New York Giants Select Alabama Defensive Tackle Dalvin Tomlinson 55th In 2017 NFL Draft

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants selected Alabama defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson with the 55th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants added to their defensive line with their second round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. With the 23rd pick in the second round, and 55th overall, the Giants selected Alabama defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.

This selection can be directly attributed to Johnathan Hankins departure in free agency. With Hankins signing with the Indianapolis Colts, the Giants needed to find another big body to play at defensive tackle alongside Damon Harrison. The Giants accomplished that goal with the selection of Tomlinson.

Interestingly enough, Tomlinson has drawn comparisons to Hankins, the man he will be tasked with replacing. Tomlinson is one of the best run stuffers in this year’s draft class. Standing a massive 6-feet-2 7/8 inches tall and weighing 310 pounds he is difficult to move off his spot.

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He is very strong as well, which helps him shed blockers and finish tackles. Tomlinson missed only three tackles in his career at Alabama, an impressive number.

Tomlinson was productive in his first season as a starter for Alabama. He finished with 62 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and three sacks. There isn’t much in the way of pass rushing upside here, which limits how often the Giants can use him, which may be a blessing in disguise.

At Alabama, Tomlinson was a part of a rotation along the defensive line. Alabama had one of the deepest defensive lines ever assembled, which helped keep him fresh. Can he produce at the same level without the same kind of depth? The Giants have the talent around him to help him succeed

There is no question that the Giants have the talent around him to help him succeed. Playing next to Harrison will make things much easier, with Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon as the bookends at defensive end.

Tomlinson has a chance to carve out a role and help the Giants out right away. Much like Hankins, he comes to the Giants from a prestigious program with a second round pick. He fills a need ride away, but this will be a pick questioned by fans once again.

Next: New York Giants: 6 Targets on Day 2 Of 2017 NFL Draft

Like the first round, Jerry Reese once again passed up a chance to land a top linebacker option in Zach Cunningham. Cunningham went just a few picks later to the Houston Texans, just as Rueben Foster did in the first round.