Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Giants 2016 NFL Draft Grades

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 15, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; (left to right) New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese , wwner John Mara , new head coach Ben McAdoo , Laurie Tisch and Jonathan Tisch pose for a photo during a New York Giants press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; (left to right) New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese , wwner John Mara , new head coach Ben McAdoo , Laurie Tisch and Jonathan Tisch pose for a photo during a New York Giants press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
New York Giants 2016 NFL Draft Grades
Nov 7, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs after a catch against the Iowa State Cyclones during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard

Wide receiver was more of a need for the Giants than people thought. With Odell Beckham Jr. atop the depth chart, and Victor Cruz saying he is feeling great and ready to produce, people think the Giants are good. But, in reality, they needed help here.

With Rueben Randle leaving as a free agent, the Giants do not have a No.2 receiver on the roster. You cannot count on Cruz as he has not played since October of 2014, and there is very little in the way of depth after that outside of Dwayne Harris, who is better suited as a special teamer.

So to say Shepard fills a need is a bit of an understatement. Despite standing only 5-feet-10 ¼ inches, Shepard was as productive as they come at receiver last season. He graded out as the top wide receiver in college last season according to Pro Football Focus, so the Giants are getting a serious player here in Round 2. Shepard can play all over the formation for the Giants, and is fearless going over the middle.

He gives Eli Manning another weapon offensively and will help take pressure off of Beckham Jr. He should be starting alongside Beckham Jr. from the get go, and anything Cruz gives the Giants should be considered a bonus. Shepard gives the Giants some insurance and another weapon for Manning to use.

The Giants hit a need with this pick, and found great value in Round 2. He instantly upgrades the Giants receiving core, and will be a problem for opposing defenses alongside Beckham Jr.

Grade: A

Next: Third Round Grade

Home/New York Giants