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In this edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series, we will examine the New York Giants. Catch up on previous articles by reading about the Bengals, Lions, and Redskins.
This series takes an in-depth look at each team and the potential picks that may be made in the upcoming draft. Based on each team's needs, I will project the first three selections and give fantasy football managers perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations.
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2019 Review
We have a new era in New York with last year's top pick, Daniel Jones, now the unheralded starting quarterback for the team. He didn't have a bad rookie season, finishing just outside the top-20 in the 13 games he played. He took risks down the field but was also adept at creating turnover-worthy plays, harming his fantasy value. If he can cut down on the mistakes, he has the playmakers around him to become a fringe QB1 in 2020. But make no mistake about it, this offense runs through Saquon Barkley. Even missing three games on the season, he finished just inside the top-10 (1,441 total yards, 52 receptions, and eight total TD). Barkley looked tentative at times in 2019 and you could say that he played safe after his injury took place. But he will once again be one of the top RBs off the board in drafts this year.
The receiving group with the Giants may be the biggest question mark for 2020. Sterling Shepard is paid like a WR1 for the team but is better as a WR2. The same goes for Golden Tate, who was inconsistent at best last season. But the real gem for this team may be what they found with Darius Slayton. He put together a solid but quiet rookie season and led the receiving corps in yardage and scores (740 yards and eight TD). This team has the potential to be productive from a fantasy standpoint, but it all hinges on the growth of Daniel Jones.
Looking ahead towards the draft, the Giants have a few areas of need. The offensive line needs to be addressed to alleviate pressure from Jones and allow for Barkley to work more in space. But where I see this team focusing the most is on the defensive side of the ball. A bottom-tier unit, this team needs to solidify a few positions on defense if they expect to turn things around. They have trouble getting to the quarterback and the secondary was one of the worst in the league a season ago. But from a fantasy perspective, this defense should again be a lower-tier group in 2020, meaning there will be more opportunities for Jones and the offense to score. So let's jump into the Giants and see what this draft may bring that can improve their fantasy fortunes in 2020.
New York Giants - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 70.7 (21st)
Defense: 65.9 (22nd)
Overall: 74.3 (23rd)
TEAM NEEDS
OT, EDGE, CB
First Selection (1. 04)
Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville
After his performance at the combine, Becton has shot up the draft board and is in line to be the first offensive lineman off the board. GM David Gettleman is likely to be enamored with such a big lineman that has the speed that we saw in his 40-yard dash (5.1). But his speed score aside, his enormous frame coupled with movement and force makes him a prospect that will slide into a starting spot from day one.
His technique will allow him to succeed in any run-blocking scheme as well as pass-protection against any type of edge rusher. He will be great for the continued to develop for both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
Second Selection (2.04)
Zack Baun, OLB Wisconsin
Another player that had a great combine, Baun is an ascending prospect whose amazing traits can be reflected in his production on the field. He is an explosive player that can wreak havoc on offensive tackles but also has the wherewithal to be an exceptional run defender at the next level.
He would immediately fill a two-way role for the Giants in that regard. Expect for him to start right out of the gate and become a player that will be a tough matchup for offenses for several years. Baun could also be an under the radar IDP prospect as early as 2020.
Third Selection (3rd, compensatory round)
Troy Pride, CB Notre Dame
Pride is a pro-ready prospect that has all the measurables that teams look for at the position. His height and weight allow him to match up against some of the game's bigger wideouts. His speed and athleticism give him the ability to keep up with smaller, faster receivers. But the issue with Pride is that he sometimes lacks confidence and it can affect his consistency play to play.
He is more comfortable in off-man zone coverage, that plays to his strengths. The deeper he has to play a route, he can sometimes lose coverage even with the speed. All in all, Pride is a solid prospect that should come in and compete right away for the Giants.
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