Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the New York Giants, I got together with Chris Schisler of GMEN HQ. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"The Giants need to get better on defense. They had the 29th ranked defense and the 7th ranked offense; the priority is clear. The Giants biggest defensive problem in 2014 was linebackers getting caught in the trash, too busy fighting off blocks to stuff the run. To fix this, the Giants should draft Danny Shelton a defensive tackle who will demand double teams."
All for Tennessee
2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The Giants need to get better at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football. If the Giants get better at stopping the run, rushing the passer and protecting Eli Manning, that would be a success."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"If the Giants ignore the defense, they will struggle in 2015. Drafting a flashy receiver, when you need just about everything on defense would be a failed draft."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"The Giants will draft Ali Marpet from Hobart in the 2nd round. Jerry Reese is a former scout and loves to take a chance on small school guys. Marpet is a stud who will help the offensive line tremendously."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"I think most fans are obsessed with the pass rushing angle. They want a pass rusher and a pass protecter. The running game may be more important. The Giants couldn’t stop the run last year and their offense got nothing from the run."
For full New York Giants coverage, check out GMEN HQ.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft