New York Giants 2016 NFL Draft Grades

After the 2015 NFL season, the New York Giants had no choice but to upgrade their defense, which was not only one of the worst in the league, but one of the worst in franchise history. So it wasn't much of a surprise when the Giants used three of their first four picks on defense. They addressed several needs on defense in the NFL Draft and a few of their late round selections have the potential to be impact players right away.

The only pick of the night that could be seen as a "head-scratcher" would be their first-round selection of cornerback Eli Apple out of Ohio State. Most fans expected the G-Men to draft an offensive lineman to help sure up the offensive line, while providing more protection to their two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback, Eli Manning. Or maybe a defensive lineman to go along with a healthy Jason Pierre-Paul and the newly signed defensive end, Olivier Vernon, to give New York a dominant defensive line. According to general manager, Jerry Reese, Apple was the highest rated player on their board and they were extremely pleased where they drafted him.

Here's my grade for each of the Giants 2016 draft picks. My grades are based on the players ability, and how they'll fit into the Giants scheme going forward.

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1st Round, 10th overall pick: CB Eli Apple - The Giants surprised everyone at the NFL Draft when they selected Apple tenth overall in the first-round. At 6'1, he has good height for a cornerback, as well as excellent footwork. The only knock on the young corner is that he uses his hands to much, which results in penalties, but the Giants are confident that with the right coaching it can be fixed. With the Pro Bowler Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, newly signed Janoris Jenkins, and now Eli Apple, the Giants have three talented cornerbacks. Given the fact that Apple will not only have to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but he'll also have to improve his overall game. GRADE C+ 

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2nd Round, 40th overall: WR Sterling Shepard - After letting wide receiver, Ruben Randle, leave as a free-agent, and failing to find a suitable replacement in free-agency, acquiring one in the draft was a top priority and Shepard is someone who can not only play in the slot, but outside as well. Shepard spent four years at the University of Oklahoma, where he improved every year, and if Victor Cruz has any setbacks, he'll be able to fill in immediately as the number two receiver. Otherwise, Odell Beckman Jr., Cruz and Shepard should provide Eli Manning with enough fire power to help propel the Giants offense in 2016. GRADE C+

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3rd Round, 71st overall pick: S Darian Thompson - Thompson was drafted out of Boise State where he played for four years and leaves as the Mountain West Conference leader in interceptions with 19. He passed former San Diego Chargers and current Baltimore Ravens safety, Eric Weddle. Thompson also scored an impressive 29 on the Wonderlic test. He's considered an extremely instinctive safety and at times a ball hawk. He has slightly above average coverage skills, which helped him become a 3rd Team All American by the AP. For Thompson to become a starter for the Giants, he'll need to compete with Nat Berhe and Bennett Jackson for the starting free safety spot. GRADE C+

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4th Round, 109th overall pick: LB B.J. Goodson - The Giants drafted Goodson out of Clemson where he became a leader on defense playing outside linebacker. He displayed his ability to impact the game on all three downs, making plays in the running game, in pass coverage (two interceptions), and recording 5.5 sacks when going after the quarterback. Goodson was named a team captain in 2015, while showing immediate ability and potential in his first season as a full-time starter. In fact, ESPN's Todd McShay said the Giants selection of Goodson was Big Blue's best pick. Goodson's aggression and hard hitting, is something that the Giants defense desperately needed. At times he does struggle in pass coverage, which means they may not play him on third downs. But many experts agree that Goodson was a steal in the fourth round. GRADE A-

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5th Round, 149th overall pick: RB Paul Perkins - Perkins is considered a complete back with great vision. Traits that he showed off at UCLA where he piled up 1,575 rushing yards in 2014 and adding 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Perkins left UCLA as it's All-Time leader in receptions by a running back with 80 catches. Despite the Giants being set at the running back position with five backs on the roster, GM Jerry Reese just couldn't pass on the talented Perkins. He's also a real nightmare in the open field and possess exceptional agility and cutting ability. He's expected to make it difficult for Orleans Darkwa, Bobby Rainey and Andre Williams to make the final roster. GRADE B-

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6th Round, 184th overall pick: TE Jerell Adams - With their final pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Giants selected Adams out of South Carolina. Adams is listed at 6'5, 247-pounds and is considered a great blocker, very athletic and with soft hands. Last season he caught 28 passes for 421 yards, while averaging 15.0 yards per catch and scoring three touchdowns despite a quarterback situation that was in constant flux. The Giants have real concerns regarding Larry Donnell's neck, which is why the Giants needed to draft a TE and they drafted a good one in Adams. Since Adams didn't play in a prolific passing offense, he was overlooked by all the teams, and his speed will make it difficult for linebackers to defend him man to man. More importantly, Adams is an exceptional blocker, so look for him to help out a lot on the right side of the Giants offensive line in run blocking and in pass protection. GRADE B+


Overall Draft Grade B- : The New York Giants addressed several key positions and could realistically have two-three immediate starters. Until the season begins, we won't know who can or can't perform at the NFL level. So until then, I'll give the Giants an overall grade of a B-.