New York Giants ideal scenario for opening two days of the draft
By Ed Stein
The next step in Dave Gettleman’s New York Giants rebuilding plan goes into effect Thursday night at the NFL draft. This is their ideal scenario for rounds one through three.
This is a transformational draft for the New York Giants franchise. Over the past few seasons, their roster foundation has crumbled before the eyes of Big Blue Nation. Even a fresh coat of paint (Saquon Barkley) wasn’t enough to hide a building in dire need of repair.
This is general manager Dave Gettleman’s time to shine. He’s been back with the team and running the player side of the business for 18 months now. It’s his head coach and his roster now. There is a scenario in which he can have his cake and eat it too. There are quality players to be had, and advantageous deals to make, but it’s up to him to make his own breaks in this draft.
The G-Men have plenty of holes to fill on their roster. Since the 2018 trade deadline, their defense has been decimated by trades and free agency. Gone are defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison, safety Landon Collins, and outside linebacker Olivier Vernon. All three are Pro-Bowl caliber players.
It’s not much better on the offensive side of the ball. The O-line left much to be desired in 2018 and is without a quality blindside tackle. Quarterback Eli Manning is 38 years old, and he doesn’t have very much left in the tank. Finally, Odell Beckham Jr., Big Blue’s great wide receiver was sent to Cleveland for the 17th overall pick in this draft. Even though they signed free agent Golden Tate, and extended Sterling Sheppard, the New York Giants need receivers.
So if Gettleman has his ideal draft, it will breakdown something like this…