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The New York Giants surprised with their third-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, 74th overall, selecting Syracuse University defensive tackle Jay Bromley. The fact that the Giants would select a defensive tackle here after losing Linval Joseph in free agency wasn't a surprise. The fact that that chose Bromley over several other players rated more highly on most draft big boards was a stunner.
CBS Sports had the 6-foot-3, 306-pound Bromley pegged with a sixth-round grade. Among defensive tackles bypassed by the Giants were Louis Nix III of Notre Dame and Anthony Johnson of LSU.
Bromley, who had 10 sacks and 14. 5 tackles for loss in 2013, did visit with the Giants during the pre-draft process.
Giants general manager Jerry Reese said Bromley "can definitely start and jump in our rotation and help us out."
"Size, speed, another team captain. We like team captains. We think this kid has a lot of upside, 10 sacks from the inside position. Lots of things to like about the kid, long arms, all the things that you like for your defensive tackle to have," Reese said. "he can run, he has long arms, plays hard. I think our coaching staff is going to really like this kid."
The Giants took two players from Syracuse in the 2013 draft, Justin Pugh in the first round and Ryan Nassib in the fourth round. Bromley was ranked No. 169 on the Mocking The Draft Big Board.
The Giants selected LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.. on Thursday night with their first-round selection, 12th overall.
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- Reese: Couldn't pass up 'dynamic' Beckham
- Beckham Jr. calls Giants 'perfect situation'
- Instant Analysis of the Beckham selection
The Giants used their second-round pick, 43rd overall, to select Colorado State center Weston Richburg.
Giants' Picks
Round 1 (12th): Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
Round 2 (43rd): Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State
Round 3 (74th): Jay Bromley, DT, Syracuse