The New York Giants have a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, which gives the team the chance to add a strong prospect to the roster for next season. The offensive line and linebacker positions are important needs for the team, making Myles Jack, Reggie Ragland and Ronnie Stanley potential targets for general manager Jerry Reese.
The Giants are coming off of a losing season that saw the team miss the playoffs for the fourth straight year. The defense was terrible last season, ranking last in the league in total yards allowed per game and third-worst in points allowed per game. Coming into the offseason the main focus for the Giants was on the defensive side of the ball.
The Giants needed to upgrade at cornerback and the defensive line, and they did just that by signing players in free agency. Reese made a splash and signed Janoris Jenkins, Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon while also opting to keep Jason Pierre-Paul. While Reese may still target those positions in the draft, the team has at least addressed those spots already this offseason.
With a month left until the draft, the Giants are starting to narrow down their draft board. Jack appears to be a top target for the team along with players like Ragland, Shaq Lawson and Leonard Floyd. The Giants have not picked a linebacker in the first round in many years, and this could be the time to do it. Linebacker is a major need for the Giants, and Jack is coming into the draft as one of the top-rated prospects.
Jack missed nearly all of last season with an injury, but he has the measurables and the skills to be a top-10 pick. Jack did not do most of the drills at the NFL scouting combine last month, but he is reportedly ready to do work at his pro day this week. The Giants will be watching Jack closely, as the 6-foot-1, 245-pound outside linebacker could be a main target for Reese next month.
Last season Jack played in just three games for UCLA, recording 15 total tackles and one interception. During his career, Jack has recorded 178 tackles, four interceptions and one sack in 29 games played for the Bruins.
The Giants also could target a player like Stanley in the draft. The team has dealt with injuries on the offensive line over the past few years, and last season the Giants ranked in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards per game. Adding another lineman like Stanley could help boost that number.
The NFL draft is April 28. The Giants have the number 10 overall pick in the first round.
