The New York Giants' problems last season were widespread, but if you pushed head coach Tom Coughlin on the issue, he'd probably say that the defense was the bigger concern. The team finished 18th in opposing passing yards (240.6) and 30th in opposing rushing yards (135.1). On the other side of the field, the offense seemed to stabilize after the arrival of Odell Beckham Jr. In fact, Eli Manning finished the regular season with the best completion percentage (63.1) of his career while throwing for the second most yards (4,410) and touchdowns (30) since taking over in the Big Apple.
But New York's running game was still a bit of a mess and that may be why Coughlin is reportedly targeting the offensive line with the team's ninth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects the G-Men to select Iowa offensive tackle Brancon Scherff.
"I think this pick would depend upon whether the Giants retain Jason Pierre-Paul in free agency," McShay wrote. "If they don't, then pass-rusher becomes a top need and a guy like Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr. might be under consideration. But if JPP stays, I think the smart play here is to continue to solidify the offensive line. Left tackle Will Beatty played better in OC Ben McAdoo's system and 2014 second-rounder Weston Richburg should take over for JD Walton at center, leaving Scherff to start at either guard spot and possibly beat out Justin Pugh for the right tackle job. He is perfectly wired to be a New York Giants offensive lineman. He's durable, tough, strong and nasty. The Giants also have needs at linebacker, safety and possibly D-tackle if Mike Patterson leaves in free agency."
McShay isn't the only one to bring up Scherff as an option for the Giants come draft time. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post also mentioned the 6-foot-4, 320 pound OL as a possibility.
New York has several glaring needs on defense. But an opportunity to keep Manning upright and improve the running game may be the team's first choice when it comes to offseason upgrades.
