Why the Giants should draft Eric Ebron
By Danny Helms
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Free agency frenzy just got more interesting. After being released from the Eagles, WR DeSean Jackson signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Washington Redskins. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, who tweeted:
"” On DeSean Jackson’s 3-year, $24M deal with Washington, $16M is fully guaranteed and he will make $8M this season.”"
Jackson’s new deal makes the Redskins an NFC threat as he will join a healthy Robert Griffin III, and fellow wideout Pierre Garçon. With Alfred Morris in the backfield, Washington will have plenty of offensive ammunition.
So what does this say about the remaining three NFC east teams?
The Eagles signed Darren Sproles this offseason, and will have plenty of scoring opportunities under Chip Kelly. The Cowboys still have Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. The Giants, however, have plenty of room for offensive improvement.
After losing WR Hakeem Nicks to Indianapolis, the G-men haven’t exactly made a splash in Free Agency. Aside from Nicks, the Giants also lost DT Linval Joseph (Minnesota), and DE Justin Tuck (Oakland). This has rumored New York to select a pass rusher or defensive tackle in Aprils upcoming draft. However, I believe UNC TE Eric Ebron is the man for the Giants.
Ebron, who is undoubtedly the best tight end in the draft, stands 6’4″, 250 pounds, while running a 4.6 40-yard dash. Numbers are one thing, but a security blanket for QB Eli Manning is the most important feat Ebron can bring to New York.
Manning, who threw 27 interceptions last season, looked more rattled all season than his brother did in Super Bowl 48. Since the departure of Jeremy Shockey, Eli Manning hasn’t had a consistent tight end to provide that comfort in pressure situations. Ebron’s presence would provide a comfortable outlet for Manning, and reduce those costly down field interceptions.
Of course the argument can be made that the Giants have won two Super Bowls behind the vicious play of their past defensive line dominance. However, in those two Super Bowls, Eli Manning had at least two big, physical receivers to go to in Plaxico Burress and Hakeem Nicks. Both men are now gone, and with the high scoring capabilities of the other three NFC east teams, the Giants would best benefit selecting Eric Ebron.