New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft Grades, Round 1

It is silly to try and grade NFL Draft selections immediately after they are made. That, however, is how the business works. With that in mind here are some of the grades and reactions from draft analysts to the New York Giants' selection of Virginia Tech running back David Wilson in the first round (32nd overall) on Thursday night.

Mike Mayock – NFL.com
Mayock's take: "People talk about how quick and fast Wilson is, but he's so explosive north and south. He doesn't just try to make you miss laterally. This is a football player. And if you go to New York to play for Tom Coughlin, you better be nothing less. Great pick by the Giants."

Draft Analysis - 2012 Draft Tracker - SI.com
The Giants have a rep as a classic old-school offense that pounds away with an array of ball carriers to open up the passing lanes for its quarterback. But on draft day the team has devoted very few resources to the ground -- just four draft picks over the past 10 years went to RBs, fewest in the NFL. With that said, Wilson could prove to be a smart pick. The Giants won the Super Bowl last season despite a pathetic rushing attack. They averaged just 3.5 yards per rush attempt, worst in the NFL. Great needs-based pick for the champs.

NFL Mocks
It’s surprising that the Giants went with David Wilson. Wilson is an exciting running back with legitimate 4.4 speed. Wilson also has a strong base with thick legs to carry the football in between the tackles, it’s just an odd pick. Draft Grade: B

ProFootballWeekly
One of the most underrated players in this year's draft, Wilson is an exceptional athlete with terrific balance, body control and agility and he consistently turned two-yard losses into 10-yard gains. With Brandon Jacobs moving on and Ahmad Bradshaw continually plagued by foot and ankle injuries, the Giants needed to infuse some more youth into the backfield, and in Wilson, they landed a playmaker.

NFL Draft Grades: SBNation.com
Seems a little high for David Wilson, but GM Jerry Reese is arguably the best GM in football so I'll take his word for it.

National Football Post
Wilson can be dynamic in the open field. He possesses elite speed, make-you-miss ability and accelerates well out of his breaks. He needs to do a better job taking what the defense gives him between the tackles, but can be the type of home-run threat the Giants lack at the running back position.

Todd McShay - ESPN
This has a little bit of the feel of a reach pick at a position of need, which isn't really the Giants' way of doing things. Without Brandon Jacobs and with question marks around Ahmad Bradshaw's health and ability to carry the load, the need is for a guy with a complete skill set. While Wilson has good all-around skills, he doesn't dazzle you with power as a runner and he doesn't dazzle you in the passing game. He looks more like a complementary back in an offense that would really like to get back to pounding the ball and controlling the clock.

WalterFootball
I usually love the way Jerry Reese drafts, but this is a bit of a reach. I think Reese panicked a bit, which isn't really like him. He really wanted Doug Martin but was caught unawares when Tampa Bay leapfrogged him. Why not go with Jonathan Martin or Cordy Glenn to improve the offensive line?

Draft Tek | 2012 NFL Draft Mock Draft | Round 1 Picks 17-32 |
The former Hokie should be a cinch to step in and see action on the field as the rotational back with Bradshaw. His stunning 4.35 40 yard run at the Indy Combine certainly didn't hurt his cause, but Wilson provides the Giants with not only speed but the ability to be a receiving back and give the Giants solid depth and rotation in the backfield. GRADE: B

2012 NFL Draft Round 1 Recap: NFC East Edition (via sbnation)