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NFL Draft Grades 2016: NFC East Winners and Losers

By Steven Mullenax

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Eli Apple (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Giants as the number ten overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Eli Apple (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Giants as the number ten overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants

1-10 Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
2-40 Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
3-71 Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
4-109 B.J. Goodson, ILB, Clemson
5-149 Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
6-184 Jerrell Adams, TE, South Carolina

Analysis: I believe the New York Giants panicked a bit when they selected cornerback Eli Apple. Still, he’s a very young corner who could develop into a very nice player. Unfortunately, with the 10th overall selection you are not looking for developmental players.

Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is an excellent receiver and should really tell you everything you need to know about the team’s belief that 29-year old veteran wide out Victor Cruz can return to form following his injuries. Cruz hasn’t played a meaningful game since October of 2014. Shepard is an instant starter besides Odell Beckham Jr.

Thompson has the traits you like to see in a downhill safety, but is far too inconsistent. His addition plus that of Goodson’s should add depth to a defense recently bolstered through free agency.

The choice of running back Paul Perkins in the fifth round is a stroke of genius and could pay off for the G-Men as quickly as this season. The talented UCLA runner joins a depth chart that includes Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Shane Vereen, and the underrated Orleans Darkwa. Since the Giants have a new coaching staff, Perkins should get his chance to shine this season over these veterans.

Grade: B-

Next: NFC East Draft Grade: Dallas Cowboys

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