Maybe it wasn’t necessarily an edict or a command, but it’s clear the Giants are trying to limit the chances of depending on another player like safety Will Hill.
If there’s a common thread through the Giants’ first three picks of the 2014 draft, it’s that all were “clean” picks, according to general manager Jerry Reese. Clean as in dependable.
LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., taken in the first round on Thursday, second-round pick Weston Richburg, a center from Colorado State, and third-round choice Jay Bromley, a defensive tackle from Syracuse, are all the type of high-character, hard-working prospects that likely won’t keep coaches up at night worrying about their off-the-field activities.
Certainly, a team doesn’t need to be full of choirboys to win a Super Bowl. But apparently when co-owner John Mara suggested the Giants take fewer risks in the draft, someone was listening.
LSU coach Les Miles, who attended the Mets game at Citi Field on Friday night, called Beckham “a team leader.” Richburg was a four-year starter and team captain at Colorado State, while Bromley was also a captain at Syracuse. To the Giants, that’s value added to all the physical tools such as speed, strength and versatility.
“We have no question about this kid’s character, his work ethic, his focus and how serious he is about the job he’s about to undertake,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said of Bromley. “Those things speak highly of what we’ve tried to do throughout this draft up to this point.”
Hill is appealing the prospect of being suspended for a third straight season, this time for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He is the poster child for unfulfilled potential. It’s difficult enough to acquire a player who can be productive even when his focus is entirely on football. It becomes even more catastrophic if the player sabotages his career the way Hill has.
That’s why the Giants were ecstatic to have drafted not only three talented players, but players who also have displayed the kind of leadership qualities coaches can depend on.
Listening to Coughlin, you would think being a team captain is as important to the Giants as a player’s speed in the 40-yard dash.
“It’s an individual that’s not only a good football player, but someone that’s respected and trusted on the part of his teammates,” Coughlin said. “To have an individual that’s courageous, strong of character and strong in belief and is willing to sacrifice it usually speaks for a guy that gives it all and leads by example.”
Richburg fits the bill. His resume is impressive: a four-year starter and team captain with a solid 6-foot-3, 298-pound frame. He has the athletic ability to pull and block on the run, offering an added dimension to the Giants’ new offense.
“He was an ideal pick for us,” Reese said. “A clean pick.”
It’s good he fills a need, too. The offensive line was a mess last season and was a central reason for a disappointing 0-6 start and eventual 7-9 record. Center David Baas and guard Chris Snee missed significant time with injuries and tackle Will Beatty suffered a severe knee injury during the final regular–season game. David Diehl retired.
Snee will attempt a comeback from a bad hip and Beatty is hoping to be ready for the season. Reese added some depth during free agency by signing tackle Charles Brown (Saints), center J.D. Walton (Broncos), guard John Jerry (Dolphins) and guard Geoff Schwartz (Chiefs). Now the Giants have added Richburg.
“The center position here for us is one of responsibility in terms of dictating to the rest of the offensive line exactly how the scheme is going to go,” Coughlin said. “This guy will fit right in in terms of that.”
Bromley fills a need at defensive tackle, too. The Giants think they have players they can coach on the field and won’t have to worry about off of it.