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New York Giants: Dalvin Tomlinson predicted as best rookie in 2017

By Kenneth Teape

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants second round pick Dalvin Tomlinson was predicted to be their best rookie in 2017 by ESPN New York’s Jordan Raanan.

The New York Giants were able to fill some needs in the 2017 NFL Draft. Some of their selections were made with an eye towards the future, such as third round pick Davis Webb. He is expected to be the heir apparent to Eli Manning down the road. There were some that should make an immediate impact.

Ben McAdoo is probably putting together game plans with tight end Evan Engram in mind already. The Giants selected Engram with the 23rd overall pick. Engram will be a matchup nightmare for opponents. Given his combination of size and athleticism, Engram will be difficult to defend.

With the other weapons the Giants have to throw to in Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Brandon Marshall, someone will be open. Things will open up if the Giants can get the running game going as well. Fourth round pick Wayne Gallman should help in that department.

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Gallman should help on early downs but is versatile enough to help on passing downs as well. He should help Paul Perkins handle early-down work, while Shane Vereen and Shaun Draughn will handle passing downs.

The Giants offense has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL if the offensive line can get it together. There are a ton of weapons for Manning to pass to and enough versatility in the backfield to get the job done. If the Giants offense falters, they can still feel good about their chances each and every week thanks to their defense.

The Giants defense was outstanding last season. They returned virtually every important piece from their defensive unit other than Johnathan Hankins. Hankins signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. The Giants didn’t sign a veteran to replace him, instead, they found his replacement in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

With their second round pick, the Giants selected Alabama defensive tackle, Dalvin Tomlinson. Tomlinson should step into the starting lineup alongside Damon Harrison on the interior of the Giants defensive line. He will have a chance right away to produce, which is partly why he was predicted as the Giants best rookie in 2017.

ESPN NFL Nation Giants correspondent Jordan Raanan selected Tomlinson over anyone else the Giants selected. Here is what he said about his selection.

"I passed on first-round selection Evan Engram because rookie tight ends rarely thrive. I almost went with fourth-round pick Wayne Gallman because of the opportunity that is available at running back. But Tomlinson is the choice because he gets to slide favorably into a stacked defensive line. Although he won’t produce gaudy numbers, Tomlinson should start and make the biggest impact as a rookie run stuffer on a defense that will be among the league’s best against the run. — Jordan Raanan"

Tomlinson will not have much pressure with the talent around him. The Giants’ defensive line is one of the best in the NFL with Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon flanking Harrison. Tomlinson can slide right in as an early-down run stuffer, helping to replace Hankins.

Tomlinson may not have gaudy stats, but he has a chance to make the biggest impact of any player in this year’s draft class for the Giants. If the Giants can remain as dominant a run defense as last season, Tomlinson will have done his job.

Engram and Gallman have a chance to have more productive seasons stat wise. Engram will also benefit from a loaded receiving core that includes Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Brandon Marshall. Gallman should benefit from the surrounding talent as well; teams will not be able to load the box against the Giants with that talent on the perimeter and in the slot.

Next: New York Giants: Ranking The 2017 Draft Class Pick By Pick

It is hard to argue against Raanan’s selection of Tomlinson as the best 2017 rookie for the Giants. He excels at stopping the run, which is exactly what the Giants need from him. While his numbers may not prove it at the end, he will be an important piece to the puzzle for the Giants on defense.

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