NFL Draft: Will the Giants Select Alec Ogletree if He’s There?

Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree is a player that could help the Giants’ defense get back up to speed. The 6″2″, 245 lb underclassman, who began his college career as a safety, could go a long way in countering the slew of mobile quarterbacks cropping up all over the league.

And then again, the Giants could simply pass. Ogletree, a surefire top-10 pick a month ago, has blown up his draft stock with a DUI arrest  in early February. It’s just the latest off-field infraction by Ogletree. From Rotoworld:

The arrest, just ahead of NFL Combine interviews, couldn’t have been much more untimely. Ogletree was also suspended four games in 2012 for violating the Georgia football team’s substance abuse policy. He allegedly turned in “positive drug tests,” plural. Ogletree was suspended once more in 2010 for stealing a motor scooter from fellow UGA student.

Some pundits say the incidents will not affect his draft position, but several teams that are in the market for a LB this April, will probably go in another direction. The Steelers, who select 17th, are one of those teams. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Gazette believes the Steelers will let Ogletree slip past them.

“With all the trouble they had with last year’s rookie class, there is no way they will draft this kid,” Bouchette proclaimed. In addition, an unnamed NFL player personnel director called Ogletree “an immature idiot.” Those are strong words.

But, as we know, there will be a team that see through these issues and pulls the trigger. Will that team be the Giants?

Probably not. Although the Giants have straightened out problem players in the past, taking one in the first round of the draft may not be the best place to do that. Then, his combine performance Still, several mock drafts have the Giants taking Ogletree at #19.

Perhaps they see the value being too great there for the Giants to pass up.  I personally don’t see him dropping to the Giants. Some team will get antsy and select him.  The Giants are seeking more speed at LB, but Ogletree seems to be too much of a high-risk pick at a time when the Giants have so many needs to fill.

Your thoughts.