NFL Draft Round Five: Giants Select Miami DT R.J. McIntosh

In the fifth round of the NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Miami defensive tackle R.J. McIntosh.

The 6-5, 286 pound defensive lineman does possess the speed and athleticism to make plays on the line of scrimmage. McIntosh also has an eye for the ball, being able to go to throwing windows and put up his hands for the deflection.

Scouts have pointed out that McIntosh does not have the quintessential build for a defensive tackle. One thing to note is that he was dealing with a thyroid condition, which caused him to lose weight. However, McIntosh can work on his muscle and frame in the weight room, which will be a likely focal point for OTAs and training camp.

During his junior season with the Hurricanes, McIntosh recorded 52 total tackles (12.5 for loss), seven passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble (and recovery). His play this past season earned him second team All-ACC honors.

How McIntosh Fits in New York

Last season, the Giants defense suffered, to say the least. With the offense unable to get anything going, the defensive squad stayed on the field for more than half of the game, resulting in exhaustion and injuries. The problem was, there was a lack of depth on the defensive line.

General manager Dave Gettleman noticed this, and felt the Giants can never have enough depth. He did draft N.C. State defensive tackle B.J. Hill in the third round, and now he brings in McIntosh.

Now, the tackle depth chart includes Damon Harrison, Dalvin Tomlinson, Robert Thomas, Josh Banks, and the two draftees. Plenty of options to give veterans such as Harrison and Olivier Vernon some rest during games.

McIntosh does bring speed on the defensive line, and could give opposing offensive linemen fits. He even gave Notre Dame offensive guard Quenton Nelson, the sixth overall pick in the draft, issues in a one-on-one matchup last season.

httpss://twitter.com/RDanaFox/status/990298995896578054

McIntosh is a raw prospect, but taking him in the fifth round could pay dividends. It helps when he has a coordinator like James Bettcher, who molded the Arizona Cardinals defense into the most dangerous squad in the past three seasons.

The potential is there for McIntosh, and he is in an ideal situation with the Giants.