Giants draft wish list

BRANDON SCHERFF, T, Iowa, Sr.

Brandon Scherff played guard as a junior and left tackle as a senior. The Giants like more athleticism on the blind side, so he could move back inside or go to right tackle with Justin Pugh sliding in. Unlike previous years, this draft is not top-heavy with o-line talent which means Scherff, whom scouts consider the most pro-ready lineman, could still be there for the Giants at No. 9.

SHAQ THOMPSON, OLB/S, WASHINGTON, 6-1, 228

Shaq Thompson is a versatile defender who is a playmaker and, in the hands of a creative defensive coordinator, could become a game-changer. He’s a gifted athlete and he fits the Giants’ recent mold of drafting players with strong work ethics and clean personal lives. He could be the defensive equivalent of Odell Beckham Jr. in this year’s draft. Oh, and he can play offense as well in a pinch. Don’t think Ben McAdoo won’t take advantage of that if he’s a Giant.

DeVANTE PARKER, WR, LOUISVILLE, 6-3, 211

If the Giants aren’t convinced that Victor Cruz will be able to return to form in 2015 after suffering a torn patellar tendon, they could be on the lookout for another receiver. DeVante Parker isn’t the top prospect at the position, but neither was Beckham. Parker does not have blazing speed, but he has strong hands and terrific body control. Some scouts compare him to Hakeem Nicks, who was also a first-round pick of the Giants.

SHANE RAY, DE, Missouri, 6-3, 245

Shane Ray is an explosive player who is ferocious when it comes to rushing quarterbacks. If the Giants don’t re-sign Jason Pierre-Paul (or have him for just one more year under the franchise tag) they’ll need reinforcements at the position. For a team that has always thought it can’t have enough pass rushers, there are other intriguing options as well such as Dante Fowler Jr. from Florida and Randy Gregory from Nebraska, but they may be better suited to 3-4 outside linebacker roles. Ray is considered the best 4-3 end in the draft.

DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM, WR, Oklahoma, 6-6, 225

Such an enticing skill set and a first-round talent, but Dorial Green-Beckham's off-the-field problems – two marijuana-related arrests and a dismissal from the University of Missouri – will be what the Giants look into most deeply at the Combine. They’ve taken later-round chances on troubled players in the past (Mario Manningham, Ahmad Bradshaw). With a new conduct policy in the NFL, the risk may be greater than the reward here unless he’s still available in the second half of the draft.