The NY Giants went heavy on offense in the 2014 draft and now rumors have two of their top picks in Odell Beckham and Andre Williams as potential replacements in the starting lineup for Replacing Hakeem Nicks and David Wilson and that could be a huge boost for Eli Manning as the team installs a new offense this season with coordinator Ben McAdoo.
The Giants took Beckham with the 12th overall pick in the draft in the first round and GM Jerry Reese opted to go with a wide receiver over other potential options like Zack Martin on the offensive line or Aaron Donald on defense. Heading into the draft WR was a glaring need and clearly Reese addressed that early with Beckham, who came out of LSU with some explosive skills after a great season with the Tigers. The Giants liked his ability to run routes and also his impact on special teams and he could contribute there and on offense this season.
Williams was a very solid pick in the fourth round and Reese said that the team found it amazing that the Boston College running back was still available for them to take. While Williams had zero catches last season, he led the nation in rushing with over 2,000 yards and the rushing attack was another glaring need for the Giants and that made the pick very simple, as the G-Men had given Williams a second round grade.
The Giants view David Wilson as basically a waste of a first round pick after the way he has performance and now that he is injured, the team has to act like he isn't even there and whatever he can give them is positive. That's where Williams comes in. Less responsibility for Wilson means less pressure and that also means he can focus on special teams as well, where he showed he can be a big weapon. Wilson suffered a neck injury and now his future is in question and that allows Williams to step in with Rashad Jennings and Peyton Hillis to give the Giants depth at running back.
Bromley at defensive tackle, safety Nat Berhe, linebacker Devon Kennard and cornerback Bennett Jackson all fit needs for the Giants and that is what Reese focused on in this draft. Manning had ankle surgery in the offseason and he is coming into the new offense a little behind since he can't practice or workout yet, but adding a polished weapon like Beckham helps. The two also have a connection from Louisiana, as Beckham went to the same high school as Eli and Peyton Manning and that could also be a factor in getting the chemistry right from day one without much experience playing with each other. The Giants have high hopes for this draft class.