The New York Giants made some big moves in free agency to add talent on defense, but more needs to be done if the team wants to make the playoffs in 2016. The Giants should target players like Shaq Lawson, Myles Jack, Reggie Ragland, Darron Lee or Vernon Hargreaves if the team is serious about winning this season.
The defense should be much improved after adding Janoris Jenkins, Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon, but there are still some major holes to fill. The linebacker position has been an area of need for the Giants for a number of years, and this could be a way to fill that need. The Giants have a top 10 pick, and that means they will get the chance to add a very talented prospect in the draft this year.
Over the last four years the Giants have went with an offensive pick with their first round selection, but this year, a pick on defense is almost a guarantee. The team has needs in other areas like the offensive line, wide receiver and running back, but the defensive side of the ball should be the main area of focus. The team has done well with Odell Beckham and Ereck Flowers over the past two years in the first round, and this upcoming pick could be important for the future of Jerry Reese with the team.
The Giants defense was the worst in the league last season with 420 total yards allowed per game, including a league-high 298 passing yards per contest. Adding Jenkins to the cornerback spot with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie should help things, but the team needs to do more. Upgrading the linebacker position will help both the rush and pass defense, and that is where Reese needs to focus heading into the draft.
Players like Shaq Lawson, Myles Jack, Reggie Ragland and Darron Lee have all come up in connection with the Giants during the pre-draft process. Jack is an intriguing prospect, but there is a chance that he may not be available when the Giants pick at number 10. But if he is, the Giants should go after him. Jack has the measurables at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds to be a solid linebacker, and he showed versatility at UCLA by playing safety, cornerback and running back along with his regular position.
Lawson has the potential to be a star, while Ragland has the chance to be a success coming out of Alabama. Any of these picks would be solid for the Giants. While Lawson is more of a defensive end option, he could be a good fit with what the team is trying to do on the defensive line. The Giants now have some depth on the line after adding Harrison and Vernon while also keeping Jason Pierre-Paul on a one-year deal, but getting some more talent won't hurt anything.
The Giants ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks last season, and this year, the team must find a way to put more pressure on the quarterback. The draft surely can help with that.
