The New York Giants 2017 draft class showed a lot of promise in their first season in New York. Led by Evan Engram, this group brings the Giants hopes of huge return in the future. With the 2018 NFL Draft right around the corner, ESPN Insider Mel Kiper regraded all of the draft classes from the 2017 NFL Draft. Post draft, the Giants were given a C+ for their selections. In his regrade, Kiper gave the Giants a B- for the group, saying the following.
Post-draft grade: C+
The bottom fell out on the Giants in 2017, as they went from a wild-card team in 2016 all the way to 3-13, costing Ben McAdoo his job. Losing Odell Beckham Jr.and Brandon Marshall for most of the season was a killer, but the defense also regressed big-time.
One bright spot was Evan Engram, who led all rookies in targets (111) and caught 64 passes for 722 yards and six touchdowns (though he had six drops, too). Is he a tight end or a receiver? The Giants didn’t ask him to block toomuch, and at 6-3, 240, Engram has a long ways to go until he’s a competent blocker in the running game. With Beckham back in 2018, the Giants’ offensive outlook looks much better. Now what are they going to do with the No. 2 overall pick?
Elsewhere, Wayne Gallman showed promise, averaging 4.3 yards per rush on his 111 carries and catching 34 passes. He’ll have to fight for snaps with new signing Jonathan Stewart and Paul Perkins in 2018, though. Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson started every game, finishing the season with 50 tackles. He’s a two-down run-stuffer. Undrafted free agents Calvin Munson and Chad Wheeler combined to start 10 games.
Ultimately this class might be judged on whether third-round quarterback Davis Webb, who didn’t see the field in Year 1, pans out. Will he be Manning’s long-term replacement? Will new GM Dave Gettleman take a quarterback in 2018 who passes up Webb? The former Cal QB has some talent, but I didn’t see him as a surefire NFL starter -- he was my eighth-ranked signal-caller.
New grade: B-
Here is a look at who the Giants drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft
- No. 23 overall, Evan Engram, tight end, Ole Miss
- No. 55 overall, Dalvin Tomlinson, defensive tackle, Alabama
- No. 87 overall, Davis Webb, quarterback, California
- No. 140 overall, Wayne Gallman, running back, Clemson
- No. 167 overall, Avery Moss, defensive end, Youngstown State
- No. 200 overall, Adam Bisnowaty, guard, Pittsburgh
The 2018 NFL Draft is 35 days away and we’ll see if the Giants can one up the selections made last season. For NFL draft and free agency coverage, follow Big Blue View.