Three Things the Giants Need to Do to Win Super Bowl LII
Last year, the New York Giants fell in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. A few minor changes could lead them back to glory
The New York Giants are a strong contender going into the 2017 NFL season. Last year, the Giants tied for the second-best record in the NFC and let up the second-fewest points in the NFL. A few subtle adjustments would place the Giants at the top of the picture for the upcoming season.
On defense, the Giants have several playmakers. Landon Collins had 100 tackles, 4 sacks, and 5 interceptions last year. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had a team-high 6 interceptions and a team-high 21 pass deflections. Free agent acquisitions Damon Harrison, Janoris Jenkins, and Olivier Vernon led the Giants to allowing just 17.8 points per game, second-fewest in the NFL. Their stifling defense is by far their strongest asset, however, the Giants’ offense needs some work.
Swiping Brandon Marshall from the Jets is a huge score for the offense, as the Giants now have the best 1–2 punch at wide receiver in the NFL. They still have 2-time Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning under center. Despite the addition of Marshall and a potential future Hall of Famer under center, there are a few areas that the Giants should look to improve on Thursday night.
Offensive Line
The Giants’ offensive line was bad last year. There is no reason to mince words and this is a major sore spot. Luckily, the NFL Draft is just around the corner and there are a few prospects that would be a perfect fit for Big Blue.
Despite his age (25), Garrett Bolles is arguably the top tackle prospect available. Bolles is an elite athlete with quick feet and would serve as a sparkplug for the Giants’ offense. If the Giants miss out on Bolles, there are other options in the back half of the first round.
Ryan Ramczyk is another top option. Coming from Wisconsin, Ramczyk performed at the highest level for the number eight team in the country. Over the season, Ramczyk did not allow a QB pressure through his first 100-pass-block attempts and finished the year by being named a First Team All-American.
If the Giants miss out on Bolles and Ramczyk, Cam Robinson is a strong player who could start Opening Day. Robinson stepped in as a freshman for Alabama and played at the highest level for three years. After winning the Outland Trophy, which is given to the top interior lineman, Robinson declared for the draft. Any of these three players would be a major upgrade for the Giants and put them in a much better position next year.
Running Back
If the Giants decide to go in a different direction in the early rounds of the draft, one position that could use attention is running back. Paul Perkins and Rashad Jennings barely eclipsed 1,000 yards combined, but fortunately the class is deep at running back this year. Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara are all top prospects that could be off the board in the first round. While Fournette is a lock for the top 10, Dalvin Cook’s status is unknown. If Cook falls to the 23rd spot in the draft, will Jerry Reese be able to say no?
Tight End
While the Giants’ passing game greatly improved with the addition of Brandon Marshall, there is still room for improvement. Last year, three different players barely totaled 600 yards. Luckily for Big Blue, there are several prospects that will be available Day 2 for the Giants to plug in. Evan Engram and Gerald Everett both draw comparisons to Jordan Reed, the Pro Bowl tight end on the Redskins. Other options include Jake Butt, originally a first-round prospect but has since fell down draft boards after tearing his ACL during the Orange Bowl, and Jordan Leggett who played a major role in Clemson’s national championship.
The Giants can address all of these needs on Thursday night. If they do, the rest of the NFL should watch out because Big Blue is coming for you.
