2013 New York Giants Draft Review

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad offensive lineman Justin Pugh of Syracuse (67) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants went into the 2013 NFL Draft with the same game plan that led them to their two Super Bowls in recent years; draft the best available player. Some questioned whether they were using this strategy after the first round when their selection wasn’t the top rated player on anyone’s board, but the Giants. After going after a tackle, which was a position of need, in the first, they proved to stick with their strategy by scooping up two defensive linemen with their next picks. If this didn’t prove GM Jerry Reese was sticking to his ways, they drafted a falling quarterback in the fourth to learn behind their franchise star, Eli Manning. In the fifth round, they drafted a player who could be viewed as either a safety or linebacker. They ended the draft with a guard and running back as their final two picks in the seventh round.

Round 1, Pick 19 – Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse – Pugh is an experienced player that can move all along the line. He has good range and mobility. He is a quicker player that can get to the second level. He keeps very good pad level. He doesn’t have great size for a tackle and may have to move into guard. He isn’t a strong player and can get bull rushed. He can be beat with quick moves, with lacking quick twitch movement.

Justin Pugh Grade – B-

Round 2, Pick 49 – Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State – Hankins is a big body that can defend against the run very well. He clogs holes and can move guards around. He is very quick for his size and can beat guards to the holes to stop plays. He has good hand placemen and is a sure tackler when bodies are around him. He is a three down player and very disruptive, but can wear down as the game goes on. Hankins get his pad levels too high at times and can get stood up when this happens. He will need to make sure he keeps his weight in check, while maximizing his strength to be a dominant force on the line.

Jonathan Hankins Grade – A-

Round 3, Pick 81 – Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M – Moore is a very lengthy player that will be able to play either defensive end or outside linebacker. He is quick off the ball and can get around the edge. He has the power to bull rush tackles and send them backwards. When his first move has been stopped, he continues to play and moves onto another move. He can contain the edge on his side and chases the play down from the backside. He is quick enough to have success on an inside slant move and is powerful enough to beat a tight end when they try to block him. He is an athlete that can drop into zone coverage. He is not an explosive athlete, just more of a well rounded one. He must improve on his balance when utilizing his spin move. Moore gets up the field, which allows him to be pushed around the pocket and leaves the edge open for running backs on run plays. He has a lot of upside, but needs to learn how to use his athleticism to his advantage.

Damontre Moore Grade – B+

Round 4, Pick 110 – Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse – Nassib is a strong armed, tough kid. He is a leader in the locker room and will make his teammates better. He can make all of the throws and is accurate when the pocket is clean. He has touch on his deep ball, but can zip the ball in on slants and hitches. He has a quick release and can step up into the pocket. He has a good play action fake, as well. Nassib trusts his arm too much and has a gunslinger mentality. This causes many turnovers and bad decisions. He comes up short on out throws and sails the ball over the middle due to bad footwork. Mobility is also a concern for Nassib, as he won’t be able to run away from defenders.

Ryan Nassib Grade – C

Round 5, Pick 152 – Cooper Taylor, S, Richmond – Taylor is a big safety, 6’4, 228 lbs., and some scouts considered moving him to linebacker. He will probably end up being an in-the-box safety. He showed that he takes good angles to the ball carrier and is a decent tackler. He has good awareness when in coverage, but will need to work on route recognition. Taylor had very good measurables at his pro day, but will need more experience against NFL competition because he played at Richmond. Taylor is going to have to find a position in the NFL.

Cooper Taylor Grade – B-

Round 7, Pick 225 – Eric Herman, OG, Ohio – Herman is a very experienced guard, playing in all four straight seasons at Ohio, after being redshirted. He led the team in pancakes each season that he started. He has very good power. He earned honors in his last two season. He needs to face better competition, after playing at Ohio. He isn’t as quick as some would like for a guard and needs to use his leverage more consistently.

Eric Herman Grade – C+

Round 7, Pick 253 – Michael Cox, RB, Massachusetts – Cox is a big running back that hasn’t had much production. He had a breakout season his last year, but didn’t play much at all before that season. There is a reason he barely saw the field at Massachusetts.

Michael Cox Grade – D

Giants Overall Grade – B-

Justin Bales

@DraftTerritory