Coach Tom Coughlin said the New York Giants' draft philosophy is to take the best-available player. This year, that just also happens to match the Super Bowl champions' needs.
"You typically go for the best-available player, and in this situation, we've been able to match up a need with the best-available player," Coughlin told NFL Network on Saturday. "So it's worked out well for us in that capacity. It doesn't always work that way, especially as you well know, when you're waiting to pick 32nd."
The Giants used that pick on Virginia Tech running back David Wilson, who will fill a hole created when Brandon Jacobs signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March.
"We just thought he was an outstanding producer who would complement our running backs very well," Coughlin said of the Giants' first-round pick.
Wilson rushed for 1,709 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He also caught 22 passes for one touchdown.
The Giants then drafted LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle in the second round, adding a player whom Coughlin and Giants director of college scouting Mark Ross called "NFL-ready."
Coughlin said the Giants' had Randle much higher on their own draft board and were surprised he still was available at No. 63.
Randle caught 53 passes for 917 yards and scored eight touchdowns last season for LSU.
"We think he's a big strong receiver who can go up and get the ball. He averaged almost 17 yards per catch in his collegiate career," Coughlin said. "Mario Manningham has moved on, and we have some outstanding young receivers here, but this will be very, very competitive."
Manningham signed a two-year deal with the 49ers this offseason.
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