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5 teams who should take a chance on Robert Nkemdiche

By Ian O'Brien

Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. New York Giants

Even with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul coming back, the Giants defense has struggled mightily this season. They have allowed a league-leading 314.5 passing yards per game, so the pass rush clearly needs an upgrade. While the Giants run defense is slightly better, it has allowed 108.8 rushing yards and could still use an upgrade. A defensive tackle presence across from Johnathan Hankins has been exposed as a need. The Giants defense suffered a major blow this season when Hankins went down with a season-ending pectoral injury, so defensive tackle depth has become an even bigger need.

The Giants defensive line used to be one of the biggest strengths of their team, but its play has fallen off since the team’s last two Super Bowl runs. While Pierre-Paul and Robert Ayers are both solid defensive ends, they must upgrade at defensive tackle to keep the defensive line strong. Hankins has great potential, but additional depth is needed. Nkemdiche would provide an upgrade in both the pass rush and run stuffing department for the Giants. They are tied for last in the NFL in sacks with 15, so Nkemdiche should definitely be considered. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo may find it difficult to resist drafting a defensive lineman of Nkemdiche’s magnitude since he rose to fame with his work with the 2007 Giants defensive line.

Next: 1. Indianapolis Colts

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