2015 NFL Draft: New York Giants Seven Round Mock

Going into the draft, the Giants have several holes to fill most notably along the offensive and defensive lines and safety.  While many will yearn for these needs to be addressed in the early rounds of the draft, General Manager Jerry Reese has a history of drafting the best player available regardless of team needs.   Below is a look at how the draft class could shape up come early May.  

Round 1 (9^th Overall):  Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver University of Alabama

While many will argue that Cooper would be a luxury for a wide receiver corps that already features rookie sensation Odell Beckham, and veterans Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle, I beg to differ.  Cruz is coming off a horrendous injury that may keep him from being ready by season’s start and some believe he will not be the same caliber player he was prior to the injury.  As for Randle, he has been underwhelming most of his career and will be a free agent at the end of the season.  Adding a player of Cooper’s talent would give the Giants two young cost controlled wide receiver studs for the next four years, something not many teams could say.  The thought of that will most likely be too much for Reese and company to pass up if Cooper is still around come pick nine.  While many want an offensive lineman here, I believe there is no lineman worth the 9^th overall selection.  Look for this to be addressed in later rounds.

Round 2 (40^th Overall): Shaq Thompson, Safety/Line Backer University of Washington

While Thompson played the majority of his college career at linebacker, most draft pundits are projecting him to be a safety at the next level.  I believe Thompson would be a great replacement for the recently departed Antrel Rolle.   The kid is an elite athlete, who also was an effective running back for the Huskies.  He has great instincts and vision and a knack for making big plays.  Thompson would be a great addition to the Giants depleted safety corps. 

Round 3 (74^th Overall): Cedric Ogbuehi, Offensive Tackle Texas A&M

Some will be unhappy with waiting this long to address the offensive line; however, Ogbuehi, is the one of the offensive lineman with the most upside in this draft.  Considered a first round pick if he declared for the draft last year, his draft stock is plummeting after tearing his ACL during the Aggie’s Bowl Game.  While he struggled after moving to left tackle his senior season, he can be a very solid right tackle in the NFL with the potential to move to left tackle with the right coaching.  He also has experience playing right guard, making him more appealing to the Giants with his versatility.  He has the potential to be a bookend tackle for the next 8-10 years.

Round 4 (105^th Overall): Gabe Wright, Defensive Tackle Auburn University

With question marks at defensive tackle including last year’s 3^rd round pick Jay Bromley and the newly acquired Kenrick Ellis from the Jets (who was a reserve for them,) look for the Giants to address the defensive line in the 3^rd or 4^th round.  Wright is big at 6”3’ 300 pounds and would help plug holes up front.  He has a good first step and can get to the quarterback.  He would fit in nicely in Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive defensive scheme. 

Round 5 (144^th Overall): Tyler Kroft, Tight End Rutgers University

Kroft, a local kid at Rutgers Univeristy is an athletic tight end who excels at blocking.  The Rutgers product also thrives at yards after catch and could be a great value pick for the Giants in the 5^th round.   He would help add depth to the Giant’s lackluster tight ends and could even see significant playing time in two tight sets and special teams as a rookie.

Round 6 (226^th Overall): Ladarius Gunter, Cornerback University of Miami

Gunter is a tall, physical cornerback who could challenge for the nickel corner spot right out of the gate.  With the size of today’s wide receivers, Gunter would be a great asset to go along with Prince Amukumara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the secondary. 

Round 7 (245^th Overall): Karlos Williams, Running Back Florida State

Williams has a ton of talent who will drop in the draft due to his off the field issues.   He is currently being investigated for assaulting his ex-girlfriend and mother of his children.  Williams would fit in nicely in the Giants back field as a goal line back that could develop into a bigger role as time goes on.  The talent is there, the concern is just keeping his head on straight.  I believe Couglin and his staff will be able to keep him in line and make him an effective running back. 

A draft like this would address just about all the needs the Giants have going into the 2015 season, while still going by Jerry Reese’s best player available strategy.  Let’s hope come early May the Giants are able to haul in a rookie class similar to this.