Eli Manning Poised For Fantasy Breakout?

For 8 years, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been quietly building a Hall Of Fame resume.

Let that sink in: Eli Manning, Hall Of Famer.

A few years ago we all would have laughed at the idea. Too many interceptions, not enough yards, and the “soft” label. But last season he topped the 4,500 yard mark for the first time in his career while leading the Giants to the Super Bowl Title for a second time. And now, the Giants are finally surrounding Manning with the kind of talent that could help him achieve another level no one thought possible until now:

Fantasy Superstar.

It’s hard to imagine in a Tom Coughlin-led world. But the Giants just went offensive in this year’s draft, and Manning has to be grinning from ear to ear. Here’s a recap of what the Giants added in the draft:

1st Round: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
2nd Round: Reuben Randle, WR, LSU
4th Round: Adrien Robinson, TE, Cincinnati

Wilson and Randle were two of my favorite players in the draft. Wilson has elite burst and change of direction, yet is a willing inside runner as well. He’ll pair with a healthy Ahmad Bradshaw to give the Giants an outstanding pair of runners. Randle was one of the most complete receivers available, and I was surprised when he fell as far as he did. Robinson is raw, but he’s an athletic freak with a high ceiling. Add him to a TE group that includes Travis Beckum, Jake Ballard, and former Cowboy Martellus Bennett, and that gives you a lot to choose from.

Randle will join a receiving group highlighted by Hakeem Nicks and last year’s breakout star, Victor Cruz. Last year’s 3rd round pick Jerrel Jernigan is an electric playmaker who could be a star in the slot and the return game. Opportunities were few last year, but the Giants expect big things from him.

The Giants also added depth to the offensive line with 4th round pick Brandon Mosely and 6th rounder Matt McCants.

It all adds up to an offense that could be diverse, and prolific. And after winning his second Super Bowl, Eli Manning now seems poised to help teams win fantasy championships in 2012.

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