2014 NY Giants Draft Recap: Round 4 through 6
Round 4 Andre Williams (RB): Finally a draft pick that makes sense and one that will immediately contribute to the Giants 2014 season. Williams is a work horse and runs hard as he was basically the entire offense at Boston College. The Combination of Williams along with Jennings will give the Giants a dynamic duo threat and put pressure on opposing defenses.
Make no mistake; Jennings will be the feature RB on the Giants. However; Williams will have a huge part in the success of this team offensively. – Grade B+
Round 5A Nat Berhe (S): With the personal problems of Will Hill and most likely another suspension and release. At some point, it was expected that the Giants were going to select a Safety. Round 5 made sense as the Giants had an extra pick thanks to compensation. Berle is a value pick in round 5 and will be an asset for the Giants on special teams as a rookie.
Solid tackler, very intelligent and always seems to be in the right position on the field. Grade C+.
Round 5B Devon Kennard (OLB): Finally Jerry Reese and the Giants draft a pass rusher in Devon Kennard. Rated at #17 at the OLB position, Kennard displayed quickness off the edge and at times played as a DE (3 point stance) at USC.
The main issue for Kennard has been his durability; which affected his draft status. If Kennard can find a way to avoid injury and become more durable at the next level, he can develop into a solid OLB/DE. – Grade C+
Round 6 Bennett Jackson (CB): Jackson was rated 35th at his position and in my opinion a wasted pick by Jerry Reese. Plenty of other prospects still on the board (Daniel McCullers (DT), Seantrel Henderson (OT), E.J Gaines (CB) Demetri Goodson (CB) Zach Fulton (OG)). – Grade D.
This was a tale of two drafts for the Giants as rounds 1 through 3 were very questionable; while rounds 4 through 6 showed better judgment. By no means was this one of Jerry Reese’s better drafts as only time will tell.
However; this is also not one of Jerry Reese’s worse drafts (2012 & 2013). Has Jerry Reese made the Giants a better team through the draft moving forward, (not in my opinion) or will the Giants miss the playoffs again this coming season? (perhaps) All of these answers will somehow be answered this season and hopefully I am wrong with my assessment.
My overall grade for the Giants 2014 NFL draft is a C+
Michael Stewart | Contributor