Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Giants Select Tight End Jerell Adams 184th Overall

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jerell Adams (89) scores on a reception past Furman Paladins safety Thomas Brown (6) in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jerell Adams (89) scores on a reception past Furman Paladins safety Thomas Brown (6) in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Giants got a steal in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, selecting South Carolina tight end Jerell Adams 184th overall.

The New York Giants have bolstered their tight end group, selecting South Carolina tight end Jerell Adams with the 189th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. This is a huge steal for the Giants, as Adams received a second round grade and was a top-70 player according to ESPN.

Tight end may not have been the most pressing need for the Giants, but they do not have a clear cut starter at the position. Adding this kind of value at this point in the draft is tough to pass up, as Adams immediately upgrades the position as a whole for the Giants.

Last season the Giants suffered through a number of injuries at tight end. Blocking tight end Daniel Fells suffered from a staph infection, contracting MRSA. He was able to save his foot with a number of surgeries, but his playing days are probably over. Starter Larry Donnell then suffered a neck injury, as he took a step back after a promising 2014. Backup Jerom Cunningham was also banged up, so the Giants had to rely on unknowns at the position.

More from New York Giants

Will Tye took advantage of the opportunity placed before him, and showcased the ability to be a good receiver at the spot. But, he leaves a lot to be desired in the blocking department. Cunningham has shown the ability to block, but doesn’t have much in the way of a receiving threat. In steps Adams, who has the potential to do both.

Adams was under utilized with the Gamecocks, catching 49 passes in two seasons as a starter, going for 700 yards and four touchdowns. But he showed that he has the ability to be a difference maker at the position. He has elite speed for a tight end, as linebackers will not be able to keep up with him. He has outstanding separation skills, showcasing the ability to cleanly get in and out of cuts and get away from man-to-man coverage.

More from Empire Writes Back

Standing 6-feet-5 1/8 inches tall, Adams has a huge catch radius combined with good body control and hands. He could use his size more to his advantage in 50-50 balls, but he could make a difference in the passing game right away for the Giants. He fumbled only once, so ball security should not be a problem for him.

He will give the Giants a ton of versatility offensively. He can line up at tight end but can also work the slot if need be. He has big play ability and is not afraid to work the middle of the offense, giving Eli Manning yet another potential weapon to an offense that has clicked through the air with Ben McAdoo around.

Adams is also a willing blocker, which the Giants are lacking from their current group of receiving tight ends. He has already added 20 pounds in the last year, which will only help him as he is already tough and physical. He has improved throughout his time in school with his blocking, but still struggles sometimes with his hand placement.

If the Giants can get Adams to improve his hand placement, it will immensely improve his blocking. If they are able to do that, they may have finally found their tight end that can stay on the field for all three downs, giving the Giants an ability to really mix and match their packages as they will not be giving away play calling with the personnel on the field.

Next: New York Giants Seven-Round Mock Draft

This is a great pick for the Giants, as they found an early round talent with their sixth round pick that could pay dividends right away.

Home/New York Giants