9. Tight End - The tight end position is something the Giants will likely upgrade in the draft at some point. Newly acquired Rhett Ellison is known as blocker, Will Tye is more pass-catcher than blocker, and Jerell Adams is a combination of both. Any productivity from this group, can help alleviate some of the pressure off the wide-outs.
8. Offensive Line - The Giants offensive line is not great right now. It's not for lack of trying on managements behalf. Jerry Reese has tried to upgrade the group through the draft, with two first round and one second round pick in the last four years. No running game, and constant pressure on Eli leads to this ranking. Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg are solid, but the fate of this unit, depends on the improvement of Ereck Flowers.
7. Running Backs - The running backs were just as bad as the offensive line last year. The two groups success goes hand and hand. Below average run blocking made it hard for the running game to get any traction. Paul Perkins had a decent rookie season, and should improve with more touches. Shane Vereen, if he can stay healthy, should be a receiving threat out the backfield.
6. Linebackers - The linebackers actually played decently last year for the first time in awhile. Jonathan Casillas,Keenan Robinson, and Devon Kennard return and BJ Goodson will likely see his first extended action of his career. Another likely position that may get upgraded in the draft.
5. Quarterback - Some might read this, and wonder why quarterback is only at #5. Make no mistake about it, if Eli gets hurt, the Giants season may be over. With that being said, some of Eli's best seasons the team didn't even make the playoffs.
4. Safety - The safety position is young and talented. Landon Collins was a first team All-Pro and DPOY candidate last year. Darian Thompson has fans salivating over his play-making potential. Andrew Adams played solid for an un-drafted free agent thrust into the spotlight.
3. Wide Receivers - If you take Odell Beckham Jr. off the Giants, the offense would struggle mightily. Hence the reason this is the highest ranked offensive positional group. Sterling Shepard should improve on his rookie season and Brandon Marshall should provide a red zone target and veteran leadership.
2. Defensive Line - When the defensive line is doing their job, it makes the other levels of the defense play well. We'll have to wait until the season to see how much the loss of Jonathan Hankins impacts this group, but a lot of talent returns. Olivier Vernon should be more comfortable in his second season in New York. Damon Harrison will continue to eat blocks, and JPP has a full year under his belt playing with the injured hand.
1. Corners - The cream of the crop of positions groups on the Giants is the corners. Janoris Jenkins lived up to his large free agent contract and had his best season as a pro. DRC showed he was a team player, by switching to nickel and excelling at it. Eli Apple had his ups and downs as a rookie, but overall played well and should take that next step this year.
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