The topic of this week’s Cover 3 is which position the Giants didn’t draft and what that tells us about the state of the roster.
John Schmeelk: I like the question, but I think the answers can be a bit misleading simply because not every need can be filled in a seven-player draft class. The Giants might have really wanted to add a defensive tackle, but if none were available matching the value of their draft slots on the first two days, is it fair to really extrapolate any larger philosophy or plan out of it? I’m not sure.
With that said, I’m willing to go on the record about a couple different things. The Giants really like their tight end room and believe they have the players to fill every role you require from the position. This was an extremely deep tight end class with multiple players available that profile as either a blocker, receiver, or both at the NFL level. The fact the Giants did not use one pick on a tight end when 21 were selected does likely signal the Giants think Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Thomas Fidone II, and Patrick Ricard can carry the load.
I’ll also point to safety. Nineteen of them were taken in the draft, but the Giants didn’t select any. Safeties are often good special teams players too, which makes passing on one indicative that the Giants think they can start the season with confidence in the room consisting of that Jevón Holland, Tyler Nubin, Ar’Darius Washington, and Jason Pinnock.
I also thought about including running back here. Even though I do believe they like the room, the class was so shallow (only 13 drafted and two in Rounds 1-3) I hesitate to make any flash judgments about it.