NFL Draft Experts debate if Alabama tight end O.J. Howard or Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton would be a better fit for the Giants.
With our "Make the Case" series on Giants.com, we look at projections provided by two draft experts and then ask you, the fans, to weigh in on which player you would like the Giants to select with the 23rd pick in the first round.
In this debate, we look at Alabama tight end O.J. Howard vs. Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton.
Be sure to vote and Make YOUR Case in the comments below!
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus liked Howard, who will go down as one of the best tight ends in Crimson Tide history. He was named the Offensive MVP of the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship for his 208 yards and two touchdowns on just five receptions. In the rematch against Clemson a year later, he led all receivers in yards with 106 on four receptions with a career-long, 68-yard touchdown.
Palazzolo: "This move is all about loading up on playmakers for the Giants' offense. They already brought in former Jets WR Brandon Marshall to pair with Odell Beckham, Jr. and Sterling Shepard, and Howard adds a middle-of-the-field complement to the strong receiving corps. Howard wasn't used often in the passing game at Alabama, but has the size and speed to stretch the seam; he averaged 7.1 yards after the catch per reception over the last three seasons."
VS.
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report projected Charlton, who registered 94 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks during his career as a three-year letterman. The 6-foot-6, 272-pound defensive end picked up first-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2016 after leading the team and ranking 14th nationally with 9.5 sacks.
Sobleski: "The Giants' most recent Super Bowl success came courtesy of a dominant defensive front of multiple pass-rushers who pressured opposing quarterbacks in waves. Instead of a trio of JPP, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, the veteran defensive end can pair with Olivier Vernon and Michigan's Taco Charlton to terrorize quarterbacks. … Charlton has the size to be used in different ways while adding to team's defensive line depth. Furthermore, the rookie's contract won't be finished until the time Pierre-Paul's deal runs its course. Start your engines, Giants fans, because it's time for an already improved defense to add another gear.".
