Johnathan Hankins (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

The New York Giants boasted one of the most dominant defensive squads in the league last season. This offseason, Big Blue managed to maintain 10 of the 11 starters on the defense. That one missing piece is defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins.

Hankins signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The contract superseded the Giants four-year, $28 million offer. Hankins banked on himself, and he received the $10 million annual contract he desired. Now that leaves the Giants with a hole in the middle of the defensive line.

With the NFL Draft a few days away, in order to keep the defense as dominant as it was last season, taking a defensive tackle to replace Hankins should be addressed. Looking at the prospects, there are not many defensive tackles, mostly defensive ends. However, let’s look at some possibilities the Giants should consider this draft week.

Malik McDowell, Michigan State: The six-foot-six, 295-pound defensive tackle has all the skills and athleticism to disrupt the offensive line and play smart defense. Concerns of his character have loomed, with some saying that he does not have the work ethic to succeed in the NFL. The Giants can bank on McDowell, who is likely to fall to the second round. Regarding his work ethic, McDowell can have great mentors in Pierre-Paul, Harrison, and Vernon to set him on the right track.

Chris Wormley, Michigan: Wormley has great strength and speed for a six-foot-five, 297 pound defensive lineman. Not only that, but the teams across the league gushed about Wormley’s character in interviews. Wormley can play defensive end and defensive tackle, so that gives the Giants a lot of depth to play with.

Montravius Adams, Auburn: Adams has impressed scouts during field drills, specifically in the pass rush and one-on-one drills. The 308-pounder has great speed for his size and will be a great second or third round pick for the Giants.

Jaleel Johnson, Iowa: Johnson showed two things of importance: strength to break through the offensive line and the speed to get to the quarterback. Those facts are solidified by the fact that he posted 7.5 sacks last season and ten tackles for a loss. Great pick for the Giants in the middle rounds.

Jarron Jones, Notre Dame: Jones showed that he was the most active defender on Notre Dame. Jones can defend against the run, as well as put pressure on the quarterback. Lacks consistency, but has great potential and is a great value pick in the middle rounds.

*Note: Caleb Brantley was an option for the Giants, but his latest misdemeanor charge is too much of a public relations problem to deal with. This charge could cause Brantley to fall out off the draft board.

What do you think of these options? Will the Giants take any of these defensive tackles?

Follow me on Twitter @ScottRogust to follow all of the Giants draft news heading into Thursday night.