The New York Giants haven't made any big moves this offseason to the disappointment of some fans. Sure, Shane Vereen is a quality pass-catching back and Preston Parker is going to help out in the return game. Franchising Jason Pierre-Paul guarantees the team one more year with its best pass-rusher and the hope is that Victor Cruz can return healthy and effective this season. But by and large, this is the same team that finished 6-10 last year and third in the NFC East.
But perhaps the Giants are waiting for the NFL Draft to make their splashiest move of the offseason. In a recent three round mock draft, ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projected New York to select Georgia running back Todd Gurley with the No. 9 overall pick.
"Yes, this is early for a running back, but Gurley is one of the best overall prospects in this draft class and the best player on the board in this scenario," McShay wrote. "He's a fit too, as the Giants lacked a big-play threat at running back last season, and free-agent pickup Shane Vereen is more of a part-time back whose biggest contributions come via the passing game."
The Giants finished 23rd in rushing yards per game (100.2) and yards per carry (3.6) last year. Rashad Jennings, in his first year with the team, struggled with injuries that limited him to just 11 games on the season. Adding Gurley, who is the most talented running back in this draft when healthy, would allow both Jennings and Vereen to operate in complimentary roles. Although a top ten pick is a steep price to pay for a ball carrier these days, Gurley would immediately turn a weakness into a strength for New York.
The Giants could also use some offensive line help such as Iowa tackle Brandon Scherff at No. 9. That would be a safer selection (though many believe Scherff is best suited for guard at the pro level) than Gurley. But giving quarterback Eli Manning a potentially special back in addition to the scintillating Odell Beckham Jr. is an enticing course of action for an offense that knows its franchise signal-caller doesn't have too many years left.
What do you think, Giants fans? Would you like to see Gurley in the Big Apple? Let us know in the comments section below.
