New York's pass defense was terrible last year, so they were fine letting Prince Amukamara leave and bringing in Janoris Jenkins on a big dollar deal. But apparently that wasn't enough. Apple can become a great player, but boy was he up and down at Ohio State last season. The tools are there. He's big and gets physical with receivers, but his technique needs refined. It's unfair to say the Giants panicked after Floyd came off the board, but this is early for Apple.
With Odell Beckham on the team, the Giants will never have a massive need at wide receiver, but they had to get one in this draft. They got a good one with Oklahoma's Sterling Shepard. He can be a productive player in the slot thanks to his quickness, burst, hands and exceptional route running. If Shepard were a few inches taller, he may have been the first wide receiver taken.
With their third-round pick, the Giants went with safety Darian Thompson. He was easily the best safety left on the board. He's a very good coverage safety but has some tackling issues. If he can better in that area, he pairs well with Landon Collins.
—Dan Kadar, SB Nation
He only has four career interceptions in his two years as a starter, but will benefit from learning behind two proven ballhawks in Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Apple does fill a need with only the two proven corners on the roster, and DRC beginning to near the end of his career. He also brings scheme versatility and can play both zone and man cover schemes. With defenses playing sub-packages at least as often -- and more often in many cases -- than their base defense, having a third corner who can, and will, compete with any receiver.
Shepard doesn't have great long speed, only running a 4.48 second 40-yard dash, but he is very quick in and out of his breaks, creating separation with his route running. And despite his stature he has the ability to play wide receiver, in the slot, or out of the backfield, fitting well in McAdoo's tendency to move players all over the offensive formation.
Thompson had a disappointing combine workout, later attributed to a stomach virus that hit many prospects and NFL representatives that week, but he made up for it with an improved performance at his pro day. He also has an aggressive attitude, which gets him into trouble at times, particularly when he fails to make a technically sound tackle, but it also helps him come away with interceptions. If the Giants' pass rush can get pressure on opposing passers, having ballhawks like Jenkins, DRC, and Thompson in the defensive secondary could feast on errant passes.
The Giants have Devon Kennard on one side, but both Jonathan Casillas and J.T. Thomas appear to be short-term solutions at the weak-side linebacker spot. Perhaps Goodson could develop into an answer there. The Giants also have a murky picture at middle linebacker, where second-year man Uani 'Unga is joined by three veterans on one-year contracts, Jasper Brinkley, Kelvin Sheppard, and Keenan Robinson. Perhaps his future will be inside. We will have to wait and see.
Perkins joins a suddenly-crowded Giants' backfield that includes Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, Orleans Darkwa, and Bobby Rainey. The 5-foot-10, 208-pound Perkins ran for more than 2,900 yards during his final two seasons with the Bruins. In 2014, he gained 1,343 yards on 237 carries, 5.7 yards per carry, with 14 touchdowns. He also caught 30 passes.
With their final pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the New York Giants used their sixth-round selection (184th) overall on South Carolina tight end Jerell Adams. The immediate reaction from our own Chris Pflum? "Great blocker, athletic, soft hands. NICE!!!!"