With the 19th Pick in the 2011 Dawgs By Nature Mock Draft, the New York Giants Select...

With the 19th pick in the 2011 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft, the New York Giants select...

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

This selection and write-up was made by Red-Right-88:

After finishing 10-6 in 2010 and 8-8 in 2009, missing the playoffs both years, Tom Coughlin must either win it all in 2011 or at least go deep into the playoffs to keep his job.

After the meltdown against the Eagles, you would think the needs are on the defensive side of the ball, or at least on their Special Teams…"hey you might wanna try to tackle DeSean Jackson!"  but hey that was months ago I am sure NYG fans are over that.

The Giants have many areas of need in the upcoming year.  Their "O" line is getting old, anchored by ex-Brown Shaun O'Hara.  Their LB's seem slow, overall defensive quickness is a priority.  Last year their first 4, and 5 of 6 picks were defensive players.

I want to focus on the one glaring stat that sums up the Giants 2010 year.  QB Eli Manning had 25 INT's!   25!  Why so many picks?  The Giants have a trio of very good receivers in Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham.  That group doesn't drop many passes.  Heck, Eli's completion Pct. was 62.9.

Another stat was 3rd down conversions. New York came in at 35.9% or 21st in the league.  Cleveland's was  37.1%.  If there was a stat or if I had more time, I wonder how many of Eli's interceptions came on 3rd down.  Who is the Giant's go to, procession receiver?

TE Kevin Boss?  When I think of the Giants offenses, especially at the Tight End position, I think of Mark Bavaro, Howard Cross, Jeremy Shockey, etc, gritty hard nosed, runners.  Arguably Manning's best years were when he had the "Shock-Dawg" in the lineup.

Kevin Boss since Shockey left?  Boss has averaged 38 rec 549 yards and 5 TD's.  Shockey's last 4 years with the Giants averaged 62 rec 700 yards and 6 TD's.

In 2010 Kevin Boss was targeted 66 times and dropped 11!  16% of the passes thrown to him were dropped. He is also coming off Hip Surgery, and has had some concussion, and ankle problems.

So with the 19th pick the NY Giants select:

Kyle Rudolph TE from Notre Dame.  6 foot 6 259 lbs.  Rudolph will make a great target for Eli when he gets in trouble. + Size and Speed, Quick off the line, capable blocker, high character, Red Zone threat, are some of the descriptions from Draft publications.

The pick does come with risk, Rudolph missed the last 7 games of 2010 with a severe hamstring pull.  He also missed the Combine. However he will be full go at the ND Pro Day April 7th.  (I imagine the Browns will be in attendance too)

Recently Rudolph stated, "I finally feel back to my old self, maybe better.  I feel I have that explosiveness back".

Would it surprise me if they were able to move down and still get him? No
Nor would it surprise me if they took a LT like Derrek Sherrod or Nate Solder.  But to get Eli back on track, shoring up the tight end position would go a long way.

It's a compelling pick. I think a lot of Giants fans would be underwhelmed by picking a tight end to help their team, but Eli Manning's interception total piled up to in inexcusable level last season. It might be a slight reach for the Giants, but when you look at the impact he can have, I think he is worth it for them. If he helps open things up more for the young receivers, is a good red zone target, and does a good job blocking, Manning should be able to cut down on his turnovers and lead the Giants back to the playoffs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock next (email has been sent to Legoman0721).