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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 /
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New York Giants 2016 NFL Draft Grades
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Boise State Safety Darian Thompson

Safety was a disaster for the Giants last season. They went all in on Devin McCourty in free agency, but he returned to the New England Patriots. The Giants did not seem to have a backup plan, as they allowed veterans Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown and Quintin Demps to leave as free agents, leaving an inexperienced group behind.

The Giants tried to fill the hole with second round pick Landon Collins, but he was exposed at times as his coverage skills are lacking. He plays the run well, but alongside other hard hitters and box safeties such as Brandon Meriweather, Cooper Taylor and Craig Dahl, Collins was forced into coverage and it was ugly.

The Giants add a safety that is more comfortable playing in a centerfield role, and is a playmaker in Darian Thompson. Thompson set a Mountain West Conference record with 19 interceptions in his career, and has the instincts to play the same role at the next level. His style will fit well next to Collins, as the two play different brand of safety.

The selection makes sense for the Giants, as the value and need were both there. The Giants continue to still try hitting on safety in the draft, so maybe Thompson will turn out better than recent picks such as Taylor, Nat Berhe, Bennett Jackson and Mykelle Thompson.

Could Thompson finally break that bad streak at safety for the Giants? He has a chance to, and will compete for a starting spot right from the get go.

Grade: B+

Next: Fourth Round Grade

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