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By: Marco Imperati | Featured Columnist

Shortly after the Giants make their first pick at number 9, Jerry Reese will step to the podium and talk about drafting the best player available and how the player stacked up in their row.

When you hear “row“, that’s the grade that the Giants placed on a player. From that perspective, they will take the highest player available. In 2011 when the team selected Prince Amukamara, they never thought he would be available where they were drafting because he was ranked so much higher in their room.

Looking ahead as we near 15 days and counting until the highly anticipated draft, here is the cluster of players that I think will be in play for the New York Giants at number 9.

Trae Waynes CB, Michigan State: The Giants lost Prince to a season ending injury last year. Dominique Rodgers Cromartie battled injuries all year last year. Trumaine McBride is slated to be the 3rd CB this season. Waynes is the best CB in the draft and fits in immediately and down the line.

Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa: The best fit from a mock draft standpoint. There are needs on the offensive line and Scherff can come in from day one and start at guard. A smart, physical players who mirrors what the Cowboys saw in Zac Martin last year.

Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas: Probably not on a lot of lists. A solid DT who would fit nicely next to Johnathan Hankins. Can rush the passer and stop the run. If the Giants are looking for a DT at number 9, the big DT out of Washington, Danny Shelton could also be their guy.

Ereck Flowers, OL, Miami: My dark horse that is gaining speed as we near the final lap. Only 20 years old and lead the combine in bench presses, however that’s not why you draft him with the number 9 overall pick. He projects to be a tackle down the line but can step in day one and be a physically mauling guard. Rumors are swirling that the team has met with him several times before the draft and at his pro day.

Devonte Parker, WR, Louisville: I think Parker is a lot closer to the top two WR’s (Kevin White and Amari Cooper) that is being discussed. He is pro ready and bounced back from a foot injury to have a monster year at Louisville and that was after losing his quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater a year earlier. If number 9 is too rich for a WR, fans should keep an eye out for Nelson Algholor out of USC in round 2.