The New York Giants have the ninth overall selection in the first round of tonight's NFL Draft and could address a number of areas. However, quarterback Eli Manning seems to have a preference for the potential pick.
There are a number of talented prospects that could fall to the Giants at No. 9, but Manning might be keen on upgrading the offensive unit despite the glaring holes on the defensive side of the ball.
"The Giants have scouts and personnel guys who have been looking at players and that's all they do," Manning told Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. "They know what's best and who the best players are and what we need. They have a system of doing things and it's not my job to get in the way. They do a great job and I put total faith in them.
"As a quarterback, you never complain about more offensive linemen or receivers or running backs or tight ends."
Based on the mock drafts of ESPN NFL Insiders Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, the Giants could be poised to take a few different players. The latest mocks suggest New York will be going after an offensive lineman, whether that be Iowa tackle Brandon Scherff or Miami tackle Ereck Flowers. Manning certainly wouldn't mind an NFL-ready offensive lineman considering the Giants' line struggled mightily last season and could use a tackle to help transition Justin Pugh back to the inside where he's more effective.
However, past mocks have had the Giants selecting Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat, who could be a more versatile option, and Missouri outside linebacker Shane Ray. Additionally, a number of playmakers such as Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper, Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker, Georgia running back Todd Gurley and others have been (at some point in these various mocks) projected to go after New York's No. 9 pick.
In the latest mocks, Cooper is projected to go top five while Parker and Gurley are between picks 10-17.
General manager Jerry Reese made it known earlier in the offseason that he will not hesitate to select a playmaker if the opportunity were to present itself, as he did in last year's draft when he took LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with the 12th overall pick. However, they were in much greater need of such a player at that time and could be more conservative this time around.
New York ranked 23rd in rushing yards (1,603) and 30th in yards per rush (3.6) in 2014, so it's clear they need more push up front. The line also allowed 30 sacks, which was good for T-21st with four other teams.
It's safe to say Manning would be glad if Reese took one of the top lineman prospects tonight.
