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The news that defensive end Randy Gregory, a potential top 10 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine, raises a question for the New York Giants. If Gregory, one of the premier edge rushers in this draft class, is still available with the ninth overall pick should the Giants consider him? Or, should he be off their board entirely?
There was already a debate over whether Gregory, who weighed only 235 pounds at the Combine, was big enough to play as a defensive end in a 4-3. This positive test, and an apparent history of marijuana use and off-the-field issues complicates the situation. NFL Network's Kim Jones wrote that"executives from two NFL teams indicated to NFL Media that there were concerns about Gregory's Nebraska off-the-field "issues." And this was before Gregory's positive test from the combine came to light."
CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang wrote that "Gregory has top-10 talent, but with concerns about his growth potential and overall reliability because of his past drug use, it wouldn't be a shock to see him fall past the initial 10 picks. However, it's hard to see him falling too far down draft boards."
Rang actually took to Twitter to expand on why he believes Gregory will fall in the draft.
Among feedback I received on Gregory from teams was that he came off as "having an excuse for everything" and "would be a scary 1st rd pick"
— Rob Rang (@RobRang) March 26, 2015
The issue with Gregory isn't a single failed test for marijuana. Some teams will brush that off. Ive been told there are "several" red flags
— Rob Rang (@RobRang) March 26, 2015
From a Giants' perspective, we know that they have placed on increased emphasis on character in the past couple of drafts. They went so far last season as to draft a collegiate team captain with every pick. Scott Wright of Draft Countdown told me a few weeks ago that indications were the Giants would look to continue that approach:
"I think they were very happy with their draft class this year, they like the results they got from taking that approach and I absolutely expect that to continue," Wright said. "They're gonna be looking for high-character guys. They're gonna be looking for a team captain, somebody who is gonna do the right thing both on and off the field, who's gonna be a good guy in the locker room."
If you were the Giants, would Gregory be on your list of potential picks if he were available with the ninth pick? Or, would he be off your board? Vote in the poll.