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New York Giants Top 5 Potential First Round Picks

By John Franklin

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number ninth overall pick to the New York Giants in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number ninth overall pick to the New York Giants in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants Top 5 Potential First Round Picks
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Number Five: OJ Howard, Tight End, Alabama

Right out of the gate this is a weird pick for the Giants to make. The team has had trouble filling the tight end position, but if they were to take Howard, they would be giving up very quickly on second-year tight end Jerell Adams.

Howard was hardly used at Alabama, and it is mind boggling that he didn’t experience more production. Howard is listed as 6’6” and 242 pounds, and pairs it with great downhill speed. He also is capable of making downfield plays and has been known to line up in the slot.

Many experts are comparing Howard to Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham. His ability to go up and catch the ball over defenders is unrivaled by anyone in this tight end draft class. Howard does have one glaring problem that the team would have to address if they were to draft him.

Howard is very reliant on his size, and it takes away from his ability to make quick shakes on his routes. Also, despite his size, Howard does not run with the physicality most would expect.

The Giants could take a shot on Howard, but I would be very surprised if Jerry Reese overlooked his trench troubles for more of a pass catcher than a blocker.

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