The NFL Draft has not been particularly kind to the New York Giants in recent years. There's a reason the team went all Albert Haynesworth-era Washington this offseason in NFL free agency, plugging holes that had developed in their lineup with big-ticket mercenaries like Janoris Jenkins and Olivier Vernon. As a result of those draft failings, it sure sounds like Giants owner John Mara doesn't plan on being kind to longtime New York GM Jerry Reese should the 2016 NFL Draft produce a similar result.
Mara, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, said in no uncertain terms that the draft later this month holds special significance for the team.
Per Mara, every draft is important, but the 2016 version is "more so than usual," adding that "it's time to pick it up." Mara also felt the need to state the seemingly obvious - that the draft needs to land some impact players in Big Blue's locker room.
Now, to say that Mara was directly targeting Reese with his remarks isn't accurate. He didn't say Reese's name and he didn't point any fingers, saying only that the team that was once built so consistently through the draft needed to get back to that type of roster construction.
But with Tom Coughlin ousted earlier this offseason, there's really nowhere else for the finger of blame to point should the Giants again suffer through an erratic and underwhelming season than directly at Reese.
Outside of the homerun that was Odell Beckham Jr. and, depending on your view on his outlook for next season, Jason Pierre-Paul, the first-round of the draft hasn't brought much in the way of elite talent to the Giants.
David Wilson is out of the NFL. Kenny Phillips and Hakeem Nicks, talented and productive though they may have been at points, ultimately flamed out due to a combination of attitude and injuries.
Prince Amukamara was a steady, if entirely unspectacular choice. He landed with the Jaguars on a one-year deal this offseason.
Justin Pugh failed to stick at tackle and, though he's played well since his move to guard, required a hefty commitment of draft capital for what has been to this point a middling return.
OBJ is, of course, one of the best wide receivers in the league and last year's first-round pick, Ereck Flowers, looks to have a bright future should his development continue.
But Mara's message, whether it be directed at Reese or not, is clear - get the job done or else.
