The talent available

As usual there is a some top end talent with depth lasting into the third day of the draft. It is likely to produce future starters fitting into all kinds of defensive schemes and have different players appealing to different teams for different reasons. I have one ranked in my top 10, two more in my top 20, one in the late 1st round and three in the 2nd round.



What do I think the Giants should do?

Osi Umenyiora is gone and Justin Tuck got banged up and regressed again really only showing up for his annual obliteration of the 49ers. To make matters worse the Giants kept putting their best DE Jason Pierre-Paul on the inside of the NASCAR package making it easy to opponents to double team him with two linemen. JPP also came to camp overweight and never took advantage of his one-on-one opportunities outside in the same way he had previously. Depth is non-existent - none of Adrian Tracy, Justin Trattou, Adewale Ojomo are worthy of a roster spot let alone place in the rotation.



With Tuck in the final year of his contract and his durability an issue the Giants have three options: 1) Draft a DE high they believe can contribute immediately; 2) move starting SLB Matthias Kiwanuka up full-time to the line to play the position he was actually drafted for; 3) do both and hope like hell they can back-fill the hole created at SLB.



The Giants have a ‘protoype’ for the position - preferring guys who measure up in excess of 6’4”, and 265lb’s with arms like tentacles and the quick first step with the ability to turn the corner and get to the QB. Those who can also rush from the passer from the inside are valued even more as they make it far easier to find them a role in the ‘NASCAR’ package. The way we were ran over last year though needs some thought so perhaps someone better able to play the run might be targeted?



How will things play out on draft day?

Unusually, most of the DE's are actually projected to play DE rather than being converted to OLB in the pro ranks. There are a couple who may convert but not many. Two of the top prospects also look like they would be suited to playing DE in the 3 man line. As usual, I'd expect the position to be highly coveted on draft day with some surprises as to quite how high (or low) some of the players go when compared to the draft boards of 'experts' in comparison to those of teams



Creme de la creme

Ezekial Ansah, BYU (6’5 1/4”, 271lb’s, 4.63 speed, 35 1/8” arms, 21 BP reps) has often been compared to JPP because of his size and raw athletic ability and in truth its hard to disagree. Has a ridiculous size/speed ratio. Was a king-sized OLB in the 3-4 who moved like a safety but was built like a DE. Very raw, doesn’t seem to know how to use his hands to free himself from blocks and doesn’t have more than the most rudimentary pass rush moves. Made a lot of noise at the Senior Bowl game but a closer look shows he never beat an OT to make either of those sacks and he struggled against them the same as he had in practice. How much he understands the game and how much he gets by on athletic ability alone is questionable. Will likely go in the top 10 but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him struggle mightily as a rookie as he learns how to play with technique and improve his recognition of what is going on around him. That said, his upside is limitless so it may make the investment worthwhile in the long run.



The wild-card

Damontre Moore, Texas A&M (6’4 3/8”, 260lb’s, 34 3/4” arms, 4.92 speed, 19 BP reps) is someone I looked long and hard at as I like him as a player. Junior entry. Two year starter who moved from the ‘Joker’ (OLB) role in the 3-4 to DE in the 4-3 with the change of scheme. Nicknamed 'DaMonster' by teammates because of his ability to make impact plays (45 TFL including 26.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles in three years). Far too much was made of his 40 yard time and lack of BP reps - his 3 cone, shuttle and jumps are all top 5 or top 10 at his position. Very effective with his inside pass rush moves and on stunts - makes a lot of sacks ‘cleaning up’ and through second effort than through sheer athletic ability. Can be ran at because he doesn’t use his hands well and is physically weak in the upper body but is relentless in pursuit. Has the size and length to fit our ‘prototype’ but his lack of pure speed and in particular the ‘red flags’ about his character - lack of dedication in the weight room, reputation as a ‘party guy’ and possession of marijuana arrest in ’11 - makes it unlikely we’ll invest a 1st round pick in him. I think he’ll be better at DE in the 4-3 than OLB in the 3-4 once he upgrades his strength. Ranks in my top 15 on talent but could drop a long way on draft day.



Prototypes & Giant ‘fits’

Datone Jones, UCLA (6’3 7/8”, 283lb’s, 32 3/4” arms, 4.80 speed, 29 BP reps) is one of my favourite players in this draft and his style of play has often been compared to that of Justin Tuck. High character guy. Recognised leader. Excellent vs the run and can also get after the passer (19 TFL this year including 6.5 sacks). Played all over on a 3 man line as well as DT and DE in the 4 man front so has great versatility and could contribute heavily in multiple roles even if not starting as a rookie. Tough as nails. Makes great use of his hands to control then separate from blockers to make plays. Dominated Senior Bowl practices and had a good game. Not a ‘turn the corner’ speedster as a pass rusher or that agile in redirecting so won’t suit every teams needs. Considered a bit of a ‘tweener as he’s a bit big for DE, a bit small for DT. Probably projects best in a multi-dimensional role as a combination DE/DT for a 4-3 team or as a 3-4 DE at this stage but I see him projecting to the ‘3’ technique as a DT a few years down the line. Missed the ’10 season with a stress fracture in his foot. Wore a suit and tie to his Combine interviews. If he could do back-flips we could simply pencil him in as our selection! Has the ‘smell’ of a Giants selection. Ranks in my top 15 overall.



Bjoern Werner, Florida State (6’3 1/4”, 266lb’s, 33 1/4” arms, 25 BP reps). Two year starter. Junior entry. Had two years of HS after arriving from Germany. Productive pass rusher with 13 sacks in his final year. Has a full reportoire of moves and good closing speed. Does a tremendous job of timing his jumps to impact the passing game even when when blocked - knocked down 16 passes at the LOS in two years as a starter. Very good run defender - plays with a very refined, controlled technique that enables him to take on bigger OT’s in the running game and hold the point of attack. Lacks the versatility that would enable him to contribute as much as in a non-starting role as the four listed above. Not overly explosive off the ball or around the corner so appears best suited solely to LDE in a 4-3 scheme. Appears a little robotic rather than a natural athlete and seems to pick and choose his moments as to when to chase hard and when to take it easy. Good, solid player but his ‘upside’ is questionable - looks like the finished article. Ranks just outside my top 20 accordingly.



Cornellius ‘Tank’ Carradine, Florida State (6’4 1.8”, 276lb’s, 34 3/4” arms, 32 BP reps) only started for one year - and only then after a teammate got hurt in the opening game - but really took his opportunity with both hands. Junior entry. Arrived from a JUCO in ’11. Big-time contributor as a back-up in his only other year at FSU. High character guy. Backed up at LDE as a soph but started at RDE though he played both with equal effectiveness during games. Has Osi like quickness off the ball and around the edge. Terrific bull rusher. Fantastic motor - makes plays all over the field and was leading his team in total tackles when he got hurt. Tore his left ACL in late November and hasn’t been able to work out yet but is expected to do so next week (though in what capacity is unknown). Will jump the snap early a bit too often. Wasn’t near as strong as he is now during the season. Got tied up and overpowered a few times at the LOS by much bigger OT’s - most notably against Florida’s Xavier Nixon - and needs to develop a few countermoves. Looked like a top 10 pick in the multiple viewings I had of him the last two years but coming off a torn ACL I can’t see him being taken before the second day and where he gets taken owes more to his medical prognosis than his football skills. I’d imagine he’ll go in the top 40



Alex Okafor, Texas (6’4 1/2”, 264lb’s, 33 7/8” arms, 4.91 speed, 21 BP reps) is built the way we like them and a better football player than athlete. Draws some comparison with Michael Strahan’s game due to his frame and the techniques he uses to rush the passer from his LDE spot in a a 4-3 defense. Three year starter who moved outside from DT after his sophomore season. Solid pass rusher with an impressive ability to leverage much bigger ORT’s on his way to the QB (made 19.5 sacks as a starting DE). Has an array of both inside and outside moves. Ate his blocker alive in the final game of his career against Oregon State in the Alamo Bowl (4 sacks, 1 forced fumble) but is not normally a dominator. Builds up speed over a few yards to leverage his opponent rather than being explosive in his first step off the snap - struggles when short-set by bigger blockers in pass protection. Tries to run around the outside shoulder of his blocker too much in run defense and ends up taking himself out of the play. Gets wired to blocks at the point of attack and I’ve seen him pancaked a number of times when that happens. Misses some tackles in the open field. Didn’t show up in either of the last two Red River Rivalry games against Oklahoma. I’m not sure he has much ‘upside’ but he looks the type who can step in as an immediate starter and stay there for years to come. Top 50 pick.



Corey Lemonier, Auburn (6’3 3/8”, 255lb’s, 34 1/2” arms, 4.60 speed, 27 BP reps) reminds me in many ways of a young Osi Umenyiora. Two year starter. Junior entry. Will still be just 21 years old when his rookie season is nearly over. Had a huge soph year (13.5 TFL including 9.5 sacks) and started off last year with 5 sacks in the first 4 games before injuring his ankle. Effective rushing the passer from either end and has explosive closing speed on the QB. Has 7 career forced fumbles and 2 blocked kicks. Has an array of pass rush moves and plays to his strength - gets a push on far bigger OT’s. Has added 10lb’s in the offseason and has the frame to get bigger. Needs to do a better job anticipating the snap - has too many offside penalties but is often late off the ball then takes himself out of the play by trying to fly up the field around the edge anyway. Was manhandled by top OT prospect Luke Joeckel a few weeks after being injured (though it should be noted Joeckel may be the best player in this entire draft). Wasn’t productive playing hurt or when the focus of blocking schemes - just 1/2 sack in final 8 games last year. Doesn’t make many tackles despite holding the point of attack well - struggles to disengage. Better in pursuit than when ran at. Used some standing up and dropping in coverage but appears stiff in space. Might take a year to develop his overall game but will help a pass rush off the bench as he does so. Top 64 pick.



Sam Montgomery, LSU (6’3 1/4”, 262lb’s, 33 7/8” arms, 4.82 speed, 22 BP reps) has better productivity than Lemonier but I don’t like him nearly as much as a prospect. Two year starter RDE in a 4 man front but was occasionally used as a DT on pass rushing downs. Made 26 1/2 TFL and 17 sacks in his two years as a starter. One of the better run defenders at his position in the draft when ran straight able to hold the point of attack on outside runs. Strong bull rusher but lacks a strong closing burst to the QB or the speed/agility required to turn the corner on a consistent basis. Very stiff in his change of direction - is often in position to make plays but gets juked by RB’s in the hole and doesn’t make many tackles. Has a game better suited to LDE but lacks the ideal size to play there. Character is an issue - admitted to not playing hard all the time and gambling on football with teammates. Has a reputation as being lazy OTF and LSU Coaches have reportedly given poor reports to NFL teams. Top 75 pick on talent but has a bit of ‘boom or bust’ about him.



The top prospect I really don’t want

Margus Hunt, SMU (6’8 1/8”, 277lb’s, 33 3/4” arms, 4.60 speed, 38 BP reps). Two year starter. Estonian national with limited football experience. Was a world class track and field athlete. Started at DE in a 3 man front but might project to DT or even DE in the 4-3. Rushes the passer well from the inside and has the ability to impact heavily on a passing game. Kick blocker supreme - has 14 (yes FOURTEEN!) career blocked kicks. Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane against the run - has no idea how to play low and gets turned out way too easily for someone with his physical tools. Wins battles almost entirely on speed despite his great strength. Stiff in change of direction and very angularly built. Appears clueless on what to do when the linemen are coming at him rather his going at them. Top 40 pick with a very high ‘bust’ potential.



Mid-round Gems

Malliciah Goodman, Clemson (6’3 5/8”, 276lb’s, 36 3/8” arms, 26 BP reps) was a two year starter at LDE who underachieved throughout his career but turned in a dominating performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl game against LSU in the final game of his college career. Has huge hands and long arms (3 sacks and a PD in 38 snaps). Forced 8 career fumbles. Does a really good job at the point of attack against the run but just doesn’t get it done as a pass rusher - just 11 career sacks - despite what looks on paper to be outstanding physical tools. Probably won’t ever be a good pass rusher but he can help a rotation in run defense. 4th round pick



Mike Capatano, Princeton (6’3 7/8”, 271lb’s, 34” arms, 4.75 speed, 33 BP reps) played at a lower level of competition but has a good chance of becoming successful in the NFL. Workout warrior who has added weight and strength to his frame each year and has become more productive each season as he has done so. Spent time at the camp of former Pro Bowl DE Chuck Smith learning additional pass rushing techniques. 5th round pick.



Late round gamble

Quanterus Smith, Western Kentucky (6’5”, 250lb’s, 33 1/4” arms) has been brought in for a visit and having seen the highlight video of how well he played against the vaunted Alabama OL at the start of the season (3 sacks) it is easy to understand why. Led the nation in sacks with 12.5 in 10 games prior to tearing his left ACL in mid-November. The Giants bought him in for a private visit to check him out recently so clearly they have an interest. Healthy I think he’d be a 2nd day pick but he’ll drop into the late rounds where a 6th round pick should be enough to secure his services for the future.



Summary

There is a lot of talent that appeals to me at the position in different rounds so I don;t believe we're 'locked in' to drafting a DE in any specific round. Could the Giants asking Michael Strahan to mentor JPP precipitate his move to LDE allowing Kiwi to start at RDE and Tuck to avoid wear and tear against the run by playing off the bench mainly on passing downs? If they choose not to go for an ‘off the shelf’ starter this triple option would give them time to develop someone.



Prior to his injury I had ‘Tank’ on my short-list for the Giants in the 1st round before he got injured as he can play either end equally well. Given a clean bill of health I wouldn’t be shocked to see us draft him but I’d be hoping it would be in the 2nd round rather than at 19 were that to be the case simply because its so risky taking a guy coming off an ACL injury.



Leaving JPP at RDE, Jones would be the perfect ‘fit’ as not only can he rush the passer from DT but he would enable the Giants to stop dicking around putting JPP inside. I don’t have the same warm, fuzzy feelings for Werner as I think he only fits at LDE and has limited upside. That just doesn’t seem to fit our profile. Okafor may well be in play if we’re looking for an LDE in the 2nd round but I wouldn’t take him. Looking for Moore of an RDE (geddit?) despite concerns over his speed were his character to check out he’d be the ultimate Giants ‘under the radar’ pick as I haven’t seen him linked to us at all and that fits our draft MO to a tee. I wouldn’t be surprised to see us zero in on Lemonier to develop so hope we can get him in the 3rd. Later still either Capatano or Smith might be worth a gamble