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The New York Giants are entering the 2015 NFL Draft with several needs to fill. Everyone is quick to point out the offensive line and the safety position but defensive end is a glaring need for the Giants and there could be a couple of intriguing prospects available for the Giants when they pick ninth overall.
One of those prospects is Dante Fowler, Jr. of the University of Florida. Fowler isn’t the best pass rusher in this class, that tile might belong to Randy Gregory who has a too many off-field questions, but he is arguably the most consistent. He does everything well and plays from snap to whistle. He still motors even when he is gassed.
His numbers don’t stand out as anything impressive. He accumulated 57 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. However, he would be able to step in right away in a 4-3 like the Giants run and become a valuable member of a rotation with Damontre Moore, Jason Pierre-Paul and Robert Ayers and could increasingly press for playing time. Everything that has been reported about Fowler makes him look like a Tom Coughlin favorite. He is said to be a hard worker who could easily handle Coughlin’s style of coaching and is quick to learn from mistakes.
Fowler could very well be there when the Giants submit their card. Adding a potential star at defensive end that can also play linebacker would be a huge boost to the Giants’ pass rush. If he is available there is no reason the Giants shouldn’t draft him. The Giants won their two Super Bowls under the strength of their consistent pass rush and Fowler could have an immediate impact.
The Giants can’t afford to draft based solely on need. Yes, defensive end is a need but not considered their most pressing need. Fowler though could very well be the best prospect on their board when it comes time to make their pick. The Giants need to pick the player who will be able to step in and have the biggest immediate impact regardless of position. Fowler could very well be that guy.
