New York Giants: 5 Potential 2016 NFL Draft First-Round Targets
The New York Giants are without question one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the 2016 NFL Draft continues to approach. It will be a draft that helps decide whether the Giants are playoff contenders once again.
Last season, New York ended the year with a 6-10 record, and there weren’t too many positives to take from the season. If the Giants want to get back into the playoffs, they will need to bring in an impact player or two in the draft. Everything will start with the No. 10 overall pick in the draft when the Giants come on the clock.
Looking ahead at the first round of the draft, there are many different options that the Giants will have with their current pick.
They could go either offense or defense with the pick and still come away with a superstar. Mock drafts have had them picking dozens of different players and some even believe that they will end up trading their pick.
All of that being said, what five prospects could be targets for the Giants in the 2016 NFL Draft?
Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State Buckeyes
New York could use an upgrade at the running back position and Ezekiel Elliott would make a lot of sense for them. Elliott finished the 2015 college football season with 289 carries for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns. Those numbers show why Elliott is being considered a top-10 pick and why the Giants would be smart to consider him with their pick.
Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor Bears
Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman is one of the most lethal offensive playmakers in the NFL Draft. Pairing him with Odell Beckham Jr. would make life a lot easier for Eli Manning. New York may not choose to take a wide receiver that early in the draft, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see them do it.
Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama Crimson Tide
Adding another strong linebacker is a need for the Giants’ defense, and Reggie Ragland would help fill that need. He is one of the strongest linebackers in the draft and has the potential to become a star at the next level. New York would be an excellent fit for Ragland, and there is a strong chance that he will be one of the top players considered with the No. 10 overall pick.
Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State Spartans
Eli Manning needs more protection from his offensive line, which could force the Giants to consider a player like Jack Conklin. He would add excellent size to the offensive line and could compete for a starting job immediately. New York will have a few different players to choose from if they want an offensive lineman, but Conklin makes a lot of sense.
New York could also consider adding outside linebacker Myles Jack with the No. 10 overall pick. He would add athleticism and speed to their defense, and could end up being a pass rushing threat at the next level. Jack may not be available when the Giants are on the clock, but he certainly fits into the target definition that we are discussing.
Expect to see the Giants make a splash with their first-round draft pick. They know that they have to make some moves to get back into contention with the NFC being a very tough and competitive conference. New York certainly can get back into the postseason in 2016, but their first round pick will have to be a part of it.
Who do you think the New York Giants should select with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft? Do you think that one of these five players is the best fit for the Giants?
[Photo by AP Photo/Orlin Wagner]
