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2015 NFL Draft: New York Giants’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

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Pat Lovell -- USA TODAY Sports

2015 NFL Draft: New York Giants' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Jerry Reese New York Giants
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants were a team with plenty of holes when the offseason began. Rather than sign a few big-name free agents, they chose to sign a bunch of lesser-known players to smaller contracts hoping that the competition could bring out the best in some of them. So they have checked off quite a few of their needs on paper, but in reality they should still be looking for the following positions in this April’s NFL Draft.

5. Tight End

Jeff Heuerman Ohio State
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tight End

Jeff Heuerman Ohio State
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

This isn’t a very deep draft for tight ends -- although it rarely ever is. What this draft class does have is a handful of fairly well-rounded TEs. One or two might go early, but the Giants should definitely consider picking one up in Rounds 4-6 to back up Larry Donnell and Daniel Fells this season.

4. Offensive Line

Mitch Morse Missouri
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Offensive Line

Mitch Morse Missouri
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

New York signed two linemen this spring, one of whom -- CFL superstar Brett Jones -- may start. However, the Giants would be foolish if they were to bypass a lineman in the draft. With Geoff Schwartz returning from injury and Justin Pugh not as polished as they’d like, they desperately need depth at the position. A first-round pick might be too early, but they shouldn’t wait very long.

3. Linebacker

Denzel Perryman Miami
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

3. Linebacker

Denzel Perryman Miami
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Casillas and JT Thomas are two linebackers the Giants signed this offseason. They also have plenty of linebackers on the roster. However, aside from Devon Kennard none show great promise (or they’re past their prime). If the Giants were to select one early, it would be a huge boost to their defense. Personally, I think Denzel Perryman is a must-pick for the Giants.

2. Defensive End

Shane Ray Missouri
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2. Defensive End

Shane Ray Missouri
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants tagged Jason Pierre-Paul, and that’s great. They also only have third-down rushers Robert Ayers Jr. and Damontre Moore on the roster. With their first pick, the Giants should seriously consider picking the best defensive end available -- one who can play opposite JPP every down. This draft has loads of talent on the line, and New York would be amiss if they were to wait on one.

1. Safety

Landon Collins Alabama
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

1. Safety

Landon Collins Alabama - Copy
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

Currently, the Giants don’t have a proven player on the roster at either free safety or strong safety. GM Jerry Reese let Antrel Rolle walk and opted not to sign any of the top-of-the-market safeties available. Even Tom Coughlin mentioned a cornerback may have to convert to safety. While their No. 9 overall pick may be too early for a safety, it couldn’t hurt to draft a couple after that.

Matt Turner is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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