SSnow's 7 Round Giants Mock Draft

1. Ryan Ramcyzk OT Wisconsin

The Giants could easily go defense here, but the need for a more stable left tackle is a lot more urgent after the way this spot performed this season. Ramcyzk has the footwork and strength to hold up well against good pass rushers and is a steady blocker in the running game. The only concern here is his recovery from arthroscopic surgery on his labrum that will cause him to miss the combine. However, if he can heal quickly and impress at his pro day this pick should be a no-brainer.

2. Gerald Everett TE South Alabama

Once Larry Donnell lost his starting job, it became evident that the team would look to replace him. With wideout like abilities, Everett is just the kind of tight end the Giants offense is looking for. He’s a coverage nightmare for linebackers and smaller secondary players whom will struggle to match his physical style and breakaway speed. If he can impress in Indianapolis, the team will find it hard to pass him up.

3. DeMarcus Walker DE Florida State

The Giants must continue to add depth to the defensive line, Walker is the type of pass rusher the team has looked for in years past. He's has excellent speed off the edge and at times can physically dominate his man at the line of scrimmage. His impressive 25 sack total in two seasons should help him standout among the rest of the mid draft talents. Unless Reese feels otherwise, expect the Giants to give him a good look at the combine.

4. Dalvin Tomlinson DT Alabama

The team has a bi8g decision to make with Johnathan Hankins on the offseason. Should the let him walk in free agency, there will be a need to replace him with a stopper that can line up next to Damon Harrison. He may have trouble adjusting to a more complete role in the NFL, but the Giants have the veteran talent to help him learn and grow into a formidable middle man.

5. Ben Gedeon LB Michigan

Although so many Giants fans would like to see this position filled much earlier, one should believe that Reese will once again get cold feet and elect to make a safer LB pick. Gedeon had an impressive Senior Bowl which helped get him noticed by several teams and it would make a lot of sense for the Giants to look at him in this spot. He's an experienced signal caller that knows how to play the game of football.

6. Zach Pascal WR Old Dominion

Unless the team decides to bring back Victor Cruz or sign a replacement, a wide receiver should fall to them in the late rounds. Pascal earned second team all-conference in Old Dominion by having decent hands and good abilities in the return game. Though he probably won't knock anyones socks off in the pros, he fits the bill when it comes to NFL ready receivers.

7. Caleb Peterson G North Carolina

Big Blue must find more depth at the right guard position since it has been a bit of a revolving door for too long. Peterson is a solid blocker whom had success protecting top QB prospect Mitch Trubisky and showed some talent in the running game. He doesn't appear to be very high on many scouts draft boards, but the Giants can't afford tom pass on filing a position of need.

4 Areas The Giants Need To Focus On In The Offseason

Photo: Kim Klement USA Today Sports

Offensive Tackle

The left tackle experiment with Ereck Flowers has been a near disaster as he lacks the ability to contain even the most remotely skilled pass rusher. That puts pressure on the team to find a more capable player with tools and experience to protect Manning's blind side. It would be easy to search the free agent market, but the team is better suited taking one in the upcoming draft. Flowers on the other hand is beter suited as the right tackle spot, the position he played regularly at Miami

Middle Linebacker

For the most part, the linebackers played pretty well this season. However, that doesn't mean that the Giants can get complacent with the current group. It's been a long time since the team had a true stud at middle linebacker so it's time to end this drought and a upper tier talent. There are plenty of good linebackers coming out of the collegiate ranks this year, it would be a shame to see the Giants let this golden opportunity to upgrade slip away.

Fullback

One thing the Giants running game was sorely missing this season was a true fullback. After Nikita Whitlock and Will Johnson went down with injuries (plus a subsequent suspension for Whitlock) the team never bothered to replace them. Unfortunately for them, they wound up regretting it as the team finished dead last in yards per game on the ground. If the rushing attack is to have any effectiveness next season, the team must fill this hole ASAP.

Offensive Coordinator

Although Mike Sullivan is the official offensive coordinator, Ben McAdoo assumed most of the offensive play calling in 2016. Unfortunately for him, the offense struggled to run effectively all season, thus making the case for Sullivan to take a more permanent role with the offense. McAdoo may have had success coordinating for two seasons, but it’s clear that the added duties of being a head coach diverted his attention from the vaunted system that helped him win the gig in the first place.

3 Ways the Knicks Can Approach The Future

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Attract a Marquee Free Agent

Positives: Given the Knicks current situation, it could make sense to try and lure another high-level player to New York in order the better shape the lineup. With the possibility of names like Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul being available this summer, the chance to create an instant contender is still in the air.

Negatives: There are far too many holes in the Knicks play that would more than likely drive top tier free agents away. It would be far too risky to commit to a team that has lacked a definitive direction for more than a decade. Adding another star sounds nice, but would it truly fix the Knicks inherent problems? 

Trade Carmelo Anthony

Positives: Moving Anthony would allow the Knicks to make the future their top priority. By Acquiring a stockpile of assets, they could begin forging the foundation for success in the coming years. That kind of promise would not only keep fans excited for what's to come, it would draw away the criticism that the team was solely focused on a player that was not the long-term answer.

Negatives: Without Anthony, there would be a struggle to find a legitimate scorer, placing much of that responsibility on Porzingis (Unless Rose decides to re-up with the team). It will put a lot of pressure on the other players whom have gotten far too used to deferring to Anthony.

Build Around Kristaps Porzingis

Positives: KP is the future of the team and it makes a lot of sense for him to be the focal point of everything the Knicks do. Handing over the reins could be a big help for his development as he would be more than willing expand his overall game. If all goes well, The Knicks will have a bona fide superstar that will lead the organization for years to come.

Negatives: The Knicks could end up committing to him too early, placing a lot of pressure on Porzingis to perform to his potential a lot sooner than he would like. That could become a huge setback for his game as his struggles would be well documented by the harsh New York media. 

New York Giants: Keys To Victory In Green Bay

Get to Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers had a stand out 2016 campaign, amassing 40 touchdowns while playing at perhaps the highest level of his career in the final six games. That’s why it will be very important for the Giants to get pressure on him early and often. Spagnuolo's defense has been impressive all season long and it's going to take the same effort and then some to make certain that the MVP candidate doesn't control the action.

Contain Jordy Nelson and Devante Adams

If there are two targets to look out for in the Packers offense, it's Rodgers two favorite receivers Devante Adams and Jordy Nelson. With a combined 26 touchdowns between them, the secondary will need to clamp down in big situations, otherwise it could be a long afternoon for Big Blue. The Giants have gotten a lot out of Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple, Rogers-Cromartie, and especially Landon Collins and they will need them to continue to come up big if they want to be winners on Sunday.

Run the Football

The running game has struggled to do much of anything this season. However, things did start to look up when the team managed to rush for over 100 yards in each of the finals three contests. They will stand a great chance if they can control the clock and keep the Packers offense on the sideline, A good running game could do just that.

Steady Offense

Eli Manning and the offense have heard a lot of criticism for their sloppy play and costly turnovers. That must come to a stop on Sunday. If the Giants do not muster anything on offense, it could spell doom for their chances of pulling it out at Lambeau. Scoring touchdowns and avoiding stall outs will relieve the pressure on the defense and give them a chance to execute the game plan in place. In addition, Manning needs to keep the poor decisions to a minimum and play within the flow of the offense. The Giants can ill-afford to make mistakes on offense in a game like this one.

Key Things The Islanders Must Do To Get Back In The Hunt

Photo: Bob DeChiara USA Today

Add Another Defenseman (or Defensive minded wing)

The Islanders defense has been shaky at best thus far and must improve as soon as possible. The signing of Stephen Gionta is a start, but there will need to be more additions if the team hopes to get three steady and reliable defensive lines. The loss of hardnosed wing Matt Martin to free agency seems to be playing a big factor and it is imperative that the team collectively makes up for it. Hopefully it starts with Gionta.

Find A True Place for Andrew Ladd

Ladd was the big free agent pick up the Islanders made in hopes of adding another goal scorer to the top line. However, that hasn't been the case as Ladd is marred in a scoring slump which has relegated him to the fourth line. If the team want to see this signing pan out they must find place to put him where he will be able to adequately contribute. With just 7 points (4 Goals and 3 Assists) the 11-year veteran has feel like he is failing the team that has such high hopes for him and that needs to change.

Get John Tavares Some Help

With Andrew Ladd having his difficulties, a lot of the weight id getting placed on John Tavares’s shoulders. Unfortunately, that is much easier said than done as the Islander captain try as he might, can't seem to get the team going. This is where other player must step up to provide a lift that could start a nice wave of momentum the team could really use right now. JT is too valuable to the Islanders to be let down now, especially after the promise he has shown over the last few seasons.

Trade Jaroslav Halak

The Islander are currently carrying three goaltenders, which is one too many in my book. After Halak expressed frustrations over the current rotation, the team placed him on the trading block and have left it alone ever since. The lack of a stable starter is clearly affecting the play of all three goalies as the Islanders have the third highest goals against average (3.09) in the NHL. Moving Halak would be a great benefit to the team competitive spirit. Most especially Thomas Greiss, whom has been the best of the three earning him the right to lay claim to the starting role.

Start Thinking About a Coaching Change

The season is not starting how anyone planned and many are calling for Jack Capuano's removal, but a decision of that magnitude will be up to management. He's had some success in his six seasons as the Islanders head couch, his most impressive achievement being the three playoff appearances and first series win since 1993. That alone will make it difficult to look beyond him, but if the Islanders want to get over the hump and into Stanley Cup contention, a change at the helm may be what's best. For the team’s future. 

Giants: 3 Areas of Concern Heading Into The Final Weeks

Offensive Line

The Giants O-Line has been very inconsistent all season and with 4 weeks to go there must be drastic improvement. Penalties and assignment lapses have plagued the unit, with most of the ire drawn towards second year left tackle Ereck Flowers. His undisciplined technique has not only exposed Manning's blindside to skilled pass rushers, it has also caused drives to stall out due to lost yards from his untimely miscues. Many are clamoring for the Giants to shift him to right where he would stand a better chance at succeeding but at this juncture, things must be taken for what they are. Flowers is not the only struggling lineman as both Bobby Hart and John Jerry have had their share of trouble staying away from costly mstakes as well. With a playoff spot on the line, only thing that matters is results and the 5 men that make the offense go have to recognize that immediately.

Jason Pierre-Paul's Injury

Just as Pierre-Paul looked to be rounding back into form, a sports hernia will now cost him the rest of the season. This leaves the Giants Defensive line without one of its skilled pass rushers and play disruptors. One must hope that the "next man up" mentality holds well as JPP's backups will have task that could be a tall order ahead of them. Expect opponents to put a lot of double teams on Oliver Vernon to minimize that havok he can cause, which could have dire effects on the Giants vaunted front.

Lack of Targets for Cruz and Shepard

In back-to-back weeks, the Giants offense failed to target on their main receivers for an entire game (Shepard in week 12 and Cruz in week 13). That in and of itself is inexplicable as so many believed that having two skilled pass catchers around Beckham Jr. would open the offense.  Whatever the reasoning, it needs to change immediately if the Giants want the offense to finally come out of its season long malaise. 

How Porzingis Can Make The Jump To The Next Level

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Improve Defensive IQ

Porzingis has shown that he is a formidable rim protector that can bother the shot of anyone that drives toward the basket. However, he still must learn to stay out of early foul trouble which has been a rather consistent problem in his young career. This can be attributed to him being a bit overzealous while forgetting while how big he is, something that can be straightened out within his learning curve. 

Mastering the Post

Many of the great big men in NBA history had incredible post games that help make them the legends we know as today (Chamberlain, Russell, Ewing, Olajuwon, Duncan). Porzingis has the skill set to master the techniques, but still needs to become a little more comfortable with using them. A player with his perimeter touch could become a nightmare for opponents if he can develop an equally impressive game down in the blocks. 

Adjusting to Defenders

One of the things that Porzingis has improved upon this season is his recognition of who is defending him. He is no long getting terribly bother by smaller players, often using his height to his advantage by shooting over them with ease. If he can learn how to better position himself on the court (something he's slowly improving) he will open an array of shooting areas for him to dominate a game offensively.

Taking the Reigns

The recent discussions in the sport would have wondered if the Knicks should hand the team over to Porzingis. While that may be the case soon, the team still belongs to Carmelo Anthony. That doesn’t mean that Kristaps cannot seek to gain valuable knowledge on how to become a leader. When the time come, many will look to him to be the driving force that helps lead New York to a championship. Something he has said that he's ready to embrace. The sky is the limit for the 21-year old Latvian product and if he can improve on these areas and then some, the Knicks and the NBA could be looking at a superstar.

Yankees: Best Reliever Options in Free Agency

Mark Melancon (71.1 IP 1.64 ERA 65 SO 47 Saves)

The former Yankee prospect has made quite the name for himself since being traded in 2010. Over the past 4 season Melancon has been one of the steadier relievers in baseball, compiling 147 saves to go along with a sub-2.00 ERA. With the bullpen in need of a remodel (especially after the trades of Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman) It certainly wouldn't hurt for the organization to look at a familiar face.

Kenly Jansen (68.2 IP 1.83 ERA 104 SO 47 Saves)

Jensen would bring a great dynamic to the bullpen as his style compliments that of Dellin Betances. While some question his consistency, there is little doubt that the man has an "it" factor. if the Yankees are looking for a pitch that closely resembles what they had for half of 2016, Jensen would be a more that safe bet.

Jerry Blevins (42 IP 2.79 ERA 52 SO 16 Holds)

The Yankees could use another left hander in the bullpen especially since the team hasn't had a true specialist pitcher since the days of Mike Myers. he's held lefties to a .214 batting average for his career and considering the problem the short porch can present for pitchers, that number could be a driving factor in brining him aboard.

Sergio Romo (30.2 IP 2.64 ERA 33 SO)

Injuries limited him this past season which could present a potential problem. However, he still managed to put up decent numbers despite the setback. The need for good arms out of the bullpen is greater than ever, and Romo still has great stuff to offer.

Aroldis Chapman (58 IP 1.55 ERA 90 SO 36 Saves)

After helping the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years, many believe that Chapman will be one of the hottest commodities this offseason. Having dealt him away to shore up the future, the Yankees find themselves in a great spot to put him back in pinstripes. Loring him back won’t be easy as several team have already expressed interest, but if the organization is as serious as everyone thinks, they won't allow any team to outbid them form Chapman's services.