New York Giants must redirect draft focus

With the NFL Draft this weekend, all of the mock drafts, speculations and assumptions of what college prospects will go where, will come to an end as each team will finally make their long awaited selections.

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Coming into the offseason it is obvious the New York Giants had many issues to address, mainly being the player personnel. Only having so many picks allowed in the draft, the Giants are really concerned about two specific positions and they as well as analysts have made it known that an offensive lineman or a linebacker is their first priority.

The Giants have yet to find a captain or leader in the role of inside linebacker since the Retiring of Pro bowler Antonio Pierce. The inside linebacker is the quarterback of the defense, calling the plays and running the conversation in the huddle. The Giants have potentially found that in Jon Beason however his inability to stay healthy is the reason the Giants started to browse around the future prospects to fill that void.

The reason the behind the offensive lineman urgency is obvious, Eli Manning is not the same without time in the pocket. Eli being the only active NFC quarterback with two Superbowl rings, he didn’t get those from scrambling, it was his pocket presence. Unfortunately the last couple years the giants offensive line has neglected to protect Eli, therefore the Eli has not been present in the pocket and the Giants have not been present in the playoffs. This year they look to change that.

Until recently analysts, insiders and even I projected the Giants to draft Missouri linebacker Shane Ray. His size, speed and overall presence on the field is someone who fits perfectly with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme and style, however his off the field antics does not fit well with head coach Tom Coughlin’s no nonsense culture.

Shane Ray is recently caught some heat for a possession of marijuana charge. This is hurting his image and more importantly his draft stock.

The New York Football Giants are old fashion. No mascots, no cheerleader and especially no drama. The Giants are the class of the NFL because they stay out of the negative light. Think back to when Plaxico Burress was under the criminal radar for his armed night club incident. Plaxico ultimately shot himself literally and figuratively being kicked off the team directly by coach Coughlin. There is no place for criminal activity or off the field problems in the NFL and Coughlin reinforces that on his team.

With Shane Ray now being in the negative light, the Giants must redirect their focus.

Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linesman Brandon Scherff (68) blocks against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Although the entire Giants fan base and more than likely Manning himself want Brandon Scherff to end up in a royal blue jersey he most likely won’t be around at the 9^th pick, other teams ahead of the Giants are licking their chops at the idea of him being their new player.

Ereck Flowers- 6’6 330lb coming out of the U, seems to be the guy. He is big and quick; he provides protection for Eli and can spread the field for the run game.

The Giants have narrowed their focus in regards to the draft; however everything leading up this weekend is merely a projection. We will soon know the results. The Giants will soon be on the clock, just a matter of time.

Next: Who will the Giants select in our Mock Draft?

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