ROUND 2, PICK 63
RUEBEN RANDLE
WR, LSU
How he fits: The loss in free agency of Mario Manningham to the 49ers left a void at No. 3 receiver and Randle should be able to challenge for that spot. He has excellent size and the Giants feel he has qualities in his game that could translate immediately into their offense. Randle’s production was not great at LSU but, based on their scouting, that was a direct result of sub-par play from the LSU quarterbacks and not any failing displayed by Randle.
When he’ll play: The competition for the No. 3 receiver role for Randle will come from holdovers Ramses Barden, Jerrel Jernigan and Domenik Hixon, three players who either haven’t proven anything (Barden), are coming off a rough rookie season (Jernigan) or are coming off a serious injury (Hixon). Randle is not considered much of a special teams player in terms of contributing in the return game, so he will have to get on the field based on his ability to adapt to an NFL offense.
THE TAKE
“Rueben’s an NFL-ready receiver. I think with receivers a lot of things are overblown with 40 times and speed and this and that. You need guys who are NFL ready. What I mean by that is this guy is strong, can catch the ball, is a good route-runner and he’s got position-savvy. He knows how to get open. To me those are the successful receivers in the NFL. Our guys, the guys we have now, Hakeem [Nicks] and Victor [Cruz], if you put him in the Combine you won’t notice ‘em,. If you put ‘em on the football field they just take their game to another level, that is how Rueben is in our eyes.’’ â€" Marc Ross, Giants director of college scouting
ROUND 3, PICK 94
JAYRON HOSLEY
CB, Virginia Tech
Rueben Randle had to wait a bit to hear his name called on Friday. (AP Photo)
How he fits: The Giants think Hosley can develop into a nickel back even though he lacks ideal size. They like his competitive streak and his hands as he had 12 career interceptions and led the nation with nine in 2010. Much will depend on his maturity. Hosley failed a drug test at the Combine and the Giants have already discussed the situation with him. He will compete for time with returning players Michael Coe, Justin Tryon and Bruce Johnson.
When he'll play: The loss in free agency of Aaron Ross to the Jaguars leaves the Giants without a cornerback who started every game this past season. But, there are reinforcements in re-signed Terrell Thomas (coming off ACL surgery) and Prince Amukamara, the 2011 first-round pick, joining longtime starter Corey Webster. Hosley will be added into a mix of corners coming off injuries who were re-signed and he should get time on the field on special teams. He was a dangerous punt returner in college and the Giants say they will give him a shot at that job as a rookie.
THE TAKE
"He's not a big man, but this guy has athletic arrogance, and he plays like he's a big guy. He reminds me of Adam "Pacman" Jones because he runs in there like a little linebacker, throws himself in there, and has outstanding cover skills. We expect him to be in our nickel package and the bonus is he's a punt returner. He has a lot of good qualities."--GM Jerry Reese
REMAINING PICKS
Round-overall: 4-127, 4-131-6-201, 7-239
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Giants went heavy on offense with their first two picks in the first two rounds but did not address what seems to be a need at offensive tackle.
Additional depth is needed, as LT Will Beatty is returning after missing the second half of the season with a detached retina. If Beatty is healthy and back to form, the Giants will likely move David Diehl over to right tackle.
They could use a young tackle prospect and most likely will use a mid-round pick to find one. The Giants also have not selected a pass rusher. Even when they appear to have enough, adding a pass rusher is never out of the question for this franchise. On defense, the Giants in 2011 went predominantly with three safeties on the field at one time and one of them, veteran Deon Grant, is not re-signed. If they plan on using the three-safety look again they will want to add one they think might be able to work his way onto the field as a rookie.
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