Greg Bartram — USA Today Sports
When one thinks of New York Giants‘ DT Johnathan Hankins who was drafted in the second round out of Ohio State, they think of his massive frame. While it may appear Hankins isn’t in football shape, he has always been able to anchor the interior for some good Buckeyes’ defenses. His defensive coordinator in college, Luke Fickell, even stated he will not impress many at all with his frame.
Hankins’ size was probably the reason he slid to the second round. He was an effective run stopper with the Buckeyes, clogging up the middle and allowing linebackers to be effective. However, many people may think his stamina could come into question because of his frame. He is listed around 320 lbs., but it doesn’t appear as though he has an ounce of muscle on his body.
The Giants definitely need a lane-clogging big guy like Hankins, so drafting him could turn out to be the best move general manager Jerry Reese will have made in the 2013 NFL Draft for his team. Hankins could be summoned to play on first and second downs while the Giants go to their pass rushing attack on third downs and other obvious passing situations.
If Hankins can do exactly what he’s meant to do, the Giants’ defense can become noticeably better. DEs Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul are good against the run on the edge, and plugging in Hankins alongside DT Linval Joseph in the middle forms a formidable front four. This will help the linebackers which will definitely be a patchwork unit at best.
When the front four is holding down their end, it helps the secondary a great deal. This could mean a bounce-back season for CB Corey Webster and CB Aaron Ross. Ross had a miserable season last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars after leaving the Giants via free agency following their Super Bowl XLVI win. Hankins can be responsible by his lonesome for a much improved defensive unit. Only time will tell.
