In his just-released 2012 NFL Mock Draft CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang has the New York Giants opting for Stanford tight end Coby Fleener, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound pass catcher. SB Nation's Mocking the Draft has Fleener listed as the 57th best draft prospect in rankings last updated December 1.
Rang says:
The Giants are among the more talented teams in the league but their maddening inconsistency is sure to result in changes in the offseason. One obvious area in which the team could improve would be to add a tight end capable of making big plays down the middle. The 6-6, 250-pound Fleener averaged 20.2 yards per reception for Stanford in 2011, leading the team with 10 touchdowns. Considering the other weapons on this offense, Fleener could make an immediate impact in a similar role as what that the Patriots and Saints run with Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham.
Fleener caught 34 passes for Stanford, actually averaging 19.6 yards per catch to go along with the 10 TDs. Mocking the Draft calls Fleener "the latest in the growing number of big, lanky receiving tight ends. He's an extremely proficient vertical passing threat."
Does Fleener Fit With The Giants?
New York has waited three seasons for tight end/H-Back Travis Beckum to become a big-time weapon in its passing game. Beckum has a disappointing total of 26 regular-season catches in those three seasons, so that does not look like it will happen. Jake Ballard surprised this season with 38 catches in 14 games, and as solid as he was he is nowhere near being one of the league's more athletic, elite tight ends.
The Giants have other areas that need more immediate attention, such as the offensive line. GM Jerry Reese, however, nearly always chooses value over need. A tight end like Fleener could find a place with the Giants, so this is a possibility.