New York Giants 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Nov 23, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA;LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Floyd Raven Sr. (5) in the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
5’11”, 198 LBs.
The Player
Beckham is a smooth athlete who runs great routes, catches the ball very well and is very elusive out of the catch. He is very strong at the catch point and can make plays all over the field. Added bonus is his ability as a kick returner. Beckham has very few negatives. He could be the best rookie out of all of the receivers in this draft.
The Pick
Personally I would have gone with upgrading the offensive or defensive lines, but I really like this pick. Eli needs more weapons and Beckham gives him a dependable and dynamic player. I think this pick will prove to be very good for the Giants down the line.
The Fit
Beckham starts day one if I had any say. He could do some of his best work out of the slot but could contribute on the outside as well. He is not too different from Victor Cruz and having two Victor Cruz’s is certainly not a bad thing. Should contribute very quickly and be a long time starter.
Weston Richburg, C, CSU
6’3″, 298
The Player
Richburg is what I like to call a “ruthless technician”. He does every so well and he does it with an awesome mean streak and motor. He has great hands, feet and motor. Immediate, plug and play starter.
Dec 21, 2013; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Colorado State Rams offensive lineman Weston Richburg (70) against the Washington State Cougars during the Gildan New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Pick
The Giants got a first round talent in Richburg and they got him in the second round while filling a need. That is value.
The Fit
Richburg can start immediately for the Giants. That line is in need of serious help and Richburg is a very good addition to it. Should impact from day one.
Jay Bromley, DT, Syracuse
6’3″, 306
The Player
Bromley is a quick twitch pass rusher who uses a good get off and size to disrupt offenses. He is not very strong and his motor could really improve, but he has ideal 3-Tech tools.
The Pick
I think this was a reach, especially when a guy like Will Sutton is there for the taking, but I could see Bromley’s appeal. This is just very high.
The Fit
Fewell loves using heavy rotation in his lineup and Bromley could make an impact as a 3-Tech next to Jon Hankins. I think Bromley could be a long term starter if he develops his strength.
Andre Williams, RB, Boston College
5’11”, 230 lbs.
The Player
Williams is a big back with good vision and leg drive at the second level. He is a lot faster than one would think for his size. That being said, he is not very agile, has issues creating and is very unproven as a receiver.
The Pick
Thought this was a bit of a reach for a player as one dimensional as Williams, but he has bell cow potential and that is certainly worth something.
The Fit
With David Wilson on the mend, Williams will likely split carries with Rashad Jennings, but Williams has some traits that could cement himself as the starter long term.
Nat Behre, S, SDSU
5’10”, 193 lbs
The Player
Berhe is a versatile safety who can play all over the field. He can cover, hit and play the run. He also has the ability to drop down into the slot. His playing speed could improve and he could stand to add some bulk, but he has a lot of really good traits for a safety. Like his potential a lot.
The Pick
This was a good pick. Berhe is a versatile, athletic safety and every team could use a player like him.
The Fit
There is not much standing between Berhe and a chance to get starting time. Antrel Rolle is a good player, but there is not much behind him. Berhe has a chance to see the field early as a third safety at the very least and I think he could pleasantly surprise.
Dec 20, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs defensive back Nat Berhe (20) reacts during the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Devon Kennard, DE, USC
6’3″, 249 lbs
The Player
Kennard is not a very good athlete, but he is a high motor player who has experience at various positions and is also a very smart player. He has some injury concerns, but if he is healthy, he could be a good rotation defensive end or even a SLB.
The Pick
Really good team guy to pick up late in the draft with a chance to be a solid rotational end. No complaints here.
The Fit
The Giants love to keep their defensive line fresh and Kennard is a poor man’s Mathias Kiwinuka so he should fit in just fine.
Bennett Jackson, CB, Notre Dame
6′, 195 lbs.
The Player
Jackson has bad instincts and his technique is all over the place but he has very intriguing tools. He is a former wide receiver who has good movement skills and has very good size.
The Pick
Jackson is a project with high upside so this is a perfect spot for him.
The Fit
I doubt Jackson gets any starting time year one, but he has very enticing skills that can be honed. Should see a lot of starting time on special teams.
Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Brandon Coleman (17) beats Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Bennett Jackson (2) for a touchdown pass in the first quarter during the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports