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If the New York Giants want to get back into the hunt for the NFC East crown, there are a few things they need to do in order to get there. Finding another explosive receiver to pair with Odell Beckham, Jr. is certainly one of them. Shoring up their defense with a free safety, or even a talented pass rusher, would go a long way too. But above all of that, this one goal needs to happen first and foremost in the 2015 NFL Draft.
They need to protect Eli Manning.
It’s no secret that getting pressure on any quarterback will throw them off their game. Hit them a few times, get a couple of sacks, smack them around when they scramble and sooner or later they’re going to crumble. But Manning has always fallen apart harder than most; his collapses tend to be epic and, for the opposing team, glorious. It’s especially important to keep him upright when he’s not in sync with his receivers, because Manning will throw more than his fair share of interceptions.
Being an Eagles fan, it pains me to say this, but we’ve all seen what Manning can do when he’s given time. When that guy is on, he is on. So when I hear the rumors about the Giants wanting a receiver like Amari Cooper, or being open to swinging a big trade for Dante Fowler, Jr., I don’t buy it for a second. I know that offensive linemen aren’t sexy draft picks, but they’re the heart and soul of what the offense can do. The Dallas Cowboys won like they did last season because of the change in offensive philosophy, sure, but they couldn’t have done it without a great offensive line.
With the way the draft board seems to be logically falling right now, the Giants are fortunate that they’re picking where they are. No. 9 overall will have a number of top lineman available. Perhaps the best option would be Brandon Scherff, who can slide to either tackle or guard, but more likely I think they’d be looking at Erick Flowers. They’d be fortunate if that’s the case — Flowers is violent, nasty and could provide a punch to the offensive line well worthy of a top-10 pick. Keep Manning upright, and the Giants could surprise the doubters in 2015.
Doug Green is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL. Follow him on Twitter @DGreenNFL.
