For those that do not know, DraftTek is one of the premier places on the web for all of your 2012 NFL draft needs.
DraftTek formulates one of the most unique mock drafts you can find, utilizing their own draft simulator to generate what the software believes is the most logical, accurate consensus mock draft at a given time.
With the draft only a week away now, let’s assess what prospects DraftTek believes will be representing the New York Giants in 2012.
Round 1, Pick 32: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
I have been very high on Jonathan Martin for some time and believe the left tackle from Stanford would be an instant improvement for the New York Giants offensive line. The defending Super Bowl champions need to inject some youth into their offensive line and Martin is one of the top tackles in this year’s draft class.
Martin is a raw talent who was impressive during his time at Stanford while keeping almost-certain No. 1 pick Andrew Luck off the turf. Though questions exist about his ability as a pass protector in the NFL, Martin has the natural strength, knowledge and work ethic to be a successful left tackle for the Giants.
While some are in favor of the Giants taking Ohio State’s Mike Adams with this pick, I believe Martin to be a much more promising prospect with a higher ceiling in the NFL. With time and good coaching, Martin could evolve into a premier player for the Giants at either tackle position.
Grade: A+
Round 2, Pick 63: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Donald Miralle/Getty Images
If the New York Giants are able to pass on Stanford’s athletic tight end Coby Fleener in the first round, only to have the opportunity to land him again with the final pick of the second round, I will be stunned.
Fleener is easily the best tight end in the 2012 NFL draft class and boasts every trait teams are seeking in a tight end these days. He has phenomenal hands and top-notch speed that was very underrated heading into the NFL combine.
I cannot imagine Fleener falling this far, however. I have not seen him outside the first round in any other mock for some time and I am shocked to see DraftTek predicting such a fall.
Grade: A+ for the first-round value this choice would carry, C- for the likeliness of this actually happening
Round 3, Pick 94: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
The New York Giants were successful in 2011 because of the depth they carried at the cornerback position. Once free agency began this offseason, they made sure to focus on retaining that depth by re-signing injured starter Terrell Thomas as well as backups Michael Coe and Justin Tryon.
The Giants will likely address cornerback in the draft as well, as they so often do, with the hopes of adding more depth at the position and finding a potential hidden gem. Georgia’s Brandon Boykin is a great option to do so with in the third round.
Boykin has potential, but it does not appear as though he will be a top cornerback in the NFL. However, he has shown talent with good ball skills and an impressive ability to play against the run. Boykin could be a valuable pickup to utilize during nickel and dime packages, but also brings something to the table the Giants may likeâ€"he is a phenomenal return man.
New York has lacked in the return game for some time, due in part to injuries suffered by Domenik Hixon. Ranking second in SEC history for kick return yards, Boykin brings an extra layer to his game that should entice the Giants at the end of the third round.
Grade: A
Round 4, Pick 127: Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
While the New York Giants did add Keith Rivers this offseason via trade and carry some good, young linebackers on the roster already, Nigel Bradham is a great fit.
It was evident quite often this past season that the Giants linebackers struggled in coverage and teams took advantage. Bradham is a brilliant cover linebacker who has a nose for the football and loves to make plays for the defense.
Bradham is fastâ€"having run a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash at the combineâ€"and did not struggle when covering some of the speedier tight ends the ACC had to offer.
This pick does not fill a big need as it focuses on the Sam linebacker spot, which is already a bit loaded with guys like Michael Boley, Jacquian Williams and Rivers vying to fill that role in 2012. Some added depth could not hurt, but this may be too early for the Giants to address it.
Grade: C+
Round 4, Pick 131: DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
With the departure of Mario Manningham, the defending Super Bowl champions find themselves with a void at their No. 3 receiver spot.
There are numerous options already on the New York Giants roster, but it is uncertain whether any of those players are capable of filling Manningham’s shoes. With that said, the Giants will likely look to the draft to add another receiver and DeVier Posey is not a terrible prospect to take a chance on.
Though the “tattoo scandal†kept him off the field for most of the 2011 season, Posey was an outstanding player for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He finished his career ranking amongst Buckeye greats despite playing in an offense that was not always friendly to a wide receiver’s stat sheet.
This early in the draft, I prefer Miami’s stout young stud Tommy Streeter, but I like taking a risk on Posey here, too.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 201: Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas
Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Despite having Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones and Chase Blackburn, as well as the likelihood of either Michael Boley or Keith Rivers moving to middle linebacker, I feel the New York Giants need to pick another prospect up in case Boley or Rivers do not make the shift to the middle.
Arkansas’ Jerry Franklin would be a nice value pick in the sixth round for the Giants.
Franklin is a tackle machine, ranking third all-time for the Razorbacks with 374 during his collegiate careerâ€"93 of which came during his senior campaign. He is one of the hardest hitters in this year’s draft and loves to lay the wood on opposing ball-carriers.
At just 6’1†and 242 pounds, Franklin may also be able to slide into the weakside linebacker spot.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick 239: Jaymes Brooks, OG, Virginia Tech
Geoff Burke/Getty Images
With a veteran offensive line dwindling at the hands of age and injuries, the New York Giants can use all the youth they can get. At this point in the draft, they will not be expecting a superstar, but Virginia Tech’s Jaymes Brooks would add valuable depth to an offensive line that struggled to stay healthy in 2011.
According to CBSSports.com, Brooks has the ability to play all three interior line positions. Versatility might be one of general manager Jerry Reese’s favorite words and should make Brooks a popular prospect.
An undersized offensive lineman, Brooks could excel in Kevin Gilbride’s offensive scheme, having seen similar players such as Chris Snee and Rich Seubert succeed despite a smaller stature in comparison to other NFL lineman.
Grade: A
Begin Slideshow
Keep ReadingProps (0)
What is the duplicate article?
Why is this article offensive?
Where is this article plagiarized from?
Why is this article poorly edited?
Flag This Article
New York Giants: Like this team?
No comments:
Post a Comment