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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects New York Giants Should Target in First Round

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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects New York Giants Should Target in First Round

Danny Shelton Washington
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

After a year to review GM Jerry Reese’s 2014 draft class, we can assuredly give him an A. If he can repeat that, the Giants could be surprise contenders in 2015. He’s doing a good job in free agency, but if he can round out the roster with a couple great picks, the Giants will be in great shape. With their ninth overall pick, here are five players the Giants should target in the first round.

5. Amari Cooper, WR

Amari Cooper Alabama
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sport

5. Amari Cooper, WR

Amari Cooper Alabama
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sport

When the college football season ended, there were almost no mock drafts with Cooper available this late. However, recently Kevin White is the hot commodity, and if Cooper does in fact slip, the Giants must consider him. Wide receiver isn’t their biggest need but to get a player of that quality to pair with Odell Beckham Jr. is almost too good to pass up.

4. Brandon Scherff, OT

Brandon Scherff Iowa
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

4. Brandon Scherff, OT

Brandon Scherff Iowa
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Scherff was the player many experts had the Giants selecting in most of their early mocks. He’s a big man and an aggressive player -- perfect for Tom Coughlin. So far in free agency, the Giants have picked up two offensive linemen, and it seems they’re comfortable finding another through FA or late in the draft. A player like Scherff would be definitely solidify the line more than any free agent the Giants sign, however.

3. Danny Shelton, DT

Danny Shelton Washington
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Danny Shelton, DT

Danny Shelton Washington
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Shelton is a big, run-stopping DT who could anchor the Giants’ D-line. A pass-rusher is a bit more of a concern for the Giants, but Shelton alongside Johnathan Hankins and Jason Pierre-Paul would give New York three great run-stoppers on the line. If they can stop the run, they’ll force the QB to pass, which would let DC Steve Spagnuolo get creative. The best way to get the Giants back to the playoffs is by strengthening the defensive line.

2. Landon Collins, S

Landon Collins Alabama
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

2. Landon Collins, S

Landon Collins Alabama
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

The Giants’ biggest need right now is at safety. They lost Antrel Rolle in free agency, and haven’t really done anything to replace him. Collins is the best safety available, but at the ninth overall pick the Giants may be reaching a bit for him. It’s tough to pass up on the best player at a position you need, but with a top-10 pick the Giants are better off going with the best player regardless of positions.

1. Shane Ray, DE

Shane Ray Missouri
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

1. Shane Ray, DE

Shane Ray Missouri
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Ray is the perfect fit for the Giants. He’s a great athlete, plays a position the Giants need improvement at, and could possibly be on the board when the Giants pick. He’s a pure power rusher who hasn’t quite rounded out his finesse moves, but that will come with experience. If he is opposite of JPP, the Giants are almost guaranteed a playoff berth.

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