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New York Giants: Biggest team needs after free agency

By Michael Pallas

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack has words for Caleb Peterson #70 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack has words for Caleb Peterson #70 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The New York Giants had quite a few holes to fill going into free agency, and they filled one. Now they have three other major holes to fill.

Ereck Flowers is definitely a bust at left tackle, but not necessarily a complete bust for the NFL. So, when the New York Giants opened free agency, they did so with a huge splash.

Just before free agency opened officially, the Giants signed former New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder to solidify that side of the line, and now they can move Flowers to guard or probably right tackle. However the Giants still have some pressing needs going into the draft that they must tackle (no pun intended) in order to help Eli Manning.

Let’s look at their biggest after free agency.

A second option

There’s been rumors of the Giants desire to trade Odell Beckham Jr. However, according to Kim Jones of WFAN and NFL Network, that’s likely not going to happen.

So, the Giants will have to find a second option at wide receiver in order to take some of the burden off OBJ. There are some decent options on Day 2 of the draft, and that’s where the Giants will have to look, because they don’t have a lot of cap space.

A feature back

Even though the NFL is a tandem league in the backfield nowadays, you still need a bell cow in terms of touches, not necessarily carries. The Giants need a guy who can play all three downs and provide the team with a weapon who can keep the defense honest. Early on Day 2, they may have to find that guy, because free agent acquisition Jonathan Stewart won’t cut it.

Edge Rusher

The New York Giants are switching to a 3-4 defense. That means they need a guy who can set the edge from the second level. The Giants will have to get that guy in Round 1, because there’s this year’s edge rusher class is top-heavy.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds

Conclusion

The Giants still have a lot of work to do to become Super Bowl contenders once again, but they are on their way. It’s clear they want to build around Eli Manning and give him one last shot. How long is that shot? Only the Giants can answer that. They could do it with the right pieces, but they have to hit home runs in this draft.

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