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New York Giants: Nolan Rich’s Seven Round Mock Draft (1.0)

By Nolan Rich

Jan 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese addresses the media during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese addresses the media during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports /
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Check out our New York Giants seven-round mock draft for the 2017 NFL Draft.

New York Giants: Nolan Rich's Seven Round Mock Draft (1.0)
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1: O.J. Howard; Tight End, Alabama

The New York Giants have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL but still have holes on offense such as offensive line, running back, and tight end. While an offensive lineman would be enticing here, I have the Giants getting another weapon at tight end to help Eli Manning.

With the best running backs off the board in my mock draft, the Giants will instead get a tight end who could be a big playmaker in the middle of the field given New York’s firepower at the wide receiver position.

Howard is one of the best tight end prospects in the entire draft and is one of the rare prospects at the position who can both run block and catch the football. Howard’s numbers at Alabama are lower than expected for three reasons.

First, a true freshman quarterback who had trouble with accuracy. Second, Alabama’s offense had a dominant run game which took away from the passing game. Third, Alabama would have large leads in the majority of their games taking away the need to throw the football.

Despite this, the 6-feet-6 inch, 251-pound tight end had 45 catches for over 500 yards and three touchdowns. He’s one of the most NFL-ready prospects in the entire draft and would help the Giants in not only the passing game but providing solid run blocking as well.

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