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New York Giants Hold Steady In Post Free Agency Power Rankings

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to throw the ball as Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to throw the ball as Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Where did the New York Giants finish in ESPN’s Post Free Agency NFL Power Rankings?

The New York Giants had a very good 2016. They finished the regular season 11-5 and earned a Wild Card spot in the NFC. The playoffs did not go as they had hoped, as they were bounced out of the postseason by the Green Bay Packers.

The needs for the Giants coming into the offseason were evident. They needed to find a way to improve the run blocking and try and keep their defense intact. With relatively limited funds, it looked to be a tall task, especially with Jerry Reese‘s spotty at best track record.

Reese was able to spend lavishly in 2016. He spent hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild the Giants defense and it worked. Oliver Vernon, Damon Harrison, and Janoris Jenkins helped turn the Giants defense into one of the better units in the NFL after an embarrassing 2015 season. Could he do the same to the offense this year without all of the money to spend?

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Given how cash-strapped the Giants were, Reese did surprisingly well. He was able to improve the run blocking by signing wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end/fullback Rhett Ellison. He added some competition along the offensive line, signing D.J. Fluker and retaining John Jerry. The Giants are also rumored to be interested in former New York Jets center Nick Mangold.

The Giants were able to address some of their needs in free agency despite not having the money to go after top tier players. The Giant offseason was received well by NFL Executives, as the need for a running back was the biggest hole left to fill in their eyes. Did the signings improve the Giants in the NFL Power Rankings?

Over at ESPN, the Giants came into the offseason ranked ninth in their NFL Power Rankings. After free agency, they have held steady in the ninth spot. Here is what ESPN’s panel said about the Giants.

"Adding Brandon Marshall to a unit that includes Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard could be an embarrassment of riches — assuming Marshall can recapture some of his Pro Bowl form. Marshall caught 47.2 percent of his targets last season, second-lowest among qualified receivers."

The Giants relied heavily on Beckham Jr. as it was stated in the Power Rankings from right after the Super Bowl. Marshall will help take some of the load off Beckham Jr.’s shoulders and presents a huge upgrade over Victor Cruz. Marshall gives the Giants much-needed size on the outside and a legitimate red zone target for Eli Manning.

The Giants won’t find full balance on their offense unless they can improve the run game. Handing the reins to Paul Perkins is a good first step. Having a healthy Shane Vereen would help as well. But the Giants still lack a short-yardage back that can pick up the tough yards between the tackles and near the goal line.

LeGarrette Blount could fill that role, as he is still available in free agency. If the Giants do not sign a veteran such as Blount, running back is a position they could address in the NFL Draft.

Next: New York Giants: 10 Greatest Defensive Lineman Of All-Time

Whatever the Giants choose to do with their backfield, they head into the NFL Draft in good shape. Reese had a solid free agency given the circumstances, and if he can add a player of Blount’s pedigree it would be a nice cherry on top heading into the 2017 NFL Draft.

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