The New York Giants are coming into the 2014 season after losing Hakeem Nicks in free agency and with Eli Manning working under a new offensive coordinator in Ben McAdoo, general manager Jerry Reese could look at Mike Evans, Marqise Lee and Brandin Cooks as potential options in the first round of the draft on May 8 when things kick off at Radio City Music Hall.
The Giants knew they were going to lose Nicks this offseason and one reason Reese likely didn't mind is the fact that the team has Rueben Randle and that the WR class in this draft is particularly deep. The Giants have been one of the busiest teams in the NFL this offseason, signing over 20 free agents in total, but the majority of those have been on the defensive side of the ball and that is why many speculate that Reese could look for a receiver in the draft.
Many fans are glad to see Nicks go after the way he played over the past two seasons, including last year when he had zero touchdowns and now Randle will get the chance to step alongside Victor Cruz, who has been the number one receiver over the past two years. Manning should have a bounce back season after throwing over 25 interceptions and having McAdoo as the new coordinator could breathe life into the unit after signing free agent running back Rashad Jennings. The team is hoping that both Randle and Jerrel Jernigan can step up into more productive roles and adding a player like Lee or Evans could give the team a deep lineup.
Mario Manningham was the only free agent signing at the position this offseason and that is why many think that Reese will go with a wide receiver at some point in the draft. Manningham spent the past two years with the Niners and he was injured for both of those seasons and now he will try to make a comeback with the team he won a Super Bowl with. The Giants pick at number 12 in the draft and they could be in the mix for Evans, while tight end Eric Ebron is another player that has been identified as a potential target. The team just signed Kellen Davis, but that isn't much at the position and after losing Brandon Myers they could go after someone like Ebron.
ESPN.com put together a group of players that the Giants could target and some other names include Aaron Donald, Zach Martin, Taylor Lewan and CJ Mosley. The team has needs at a number of positions, including on the offensive line and at tight end, but easy money is on the wideout position.
