith much later) should the Giants have traded down? Maybe.
Grade: B
Round 2, Pick 63; Rueben Randle (WR - LSU)
Randle represented spectacular value with this selection. Like Stephen Hill (who went to the New York Jets) he remained on the board way too long.
Despite his disappointing Combine he proved his mettle at LSU and frequently found the red zone when he was targeted. Of his 53 receptions in 2012 eight went for TDs. Randle should replace Mario Manningham when the Giants use a three WR set and while he will have opportunities, Randle will not need to be rushed as the Giants already feature Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.
A plus - Randle is known as possessing solid blocking skills
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 94; Jayron Hosley (CB - Virginia Tech)
Value, value, value - that's what the New York Giants received when they selected Hosley. How he remained on the board until pick 94 is a mystery. He is lightning fast and was known as a player who had awesome anticipation at Tech. He will need to add some size to compete on an elite level but his talent is unquestionable. He was a steal at this stage of the draft.
Hosley is also capable on special teams as a punt returner.
Grade: A
Round 4, Pick 127; Adrien Robinson (TE - Temple)
This selection was tough to swallow. Perhaps it's disdain over the acquisition of Martellus Bennett (from the Dallas Cowboys) or the injury woes of Jake Ballard (starting the season on PUP) or Travis Beckum but why exactly was this selection necessary? Do the Giants really need another blocking TE or would they have been better suited acquiring someone at the position with excellent hands? The latter would have been preferable.Grade: D
Round 4, Pick 131; Brandon Mosley (T - Auburn)
With some concerns over the team's age at this position, Mosley is the perfect addition to the offensive line. With a solid camp he should expect to see marginal time at right tackle this season with the hopes of being groomed as its future premier contributor. Mosley has solid rush blocking skills but will need to improve his ability to protect the quarterback on passing downs. He could be a steal at 131.
Grade: A
Round 6, Pick 201; Matt McCants (T - UAB)
Given the Giants took a tackle with their previous selection it seemed odd they would do so again, especially on a player with marginal skill at the position. He is a project. McCants' one striking flaw is his questionable strength. That's a bad reputation to own at that position.
Grade: F
Round 7, Pick 239; Markus Kuhn (DT - N.C. State)
If there is such a thing as a safe pick in the seventh round its Markus Kuhn. A good player from a good program if he makes the team it will be based on work ethic and pure will.
Grade: B
Sources: Yahoo! Sports
Robert Watkins is former investment professional and partner. A native New Yorker until 9/11, he considers Pa. his adoptive home. A passionate Giants fan, fantasy football fanatic, and Pennsylvania sports enthusiast, Robert is a frequent contributor to Yahoo! Sports and News
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