Todd McShay NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Taylor Lewan to New York Giants

ESPN NFL Draft guru Todd McShay is out with version 3.0 of his 2014 NFL Mock Draft [Insider access only] and his selection of Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan for the New York Giants at No. 12 overall can hardly be looked at as a surprise, or any any great sea change in what many analysts have been saying for a while now. If Lewan is there he will be awfully difficult for offensive line-challenged Giants to pass up.

McShay writes:

This is another tricky one, because the two biggest need areas for the Giants, in my opinion, are offensive tackle and linebacker, and those are two positions they hardly ever use first-round picks on. They broke their tackle streak last year, selecting Justin Pugh, and I think with him on the right and Lewan on the left they'd have a significant upgrade and a pairing that can better protect Eli Manning. Lewan certainly justifies the pick from a talent standpoint, as he's long, has good experience and showcased his explosiveness at the combine.

Valentine's View

I don't necessarily disagree with the selection of Lewan. I do, however, disagree with the rational. I think the Giants' biggest need is offensive line, but on the interior at guard and center, not at tackle. Will Beatty had a bad 2013 season, but I don't think the Giants have given up on him yet. He was good the two prior seasons. You draft tackle only if you are committed to moving Justin Pugh inside.

In terms of prioritizing needs, linebacker is on the list. This can be debated all day, but you can argue that cornerback, defensive end if Justin Tuck leaves, tight end, running back and maybe even wide receiver are bigger needs.

Notables left on the board here include North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron, Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin.