Mike Pouncey, Florida (ap)
Poised to select slightly later than midway through tonight’s first round of the NFL Draft, the Giants, as usual, are trying as hard as they can not to out-smart themselves. There are many different directions they can go with their first pick, and they won’t compromise their time-tested beliefs simply to make a big splash.
“We don’t want to make it harder than it is,” general manager Jerry Reese said. “We are not splitting the atom upstairs in the draft room. We are trying to figure out if these guys are going to be able to help our football team. So we don’t try to overanalyze it or make it more difficult than it is.”
The most obvious need is an outside linebacker, an ongoing issue for the Giants. Veteran Keith Bulluck last season tried and failed to secure a job for more than a one-year trial, and Clint Sintim, a 2009 second-round pick from Virginia, “needs to grow up,” in the estimation of Reese, before he can handle a starting role.
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This, however, is not the draft to find a first-round linebacker unless you are holding one of the top five picks, in which case you take Texas A&M’s Von Miller, sit back and smile. There might not be another true linebacker — not counting converted pass-rush defensive ends — taken in the first round. Any other linebacker the Giants might take at No. 19 would be considered a reach. Possible second- or third-round linebackers are Akeem Ayers (UCLA), Brooks Reed (Arizona), Bruce Carter (North Carolina), Chris Carter (Fresno State), and Dontay Moch (Nevada).
The most likely position for the Giants to target in the first round is offensive lineman. Florida’s Mike Pouncey is the only center/guard with a first-round grade worth taking at No. 19, but he might not be there and the Giants are unlikely to trade up to get him. The twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice, Pouncey likely could step in and start at center or left guard (Chris Snee is a fixture at right guard), providing insurance for veterans Shaun O’Hara, Rich Seubert and Adam Koets, all of whom are on the mend following surgeries.
“I’m sure the coaches are thinking they want to be protected,” Seubert, coming back from a dislocated kneecap and ligament damage, told The Post. “They’re going to have to do something because all three guys are rehabbing right now. I’m just hoping the guy they take fits with the team and helps us win. We’ll welcome them in with open arms, and if it is a first-round O-lineman picked, that means we get some better meals coming at night.”
Offensive tackle represents strong value, with Anthony Castonzo of Boston College, Nate Solder of Colorado and possibly Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin all worthy of first-round selection.
Given that this is the Giants, a defensive lineman always is in play early in the draft, and this particular draft is absolutely loaded with them. Defensive tackle is a concern, as Barry Cofield might be deemed an unrestricted free agent and appears adamant about finally landing a big payday. If he doesn’t return, there’s no proven starter alongside Chris Canty. Corey Liuget of Illinois would fit neatly, but finding him sitting there at No. 19 might be wishful thinking. Other options a bit later are Christian Ballard (Iowa), Stephen Paea (Oregon State) and Jersey product Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple).
Adding depth at running back, cornerback and tight end also are priorities. If Alabama’s Mark Ingram — the top back in the entire draft — is sitting there at No. 19, the Giants will have to be intrigued. At cornerback, Brandon Harris of Miami has a first-round grade and Aaron Williams of Texas is close. The top tight end is Notre Dame’s Kyle Rudolph, who will definitely be there in the first round and might be there when the Giants pick in the second round (52nd overall).
PREDICTION
Mike Pouncey, Florida. The only question is if he lasts long enough for Giants to add the best center/guard prospect in the draft, a blend of value and need.