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New York Giants Receive Low Mark in 2017 NFL Draft First Round Grades

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40), defensive lineman Justus Reed (97) and teammates hold a flag as they run out of the tunnel before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

LB. Lions. JARRAD DAVIS. B.

With the 21st pick in the NFL Draft, the Lions addressed a need on the defensive side of the ball. With DeAndre Levy being a free agent still, the Lions likely found his replacement in Jarrad Davis from Florida.

The Lions have improved a lot defensively the past few seasons, and the addition of Davis should continue that trend. At Florida, Davis was a major contributor the past two seasons. In 2015, Davis really burst onto the scene with 11 tackles for loss as a junior.

Last season, Davis was only able to play in nine games for the Gators, but the numbers were still pretty good. In the NFC North, the Lions will be trying to compete for a division title with the Green Bay Packers once again in 2017.

If not for the injury to Matthew Stafford late in the season, the Lions might have been able to claim the NFC North crown. However, the hand injury to Stafford resulted in the Lions stumbling toward the end of the season.

For Davis, he does need to improve a bit in pass coverage, but he was able to defend as many passes in his senior year as he did in his junior season in five fewer games. That is a good sign of important. The Lions didn’t reach on Davis, and he fills an area of need.

Ziegler’s grade: B

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