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What will the New York Giants do in the 2014 NFL Draft? We have collected several mock drafts for you to peruse this morning, and the reality is they continue to offer little consensus when it comes to the Giants. In less than three weeks we finally get the answer.
This was a collaborative two-round effort between Dan Kadar and Matthew Fairburn.
Round 1 (12th) -- Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
The Giants' defensive line was once an area of great strength. Now, New York needs to do some retooling to keep the unit competitive. Aaron Donald would be an ideal fit inside in New York's 4-3 defense. Some are concerned about Donald's size, but his disruption from the interior makes him a valuable commodity at the top of the draft.
Round 2 (43rd) -- Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
A Giants tight end has to be able to block. That's why Niklas is the choice over a player like Jace Amaro here. Niklas was used regularly and successfully at Notre Dame. He's still developing as a pass catcher, but has the tools to be a standout receiving threat.
Valentine's View: There is nothing unrealistic about either of these picks. Both could happen, although my belief is that the Giants have shown in recent years that they want bigger bodies at the defensive tackle spot, so I wonder whether or not they see the small-ish Donald as a fit for them. What I find completely unrealistic in this mock is that Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (28th to the Carolina Panthers) and Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin (32nd to the Seattle Seahawks) slide so far down the board. Both are likely in play for the Giants at No. 12, and it seems inconceivable they both fall this far.
Round 1 (12th) -- Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
I think GM Jerry Reese will hope a pass rusher like Donald or Barr falls to No. 12, but I'm less sure either will be available. As new OC Ben McAdoo hails from Green Bay, where they frequently run three- and four-receiver sets, Beckham would make sense as something of a fallback option. Current Giants Nos. 2 and 3 wideouts Rueben Randle and Jerrel Jernigan are unproven commodities in prominent roles, while Victor Cruz is coming off knee surgery and a disappointing season. Beckham could start at X or Z receiver, adding homerun-hitting ability on punt returns.
Round 2 (43rd) -- Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
Reports indicate the Giants are concerned that Eli Manning is declining. The G-Men could buoy Eli by surrounding him with more talent. The Giants have a glaring tight end need, with injury-riddled Adrien Robinson currently topping the depth chart. Niklas is an impact in-line tight end.
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Round 1 (12th) -- Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Giants might have been tempted by Ebron or Donald, had either made it here. Heck, they might have one eye on Odell Beckham Jr. or Marqise Lee as they head to the podium with this pick. The fact of the matter remains that the Giants absolutely have to upgrade their O-line in front of an aging Eli Manning. Lewan is not far behind Matthews and Robinson - some might argue that he's just as good.
Round 2 (43rd) -- Marcus Martin, C, USC
Round 1 (12th) -- Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Giants win when they protect Eli Manning and run the ball. Lewan gives them a better chance to do both things right away.
Round 1 (12th) -- Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame
The Giants need to keep Eli Manning healthy and improving their offensive line is a priority going into the draft...Martin is versatile enough to play all five positions on the Giants line.