It’s draft time! We’ve had our experts tell you who will be drafted where, but now it’s time for you to throw on your GM cap and decide for yourself. Each day we will present an argument for each player and why the respective team should pick him. Then, it’s up to you. You make the pick. The next day, we will compile the results, and you can see who is off the board. Disagree with all of the options? Be sure to write in your pick below in the comments section. OK, let’s get into it. The New York Giants are on the clock.
The Giants shored up a few of their needs in free agency, most notably the secondary. With signings like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Walter Thurmond III and Zack Bowman, the Giants fortified a unit that was exposed consistently last season.
Familiar names such as wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and defensive end Justin Tuck are no longer with the team, and could be replaced via the draft. Other than Victor Cruz, there isn’t a notable playmaker in this offense. General manager Jerry Reese is still waiting for Rueben Randle to pan out, and Mario Manningham has played just one full season in his six-year career.
Another need for the Giants is replacing Tuck’s production. They signed Robert Ayers to a short-term deal and are seeing what they have in Damontre Moore, but No. 12 overall could be a spot to select a pass rusher. So whom should the Giants select with the pick? They’re on the clock.
1. Houston Texans select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins
3. Jacksonville Jaguars select Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles
4. Cleveland Browns select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel
5. Oakland Raiders select Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack
6. Atlanta Falcons select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas A&M WR Mike Evans
8. Minnesota Vikings select Fresno State QB Derek Carr
9. Buffalo Bills select Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions select UCLA OLB Anthony Barr
11. Tennessee Titans select Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater
Oregon State WR Brandin Cooks
It’s no secret that the Giants need a playmaker. Cooks certainly fits that mold. Since he was named an All-American and the Biletnikoff Award winner, teams have taken notice of the 5-foot-10, 190-pound wide receiver. Cooks blew scouts away by running a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, but what’s more is he’s a precise route runner. His production can’t be discounted: 128 receptions for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns during his junior year.
USC WR Marqise Lee
Lee is a Biletnikoff Award winner (2012), too, and is one of the most explosive players in this draft. Despite a junior season hampered by injuries, Lee is a shifty receiver who can navigate through a defense and find open running lanes. While he didn’t show off immense straight-line speed in the 40-yard dash, Lee is known for his short-area quickness and lateral agility.
Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald
While the Giants have a solid collection of talent at defensive tackle, Donald could be a good rotational option early in his career. Donald was named a first-team All-American last season, and his draft stock has continued to rise. The 6-foot-1, 285-pound defensive tackle is quick off the snap and plays with great power.
Auburn DE Dee Ford
Ford plays with a very high motor, and his confidence backs it up. His production in the SEC speaks for itself, and he was named first-team all conference last season. What’s more is he was a difference maker in the BCS National Championship, racking up two sacks against Florida State.
Alabama FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
The Giants have Will Hill slated at free safety and could use an upgrade. Clinton-Dix is one of this year’s most intriguing prospects because of his game-changing ability. Clinton-Dix is versatile enough to play multiple positions in the secondary.
