Another DeOssie will wear a Giants uniform. That's because the Giants used their fourth-round selection Sunday on Zak DeOssie, a linebacker from Brown whom many experts considered to be one of the potential sleeper picks in this draft. DeOssie's afather, Steve, spent several years with the Giants.
Even with the news that the Giants have filled their need for a linebacker by moving defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka to strong-side linebacker, this pick thrills me.
It provides the Giants with depth and flexibility, since DeOssie is also a long-snapper. DeOssie should immediately help on special teams, and could eventually find playing time at linebacker.
Here's the skinny on DeOssie from NFL Draft Countdown.
Terrific size and bulk with the frame to get bigger yet...Very good timed speed for a big guy...Superb in pursuit and has a motor that never stops...Great range and moves well...Does an outstanding job in coverage...Very productive...Is versatile and could project inside or outside...An excellent special teams prospect who can also long-snap...Strong & tough...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Good bloodlines.
Weaknesses:
Did not play against elite competition...Has some durability concerns...Needs to play with better pad level...Struggles to shed blockers...A bit of a workout warrior and his measurables don't translate to the field...Average awareness & instincts.
Notes:
Father, Steve, played in the NFL with Dallas, the New York Giants, the New York Jets, and the Patriots...One of the premier small school sleeper prospects in this draft...Has all the physical tools and is the type who could surprise...He will play in the pros, even if it's only as a backup and special teams ace, but there is upside.
The Giants had four other second-day picks. They went as follows:
-- 5th round(153) Kevin Boss, TE, Western Oregon
-- 6th round(189) Adam Koets, OT, Oregon State
-- 7th round(224) Michael Johnson, S, Arizona
-- 7th round(250) Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Marshall
Boss is a 6-foot-6, 252-pounder who is considered a long-term project with excellent hands.
Koets is considered to be another long-term project at tackle. Interesting that the Giants would use a pick on him since they already have a tackle project on their roster in Guy Whimper.
Johnson is a potential sleeper pick. Some thought he might sneak into the third or fourth round, and some experts think he could eventually be a starter. If he shows anything in camp, maybe he pushes James Butler out of a job.
Bradshaw is a 5-foot-91/2, 198-pounder who could provide the pass-catching third down type back the Giants would like to complement power backs Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns. He also has experience returning puts and kickoffs, an area where the Giants definitely need improvement.
Of course, what we think of any of the Giants selections means nothing until the players get on the field and show what they really can or can't do.
Potentially, however, I think at least a couple of these second-day picks could become solid contributors for the Giants -- especially on special teams.
Your thoughts?