Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive
Dave Gettleman went heavy on the offensive line in his first three picks of the NFL Draft, and it's possible he's not done taking Hog Mollies. The Giants have seven more picks to go on Day 3. And the offensive line rebuilding project isn't over yet.
Of course, the Giants have plenty of other needs - like at cornerback, edge rusher and other positions too. And they have seven picks to fill those holes. They have one pick in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds (110th, 150th, and 183rd) on Saturday and four picks in the seventh (218th, 238th, 247th, 255th).
Here are 10 players to watch for the Giants on Day 3:
Wisconsin C Tyler Biadasz
If Gettleman is truly going to fix his offensive line, then he needs a center, right? They looked around in free agency, so they're obviously shopping for an upgrade over Spencer Pulley. They're also uncertain of the health and status of Jon Halapio (torn Achilles). They've missed out on the top centers, but the 6-4, 314-pounder Biadasz was voted the best center in the country last season.
Washington C Nick Harris
A three-year starter, including one year at guard, he's a terrific player and very athletic. But his size is an issue. At 6-1, 302, he's undersized for a center nowadays, and will need to bulk up to handle big defensive tackles. He could do that for a year as a backup, but given the Giants' lack of depth at the position they may need a more ready-made player.
Arizona State RB Eno Benjamin
The Giants are pretty set with Saquon Barkley and Dion Lewis, but Joe Judge comes from New England where they used an array of running backs better than almost any other team. They can find a spot for this 5-9, 207-pounder who dazzled scouts during Senior Bowl practices. He's probably just a gadget back for now, but eventually he could be a third-down back and someone who gives Barkley the occasional rest.
Texas Tech T Terence Steele
Yeah, sure, what's one more tackle? That's how barren the Giants were at this position, that drafting three tackles in 10 picks isn't really absurd. OK, more likely the Giants will look for a guard or a center. But they do like this 6-6, 312-pounder, who was a four-year starter and a team captain. If he's available late, he could stand out on the Giants' board.
Southern Mississippi WR Quez Watkins
The Giants don't have a lot of depth at receiver, beyond their top three (Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton). Watkins certainly has the speed (4.35) to be a situational deep threat. He's only 6-foot, 185 pounds and needs to work on getting open, but he's got time for that. In the meantime, he could battle for the kick and punt return jobs.
Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden
A small school prospect whose size jumps off the scouting report - 6-4, 223. And he can run, too, with 4.6 speed, and he's pretty strong. He dominated in the Big South, catching 79 passes for 1,396 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. He needs to learn a pro offense, has to settle in against better competition, and he has had issues with drops. But there's a lot to work with.
Clemson G John Simpson
He's generally considered one of the best interior linemen in the draft, so if the Giants want him they'll probably have to move quickly. If he falls much farther, though, they'll come a point where the value is too good to pass up. He's 6-4, 321 and has power. He's not a great prospect, but he's a good one.
Michigan G Michael Onwenu
The Giants do have two starting guards in place for a while, but like with the rest of the line, there's not much depth there. And if they're looking for some, they'll be impressed with Onwenu's size (6-3, 344) and power. He's a road-grader, who is a bit slow but very powerful. His upside is as huge as he is.
North Dakota State DE/LB Derrek Tuszka
It's unclear if he'll be drafted or if he'll end up as a free agent, but he sure seems like the kind of guy the Giants would like at the bottom of their roster. He's a 6-4, 251-pound overachiever, who caught the attention of scouts with an outstanding performance at the East-West Shrine game. He's likely little more than a fourth pass rusher in a rotation, but he'd be a good one.
Pittsburgh CB Dane Jackson
There probably aren't many starting-caliber corners left to draft, but that's not what the Giants are looking for. They're set in the lineup with James Bradberry and DeAndre Baker. But they're looking for depth and someone to compete with Sam Beal and Corey Ballentine. The 6-foot, 187-pounder could do that. He lacks elite speed, but he's tough and physical, and that could push him into the lineup.