Grading the Giants draft picks, Rounds 2-7

The Giants walked out of the draft with mixed results, as reports indicated that they initially looked at OT Jack Conklin out of Michigan State, but he was snagged by the Titans right before the Giants had a chance to select him. The team took CB Eli Apple with the 10th overall pick, as stated in a previous article. Here we will look at the other players that New York selected in the 2016 NFL Draft.

New York Giants

Round 2: Pick No. 40: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma, Highlights

Shepard had a total of 137 catches for 2,258 yards and 16 touchdowns over the final two seasons of his collegiate career. Giants scouting director Marc Ross said that he was a guy who made an impression on him for years. Although he is listed at 5'10" 194 pounds, an undersized height and weight for the position, many believe that this will not hold Shepard back in his NFL career. 

Shepard will likely make an immediate impact for the Giants as they are looking for a wide receiver to complement star Odell Beckham Jr., and fill the void that was left by oft-injured player Victor Cruz. In fact, fans may stack up Shepard against Cruz's former self, hoping that he gives Eli Manning yet another weapon to work with. GM Jerry Reese described Shepard as a slot receiver, but coach Ben McAdoo said he could move around to different positions. 

He is one to keep an eye on next season. 

Round 3: Pick No. 71: Darius Thompson, S, Boise State, Highlights

Last season, Steve Spagnuolo's defense lacked a true free safety and someone who was capable of making play calls in the back end of the defense. Many expect Thompson to step in right away and fill this void. Recently, Thompson broke Eric Weddle's Mountain West Conference record for career interceptions with 19. 

"I have a knack for finding the football," he said. "I feel like an interception is just as good as a touchdown, so that's what I'm going after."

Coach McAdoo said that Thompson's "instincts and twitch" are the qualities that allow him to locate the ball so effectively.

Round 4: Pick No. 109: B.J. Goodson, ILB, Clemson, Highlights

The Giants always pay close attention to the NFL Scouting Combine, and this year, Goodson lead all linebackers with 30 bench press reps. Before the draft, they had him in for a visit, and liked the fact that he was a middle linebacker and the team captain that made it to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Some say that he is, at best, a two-down linebacker at the NFL level that can help right away on special teams. Last year, the Giants ranked 24th against the run, so the Goodson pick will definitely look to right that number. Last year, he had 108 tackles for Clemson, along with 5.5 sacks, 2 INTs, and 14 tackles for loss. 

Round 5: Pick No. 149: Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA, Highlights

The Giants now have six running backs on their roster, but Perkins is believed to be a nice pickup because he offers above-average quickness and has the ability to break defenders' ankles, forcing missed tackles. Like any other late-round pick, he will have to force his way up the depth chart, but there is a legitimate chance that we see him before long.

His competition is Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Bobby Rainey, and Orleans Darkwa, so its feasible that, with a strong preseason, we see him in some kind of a regular role next season. Below is a chart that highlights his statistics from UCLA. 

Paul Perkins	Rush	Yards	YPC	TD
2014	251	1575	6.3	9
2015	237	1343	5.7	14
TOTAL	488	2918	6.0	23

Round 6: Pick No. 184: Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina, Highlights

Like Goodson from before, Adams had a very impressive combine performance. He had a 4.64 time in the 40 yard dash, which ranked as the best among all tight tends for the upcoming draft class. He proved to be a reliable pass-catcher for South Carolina. The Giants view him as athletic player who can improve his game at the NFL level. 

GM Jerry Reese said that Adams is currently a better blocker than receiver. He will likely begin on special teams and slowly earn playing time, but the Giants did lack a solid blocking tight end last year (after the loss of Daniel Fells due to illness), so its reasonable for the organization to make room for Adams if he looks good.

In case you missed it, check out my article detailing the Jets draft picks in rounds 2-7.