After missing the NFL playoffs for 6 out of the last 7 years, this is a make-or-break season for New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese. In an effort to turn things around, Reese has made some calculated, high character and quality draft choices in 2016. Cornerback Eli Apple was not the projected top pick, but when 2 of the 3 top offensive tackles came off the board, there was no room for possible off-the-field distraction with offensive Lineman Laremy Tunsil .
Below is my scouting report for the Giants’ top 4 picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:
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Round #1 Eli Apple – Cornerback/ Ohio State:
Strengths – Apple has the ability to stop the run and cover man to man; his coverage skills are impressive. He was targeted 67 times in 13 games last season, giving up only 14 catches for 104 yards and zero touchdowns. That’s a completion percentage of only 21%.
Weaknesses – He has a tendency to grab and hold on to his receiver at times. He does a poor job of causing turnovers.
Round #2 Sterling Shepard- Wide Receiver/ Oklahoma:
Strengths – Shepard moves fairly fast and can change direction quickly (see: Victor Cruz). He has great hands and played in a pro-style offense. He runs very concise and sharp routes. He is basically NFL-ready.
Weaknesses– Shepard isn’t overly big and doesn’t have blazing speed.
Round #3 Darian Thompson- Safety/ Boise State:
Strengths – Thompson has a very high football IQ and uses that to his advantage when diagnosing plays. Great ball skills and force of will earn him his share of interceptions. I expect him to be a league leader in interceptions as he grows with experience. Also, he can match up well against tight ends in coverage
Weakness – He needs to improve his tackling ability.
Round #4 B.J. Goodson- Linebacker/ Clemson
Strengths – Goodson is extremely aggressive and a great tackler from the middle linebacker position. He has very good instincts and is smart.
Weaknesses – On the flipside, he can be a liability on passing downs in coverage. His lack of speed means he is not a sideline-to-sideline type of linebacker.
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