The New York Giants selected North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin [full profile] in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft Friday night. Austin is an immensely talented player, but was one of the North Carolina players suspended for the 2010 season due to NCAA rules violations.
Here is a comment about Austin from Giants General Manager Jerry Reese, via Mike Garafolo:
The word Jerry Reese used 3x when talking about Austin: "nasty." Compared him to Keith Hamilton in that sense.
The Giants had to be concerned about their defensive tackle depth. Their best tackle, Barry Cofield, can be a free agent. Veteran Rocky Bernard has been a disappointment in his two seasons with New York. That leaves the Giants with only veteran Chris Canty and unproven Linval Joseph, last season's second-round pick.
Here is Wes Bunting of the National Football Post talking about Austin in his scouting report:
There is no denying that the overall talent and skill set is there for him to be as good as he wants to be in the NFL. However, I worry about his passion, willingness to become better and overall maturity level going forward. There is no way I would spend a first-round pick on the guy at this stage and I don't think he will ever become the player many suspect. But, his natural God-given ability will keep him in the league and give him plenty of second chances.
The Giants are apparently gambling on Austin's talent, and hoping that the leadership in their locker room can help bring out the best in this player.