At this point in the 2014 season, it's clear that the New York Giants have plenty of needs to address when the 2015 draft rolls around. Eli Manning needs better protection...but there are also major holes on defense that can't go unfilled. With that in mind, we've highlighted six players the Giants will be taking a hard look at ahead of next year's draft:
OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBh9JsIV-nA[/embed]
Thompson's size has some evaluators dropping him to the middle of the first round, but watching him play will quickly lay any fears to rest. Thompson plays with incredible drive and ferocity, and the Giants front seven could really use someone who brings that kind of intensity on every down.
OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9OkI0RdLeA[/embed]
Floyd has room to improve in pass coverage, but he already does one thing tremendously well: get to the quarterback. With the Giants struggling to put pressure on opposing QBs (Tony Romo could have done his taxes in the time it took for the Giants to get to him last Sunday night), Floyd would address a glaring weakness for the G-Men.
DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhHv8L6cp-E[/embed]
Gregory will likely be gone before New York's pick comes around, but they should seriously consider moving up for a chance at the Nebraska behemoth. Putting Gregory on the same line as Jason Pierre-Paul would instantly transform New York's line for the better.
DE Shane Ray, Mizzou
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhHv8L6cp-E[/embed]
A more realistic target if the Giants keep their original pick, Ray would also be an instant upgrade to a defensive line that just hasn't put it together this year. Ray has rocketed up draft boards by tearing up SEC offensive lines this fall, and he projects to do the same at the NFL level.
OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6tZpQVRuV8[/embed]
Ogbuehi isn't the finished article yet, and there are some concerns that he'll take time to find his NFL footing...but it's hard to pass up someone with his combination of size, speed, and potential. A generational prospect who could be the next great NFL tackle, Ogbuehi has all the tools to become a long-term starter on the Giants offensive line.
OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS9Hq4bdFY0[/embed]
If the Giants decide they'd rather have someone they can plug into the offensive line on Day 1, don't be surprised if they take Scherff with their first-round pick. The often-injured Will Beatty is a strong candidate to be cut after the season ends, and Scherff would be an instant upgrade at left tackle.
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