2017 NFL Draft: New York Giants 7-round mock
By John Buhler
The New York Giants have seven picks to get better in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here is a look at what the Giants could do in this mock draft.
The New York Giants had one of their better seasons in while in 2016. They went 11-5 and earned the No. 5 seed in the NFC Playoffs. However, a South Beach boat got in the way of the Giants being able to advance further in the playoffs. New York was promptly clobber by the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau during the wild card round.
That being said, New York should be in contention for a playoff berth again this fall. If the team fires on all cylinders, yes, the Giants can win the NFC and play in Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. They made some good moves in free agency, but need to continue to win in the offseason by making several solid draft picks. Here is a lock at what the Giants can do this spring in this mock draft.
First Round
O.J. Howard
Tight End, Alabama Crimson Tide
If he’s available, New York shouldn’t blink and use its No. 23 overall pick in the first round on Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard. While the production was hit or miss from him in Tuscaloosa, Howard showed up in big moments for the Crimson Tide offense.
He has the potential to be a game-changing, Greg Olsen type of tight end in the middle of the Giants passing game. Howard could theoretically lineup in the slot and become an oversized possession receiver.
However, it’s really about effort with this guy. It’s not consistent from him. Howard will disappear for large stretches of seasons if he isn’t being force-fed the football. Fortunately for him if he lands with the Giants, he would fit in marvelously in Ben McAdoo’s passing game.
Larry Donnell was decent for a while, but the Giants will need more production out of its tight end to reach a Super Bowl before quarterback Eli Manning calls it a career. Frankly, New York needs to run the football better, too. However, adding Howard to the receiving corps only makes this offense more dynamic.