5/6/08

2008 NFL Draft Review

The defending Super Bowl champions went into the 2008 NFL Draft with the luxury of few major needs and 8 picks in the first 6 rounds.   Prior to the draft, the team's clear needs were at Safety, Cornerback, Linebacker, Wide Receiver, and Defensive Tackle.  While the team failed to grab a run stuffing Defensive Tackle in the draft and now will head towards camp thin at the position, each other position was fill with a high value player. 

I feel that this is a solid draft with a potential starter and several prospects that will make an impact in the next several years.  They added depth at key positions and found several developmental prospects to compete for roster spots.  In my review, I will look at the strengths and weaknesses of each pick and then go into where they fit on this team.  Let's look at the picks…
 

First Round #31 (31^st overall)

Kenny Phillips- S 6'2", 212lbs. University of Miami (FL)

At the end of round #1, the Giants had many possibilities available because of reaches by other teams earlier in the round.  Big Blue could have selected a top-flight cornerback like Virginia Tech's Brandon Flowers, any wide receiver in the draft, and a number of good linebackers or defensive ends, however the team stayed true to its board by going with a safety.  The highest prospect on the team's board was a safety, which fit the highest position of need, as well. The team then was left to decide between Phillips and Arkansas State's Tyrell Johnson.  Johnson is smaller than Phillips, but is a little quicker and super productive.  Johnson could turn out to be a better overall player, but Phillips, being from a powerhouse program and his physical tools, made him the safer pick at this point. 

Phillips is an aggressive run supporting safety that can also play in coverage.  He has experience as both a free and strong safety.  He has the speed and instincts to read the quarterback and be a potential ball hawking safety.  His coverage skills in space and man-to-man have allowed the U. to use Phillips as a cornerback in certain situations.  He is sometimes overaggressive in run and pass defense that may lead to mistakes.  He had a decent amount of interceptions as a college player (7 INTs), but he will need to work on his blitzing (had 0 college sacks).  He also never lived up to his physical potential by becoming the next great Miami safety.  However, he was very productive in his 3 college years and should be able to be a rookie starter despite the fact that he is an underclassman.  Phillips is a very good tackler and seldom missed a ball carrier in the open field or in the box.  He is a smart player that plays with a swagger and will fit in well with the Big Blue's aggressive scheme.

Kenny Phillips will compete this season on the Giants for a starter position at either the free or strong safeties positions.  The Giants have 3 safeties on the roster that have almost the same size as Phillips, although he is most likely the fastest out of the group.  With the similarly sized safeties and the Giants' defensive system, the free and strong safety positions are nearly interchangeable.  Last year's starting free safety James Butler returns with productive 2^nd year player Michael Johnson as competition.  Veteran Sammy Knight was signed from Jacksonville and has been a longtime starting strong safety in this league.  I think that Knight will be the starting strong safety because of his veteran savvy and production.  Phillips will compete in camp for the free safety spot with Butler and Johnson.  If Phillips is not a starter at the beginning of the season, then he will get plenty of snaps.  I could foresee the team feeling comfortable allowing a young Phillips to start because the veteran Knight will make the defensive backfield calls and help Phillips make adjustments and reads. 
 

Second Round #32 (63^rd overall)

Terrell Thomas- CB 6'1", 200lbs. University of Southern California

For the 2^nd year in a row, the Giants selected a player from the University of Southern California in the 2^nd round.  The team had a need at cornerback because of age and selected an extremely physically gifted corner in Thomas.  If he remained healthy throughout his college career, Thomas would have been a sure Top 10 pick.  He has excellent coverage skills, with great size, strength, long arms, and good speed.  He plays the type of press coverage that the Giants employ.  He is strong enough to chuck a receiver at the line of scrimmage and then run with them on a route.  He can play zone coverage because of his great athleticism, instincts, and quickness.  Thomas works hard against the run, but he will sometimes lunge and miss tackles.  He will look for the big hit and will deliver hard blows.  His major negative is his durability.  He has had surgery on both shoulders to correct dislocations as well as surgery on his right knee to fix torn ligaments.  If he stays healthy, the Giants may have the top cornerback in this year's draft. 

The Giants have a lot of questions at cornerback that should be answered during training camp and the preseason.  The one sure thing is that Aaron Ross, last years top pick, will be one of the starters.  If Corey Webster continues to perform as well as in this past postseason then he will be the other starter.  If he falters, then veteran Sam Madison can still be a starter.  The team also has Kevin Dockery and veteran R.W. McQuarters, both with varied amounts of starting and nickel/dime experience.  Thomas will likely compete for the nickel corner spot with Madison and Dockery, assuming that Webster holds up as a starter.  If Thomas earns time in the nickel or dime corner roles for the Big Blue secondary, then McQuarters would likely be let go at the end of training camp.  He is getting older and will make $2 million this season.  Thomas needs to stay healthy, play aggressive, and he will climb up the Giants' cornerback depth chart.
 

Third Round #32 (95^th Overall)

Mario Manningham- WR 6'0", 185 lbs. University of Michigan

Manningham is the second straight player that the Giants drafted that has first round talent, but some negative that caused him to drop on draft boards.  In his case, he lied to NFL scouts and later admitted that he has used Marijuana, plus he was arrested for possession.  These character issues on top of minor durability issues and a poor mental and physical combine performance caused him to fall out of the first round.  Like Ahmad Bradshaw of last season, Manningham will be on a short lease and has convinced the team that these issues are behind him. 

An average prospect would not have been drafted because of all these negatives, however someone with all of his skills only dropped to the third round.  The Giants are convinced that he is past this immaturity and will be a mature professional.  Manningham is an excellent route runner that gets open with his speed and burst.  He has made lots of big plays during his college career and only got better despite his team's drop off.  He is a vertical threat that has the leaping ability and body control to go up after the deep ball.  He could be used as a returner, but will not likely be used on running downs.  Manningham will make plays with the ball in his hands. 

The G-men are set with starters Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, and Steve Smith as their 1, 2, and 3 receivers.  Toomer is entering his 13^th season and is 34 years old; time is running short on his days as a starter.  Burress remains the best receiver on the team and is in his prime, but he is 31 years olds and in his 9^th season in the NFL.  The team needs to develop starters for the future.  Steve Smith looks like a future starter and the team needs another receiver in case Burress or Toomer gets injured.  Manningham will compete as the 4^th receiver with Sinorice Moss, David Tyree, and Michael Jennings.  The team will only keep 6 receivers with Burress, Toomer, Smith, and mostly likely Tyree locks.  Domenik Hixon has value as a return man, so Manningham must prove he is better than Moss and Jennings to earn a roster spot.  A strong showing by Manningham could push Moss or Jennings off of the roster.  The team would love to have a speed threat to bring in on 4 wide receiver packages and Manningham could be that player.
 

Fourth Round #24(123^rd Overall)- Trade with Pittsburgh Steelers

Bryan Kehl- OLB 6'2", 242lbs. BYU

For the second consecutive year, the Giants have drafted a LB in the 4^th round.  The more I see and read about what Kehl can do the more I like the player and the pick.  He is the anti- Terrell Thomas and Mario Manningham.  Kehl has absolutely no character issues and has proved to be a durable player.  He is a 3 down linebacker that is good in coverage and flies up the field to stop the run.  Kehl is a very smart football player that has good instincts, intensity, and strength.  He is 24 years old because off a 2-year Mormon mission and has limited upside.  His motor and hard work will make up for a lack of overall speed.  Kehl should be able to play on either the strong or weakside, with the weakside being his best spot.  I did not love this pick at first, but after watching some tape and interviews, you can see the heart and effort that the team obviously likes. 

Kehl will be an immediate contributor on special teams this season for the Giants.  He will compete with new starter Gerris Wilkinson and veteran Danny Clark for playing time on the weakside. If Mathias Kiwanuka shifts back to defensive end (he might if Michael Strahan retires), then Kehl would compete with Clark and last year's 4^th round pick Zak DeOssie for the starting spot.  He is similar to other linebackers that the Giants have drafted in the 3^rd to 4^th round range with good production and intangibles.
 

Fifth Round #32 (165^th Overall)

Jonathon Goff- ILB 6'2", 245lbs. Vanderbilt University

Goff is similar to Kehl because he has good size, decent mobility, athleticism, and the leadership you look for in a linebacker.  He was a 4 year starter and a two-time captain for the Commodore.  Goff improved each year becoming more of a playmaker on defense in his last two seasons getting 5.5 sacks and 3 INTs with over 190 tackles.  He has the size and bulk to be an effective Pro linebacker.  He is a hard worker with the mobility to cover in the underneath zone.  Goff has the same negatives as most late round inside linebackers.  He is not a top athlete, his hips are stiff, he is not fluid in coverage, etc, etc.  These are the same knocks that kept an 'undersized' Antonio Pierce to go undrafted in 2001. 

I think Goff will be okay in the Pros, but I do not understand this pick.  Starting middle linebacker Antonio Pierce is just turning 30 and the team has a solid backup in 25-year-old Chase Blackburn.  I guess they found a linebacker that they felt will become a decent pro and was the best player available at this point of the draft.  Goff will be a good special teamer and will compete for a back middle linebacker position with Chase Blackburn and youngster Tank Daniels.  If the team felt comfortable enough to select a 2^nd linebacker in this draft then I am guessing they will keep 8 on the final roster.  Keeping 8 on the final roster would allow the team to keep both Goff and Blackburn, as well as 5 outside linebackers. 
 

Sixth Round #32 (198^th Overall)

Andre' Woodson- QB 6'4", 229lbs. University of Kentucky

This was one of the most surprising selections in the Draft, but with a second look it does make sense.  At first glance, the Giants appear to be absolutely set at the quarterback position.  Starter Eli Manning is on the brink of proving that he is the franchise quarterback for the future.  The team brought in former first overall pick in the 2002 draft David Carr to compete with veteran Anthony Wright at the backup spot.  The team also still has young Jared Lorenzen as their #3 developmental quarterback. So why would they select a quarterback in this draft?

The truth is that Woodson might just be too good to pass up in the late 6^th round of this draft.  Woodson has the size that teams look for in a quarterback and the leadership skills.  He has a strong arm, poise in the pocket, and decent decision-making skills.  He is a very good quarterback when running the play action system.  Woodson has shown that he is tough and rarely injured despite standing tall in the pocket and taking hits.

Many greatly discounted Woodson because of his awkward delivery, streaky play, staring down receivers, intelligence, and mobility.  However, it is tough to argue with a player that combined in his junior and senior years threw for over 7,200 yards, 71 TDs, only 18 INTs, with a 63% completion percentage.  This kid was a winner in college that took an average program and made them into a bowl contender.  He will need time to develop but at the very worst the team wasted a 6^th round pick on him.  Woodson is well worth the investment.

Unless he falls completely flat during the preseason, Woodson will spend this season as the team's #3 quarterback, working to refine his mechanics and learn the playbook.  The team has already stated that they will only carry 4 quarterbacks into training camp, which unfortunately means that either Jared Lorenzen or Anthony Wright will be cut before the team goes to camp.  I would think that Lorenzen is the more likely candidate cut because he was the 3^rd QB lasts season. 
 

Sixth Round #33 (199^th Overall)

Robert Henderson- DE 6'3", 280bs. University of Southern Mississippi.

Henderson has good measurable, height/weight combo and decent speed.  He finished his college career with 13.5 sacks, 173 tackles, and 29.5 tackles for a loss.  He is a good run defender and has some pass rush skills.  Henderson is a big thick player that is an athlete for his size.  He keeps blockers off his pads and will make any tackle in his area.  He is not overly fast and struggles to change direction.  He needs to develop more pass rush moves, although he has found the right team to help him with that.

Jerry Reese and the Giants have said that you can never have too many pass rushers.  Henderson has a lot to learn, but he will compete in training camp for the 4^th defensive end spot with the likes of Dave Tollefson and some undrafted free agents.  Henderson has more size than Tollefson and if he can show potential and raw talents may win him a roster spot on this year's team.  Worst-case scenario he will end up on the practice squad to develop.
 

Conclusion:

The only area of needs that the Giants did not address is getting more competition at backup guard/center and a run stuffing defensive tackle.  The team was able to grab a few of each position to compete in training camp as undrafted free agents.  As a worst case scenario the team could always grab an unemployed veteran and sign him to a 1-year deal to serve as a short-term backup.  

I like this draft for the Giants because the targeted needs and still got players that many felt would drafted a lot higher than they did.  They did take some risks on Thomas and Manningham.  However, if they can stay healthy and trouble free then they will both be steals.  Time will only tell about these players and whether first round selection Kenny Phillips will reach his athletic potential.  Time will tell if these picks and this draft ends up working out. 

4/15/08

2008 New York Giants Draft Preview

My theory in the Draft has always been Draft the best available player at a need position when it is your turn to pick. A lot of draft pundits will say that a team will either draft at a strictly need position or draft the best player available. Neither is truly accurate but sometimes teams will justify selecting a certain player by saying he is the best player available or fills a position of need. Despite being the Super Bowl champions, the Giants must still highlight there positions of need, prioritize them, and select the best available player at each position of need.

The Giants have 8 picks in this years draft, despite trading a 7th round draft pick to Kansas City for the rights to LB Kawika Mitchell. The team picked up to extra picks with the trading of RB Ryan Grant to the Packers for a 6th round pick and a likely 5th to 6th round compensatory pick that the team will receive for the loss of 2007 free agents. Each pick is right at the end of each round. I am always a fan of acquiring extra picks by trading down, especially the ability to find steals in the later rounds of the draft by GM Jerry Reese.

First, I will look at the team positions of need and then highlight player that would likely fill these positions of need.


Positions of Need

1. Safety

This was a position of need before the loss of free agent Gibril Wilson to the Oakland Raiders. The team should seek at least competition for starting free safety James Butler. As of right now, Butler is the starting free safety with youngster Michael Johnson competing at the strong safety position with veteran pickup Sammy Knight. While I believe that safety is the team's top priority, I believe that Knight, Butler, and Johnson can at least hold down the positions while a rookie develops into a starter at one of the safety spots. The team should look for a versatile safety that can play either the free safety or strong safety position. In today's NFL, most safeties are interchangeable between the two spots anyways. I expect the team to look for a safety at the end of round 1. One of the top two safeties should still be on the board at the end of the first round. Here are a few players that the team may possibly take a long look at:

A. Kenny Phillips- 6'2", 202 lbs. Miami
Pros: Best overall combination of size, speed, and athleticism at this position. Has ball skills and helps out against the run.

Cons: Has footwork issue and is overaggressive. Takes plays off and did not live up to potential in college.

Projected: 1st round pick


B. Dajuan Morgan- 6'1", 200 lbs. N.C. State
Pros: Good size/speed combo in a good athlete. Physical and aggressive against both the pass and the run.

Cons: Raw and still learning the position. Sometimes overconfident and only started 1 season.

Projected: 1st to 3rd round pick.


2. Cornerback

The cornerback position is in the midst of a major transition on the Giants. During the past two seasons the team has drafted players and signed short-term veterans to fix a long troubled spot. What looked like a major weakness at the beginning of last season, turned into a position of surprising depth and play during the postseason. The team has a solid starter in 2007 first round pick Aaron Ross out of Texas. Ross showed that he is a physical starter capable of blanketing some of the leagues best receivers. Veteran Sam Madison had a solid season and could be a viable starter or backup during the next couple of seasons. Corey Webster was the surprise of the 2007 postseason. He made several big plays and starter the postseason. It remains to be seen if he is a long-term starter after playing horribly in the earlier parts of his career. The team has depth in Kevin Dockery and aging veteran R.W. McQuarters. With the question of whether or not Webster is a starter and the age of veterans Madison and McQuarters, the team needs a player that could serve as a dime or 5th corner this season and eventually take the roster spot of Madison and become either a starter or a nickel corner. The team must look for a physical corner that can play the team's scheme of physical press pass coverage. Here are a few players that the team may possibly take a long look at in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of the draft. :

A. Patrick Lee- 6'0", 200 lbs. Auburn
Pros: Natural athlete with size and speed. Plays a tough, physical game. Fits the press coverage scheme of the Giants.

Cons: Has limited experience as a starter in college and questionable hands. Not real fluid hips and struggles on jump balls.

Projected: 2nd to 3rd round pick


B. Chevis Jackson- 6'0", 190 lbs. LSU
Pros: Good instincts as a corner with solid hands. Quick athlete that plays a physical game in coverage.

Cons: Has footwork issues and is limited as a run defender.

Projected: 2nd to 3rd round pick


C. Jonathon Wilhite- 5'10", 183 lbs. LSU
Pros: Plays with excellent footwork and technique in coverage.

Cons: Lacks height and deep speed. Will miss some open field tackles.

Projected: 2nd to 3rd round pick


3. Linebacker

With the loss of two 'starting' linebackers to free agency, many believe that this area in the #1 need for the Giants going into the 2008 draft. I believe that this is the 3rd or 4th area that the team needs to address in this draft. The team really only lost one starting linebacker in Kawika Mitchell during free agency, Reggie Torbor was a career backup with the Giants and only started this postseason because of the midseason injury to starter Mathias Kiwanuka. Even if Michael Strahan were to retire before this season, I still believe that the team will keep Kiwanuka at linebacker. Justin Tuck would naturally slide into the starting right defensive end spot if Strahan hangs it up. With Kiwanuka returning and young Gerris Wilkinson ready to step up and start at the weakside linebacker position, the team must simply address depth. The Giants already has young Zak DeOssie as a backup on the strong side and veteran free agent pickup Danny Clark, who can play any outside linebacker position. Now the team just needs an extra linebacker to add more depth, help out on special teams, and develop eventually into a future starter. Here are a few players that the team may possibly take a long look at in the 3rd or 4th rounds of the draft:

A. Ezra Butler- 6'1", 245 lbs. Nevada
Pros: Fast linebacker that is a powerful tackler. Disciplined player that is a tough on field leader.

Cons: Missed some time with an injury, has trouble shedding blocks, and must be a more patient player

Projected: 3rd to 4th round pick


B. Erin Henderson- 6'3", 236 lbs. Maryland
Pros: Quick athlete that does a good job changing direction and is aggressive. Excellent tackler and run defender.

Cons: Lacks bulk and is not a great coverage linebacker. He tends to bite on fakes.

Projected: 2nd to 3rd round pick


C. Tavares Gooden- 6'1", 233 lbs. Miami
Pros: Good athlete with acceleration. Plays well in coverage, picking up TEs and RBs. Show great measurable at Pro Day.

Cons: Missed Senior Bowl with a hip injury. Lacks size and bulk.

Projected: 2nd to 3rd round pick


4. Wide Receiver

Twelve years ago the team was looking for anything that they could find at the wide receiver position. The team felt they had found a real future with 2nd round pick Amani Toomer and stalwart veteran Chris Calloway. Now in 2008, Toomer is still going strong, Calloway is long retired, and the team has as its number 1 WR, probably its best free agent pickup in lengthy Plaxico Burress. While the Burress and Toomer have the starters positions locked up and 2007 2nd round pick Steve Smith as the current slot receiver an heir apparent to Toomer, they lack a down the field threat and future starter as Burress's career winds down. The team has Sinorice Moss, David Tyree, Domenik Hixon, and Michael Jennings still on the roster. Each has a major question mark. Moss has been injured and not produced, Tyree for all his Super Bowl heroics is inconsistent, Jennings is returning from an injury, and Hixon seems like no more than a kick returner. The team needs either a down the field target or a big red zone target might be attractive. Here are a few players that the team may possibly take a long look at in the 4th or 5th rounds of the draft. :

A. Arman Shields- 6'1", 195 lbs. Richmond
Pros: Outstanding hands and runs good routes. Showed excellent measurable and speed at the Combine. Willing over the middle WR.

Cons: Has limited experience against top-flight competition and has battled injuries.

Projected: 4th to 5th round pick


B. Darius Reynaud- 5'9", 190 lbs. West Virginia
Pros: Quick receiver with good hands and body control. Stronger than size would indicate and is an experienced returner.

Cons: Short for a WR and not a consistent blocker.

Projected: 3rd to 4th round pick


C. Keenan Burton- 6'0", 201 lbs. Kentucky
Pros: Good sized athlete that gets open. Excellent leaping ability and makes plays in traffic. Works as a blocker and returns kicks.

Cons: Subpar senior year with some drops. Not a deep threat.

Projected: 4th to 5th round pick


5. Guard

While the team is set for the foreseeable future with two excellent starters, the team lacks depth at this position. Starting right guard Chris Snee and left guard Rich Seubert are both under contract for at least the next two seasons. The team has Grey Ruegamer as its primary depth at both guard and center, however Ruegamer is entering his mid 30s and his contract ends after this season. The team also has Kevin Boothe, a large power blocker, but some competition is a must. The Giants will be looking for a versatile player that can back up both the guard and center spots. Here are a few players that the team may possibly take a long look at in the 5th or 6th rounds of the draft. :

A. Pedro Sosa- 6'4", 300 lbs. Rutgers
Pros: 3-year starter at tackle, versatile, and athletic for size. Good feet and balance with decent bulk and height.

Cons: Little experience as an interior lineman. Short arms and needs to add strength to play guard in the Pros.

Projected: 5th to 6th round pick


B. Doug Legursky- 6'3", 312 lbs. Marshall
Pros: Weight room superman completed 37 reps on the 225lb. bench. Experienced center/ guard and working to become a long snapper.

Cons: Part of offensive line that gave up a lot of sacks.

Projected: 4th to 5th round pick


C. Mackenzy Bernadeau- 6'4", 303 lbs. Bentley
Pros: Experienced tackle and guard. Good athlete that dominated D-II level when healthy. Two-time Northeast 10 Conf. Lineman of the Year.

Cons: Missed time in senior year with knee injury. Faced only small school competition.

Projected: 6th to 7th round pick



6. Defensive Tackle

This is another position where the Giants simply need depth and competition. The team seems set for now with starters Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield. Robbins is capable of playing very well and Cofield is a good, but not great starter. The team acquired Jay Alford in last years draft to be a 3rd down pass rusher and penetrator. Alford improved throughout last season and will compete with Cofield for a starting spot. Now the team needs a backup run stuffing tackle that can help in short yardage and goal line situations. The team has Manual Wright as a backup tackle with bulk, but again the team needs some competition to push Wright. Here are a few players that the team may possibly take a long look at in the 5th or 6th rounds of the draft. :

A. Jason Shirley- 6'5", 330 lbs. Fresno State
Pros: Massive athlete that is quick for his size. Get up the field in a hurry. Has a lot of strength and can collapse a pocket.

Cons: Has some off the field concerns and injuries. He lacks consistency and conditioning.

Projected: 6th to 7th round pick


B. Frank Okam- 6'4", 336 lbs. Texas
Pros: Huge frame with lots of strength. Has great athleticism and plays with leverage. Can get a great push up the middle.

Cons: Lack of consistency has taken Okam from top overall DT to a late rounder. Plays upright and is an underachiever.

Projected: 5th round pick


C. Maurice Murray- 6'3", 323 lbs. New Mexico State
Pros: Decent athlete with deceptively good speed. Fires off the ball quickly and stays low. Uses hands well to rip and get past linemen.

Cons: Missed time with knee injury. Is sometimes driven out of the play and not as productive as he could be.

Projected: 6th to 7th round pick


7. Defensive End

Can the richest pass rushing team in the league afford to possibly get richer? As former GM of the Giants Ernie Accorsi said with the drafting of then DE Mathias Kiwanuka, "You can never have enough pass rushers." Even if Strahan retires, I believe that Kiwanuka will be kept at linebacker and Justin Tuck would be promoted to starting DE. The team got rid of former 4th DE Adrian Awasom after his Super Bowl arrest. The team has youngster Dave Tollefson, who showed that he could pressure the QB in the Wildcard playoff game against Tampa Bay. Again the team could use some competition or at least a player to hang out on the practice squad for some extra seasoning. Here are a few players that the team may possibly take a long look at in the 5th or 6th rounds of the draft. :

A. Trevor Scott- 6'5", 256 lbs. Buffalo
Pros: Has a solid first step and gets off the snap quickly. Had a 9-sack season with next to no experience as a defensive lineman.

Cons: Not much experience as a defensive end, switched from TE before the 2007 season. Needs to bulk up to hold up against NFL linemen.

Projected: 6th to 7th round pick


B. Rudolph Hardie- 6'2", 270 lbs. Howard
Pros: Good closing speed and fires off the snap. Has long arms to gain separation and is a hustler. Productive player that works hard.

Cons: Can get engulf and needs to bulk up. Shorter than you would prefer and lacked playing big time competition

Projected: 6th round pick


C. Eric Foster- 6'2", 277 lbs. Rutgers
Pros: Productive college player with strength and speed off of the ball. Shoots gaps and creates pressure up the middle.

Cons: Inexperienced as defensive end and will sometimes get engulfed by big offensive linemen. Injured hamstring at Pro Day.

Projected: 6th to 7th round pick



2008 New York Giants Mock Draft


First Round #31 (31st overall)

Kenny Phillips- S 6'2", 202lbs. Miami (FL)

I am going out on a limb because I am not absolutely certain that Phillips will be available at this point in the draft. If the Eagles pass on Phillips at #19, then the Giants have a real chance of him lasting until the end of the first round. I think he will slip because his tremendous potential and athleticism has never matched up to his production. If Phillips is available the G-men will jump at the chance to draft the best safety prospect in the draft. Phillips would be able to compete for a starting job in training camp at either the strong or free safety. Phillips would compete with free agent Sammy Knight, James Butler and youngster Michael Johnson for the starting job. Even if he does not win a starter spot, he would receive a lot of playing time in the Big Blue secondary.

If Phillips is not available, the team will select the best player available at another position of need. The second rated safety Dajuan Morgan is a reach, so the team would turn to helping the LB, CB, and WR position. A player like LB Dan Connor of Penn State or WR Mario Manningham would be available to help the team at a position of need.

Second Round #32 (63rd overall)

Chevis Jackson- CB 6'0", 190 lbs. LSU

Jackson is a prospect with good size, speed, strength, and all the athletic skills needed to play the CB position in the NFL. His stock has risen of late with his solid showing during Senior Bowl practices. He is the type of corner that can play the Giants style of press coverage on an island. Jackson does a good job sticking with receivers and being in position to make a play. He reminds many of Corey Webster coming out of LSU. He would fit in as a nickel or dime corner while he learns the pro game. He selection would push veteran R.W. McQuarters off of the roster.

If Jackson is not available or if a safety is not there in the first round, the team may be able to select S Dajuan Morgan of N.C. State at this spot or another corner like Patrick Lee of Auburn or Jonathon Wilhite of Tennessee.

Third Round #32 (95th Overall)

Ezra Butler- LB 6'1", 245 lbs. Nevada

Butler greatly improved his pro stock during his senior season. He is a big and versatile linebacker having played inside, outside, and as a down pass rusher. He is a fast player that packs a wallop as a hitter. Butler would be able to back up each of the linebacker positions and would serve as competition to starting WLB Gerris Wilkinson, backup SLB Zak DeOssie, and LB Danny Clark. He is the type of player that will develop into a starter and can serve as a solid special teams player until he garner playing time of defense. The team may also look at LB Tavares Gooden of Miami (FL) or an available WR prospect.

Fourth Round #32(130th Overall)

Keenan Burton- WR 6'0", 201 lbs. Kentucky

The Giants need a WR that has speed and project not only as a person who could compete for a future starters' position, but also a return specialist. Burton suits both of these needs. He is an experienced kick and punt returner, with decent skills as a WR, as well. He is a down field receiving threat because of his leaping ability and ability to get open. He needs to work on his concentration to eliminate drops, but he would offer help at WR and on special teams. Many other receivers with potential will be available at this point in the draft. The team will also look at Arman Shields of Richmond, Darius Reynaud of West Virginia, or Dexter Jackson of Appalachian State, all receivers with some flaws, but also speed and return skills.

Fifth Round #32 (165th Overall)

Doug Legursky- C/G 6'3", 312 lbs. Marshall

The team needs a player to challenge aging veteran Grey Ruegamer or inexperience Kevin Boothe. Legursky is a weight room man-child with experience at both guard and center. He anchored a solid run blocking line in college and blocked for future star Ahmad Bradshaw at Marshall. If Legursky is gone the team will look to other backup lineman such as Pedro Sosa of Rutgers or even Mackenzy Bernadeau, a large tackle/guard out of small Bentley College. I would not be surprised to see the Giants go after Bernadeau after being thoroughly impressed with him as he took part at the Boston College Pro Day.

Sixth Round #28 (194th Overall) Pick 1

Maurice Murray- DT 6'3", 323 lbs. New Mexico State

The Giants need a DT that can help as a run stuffer and goal line presence. Murray stock is rising because of his outstanding size and surprising good speed. If Murray can stay low off of the snap and make plays in the running game, he could beat out big Manny Wright for the 4th defensive tackle spot. If Texas DT Frank Okam is available, he is worth a shot. He has unbelievable size and natural skills. He could be one of the better DTs in this draft and a long-term starter for the Giants if he plays to his potential. At this point in the draft a boom or bust pick like Okam or Texas Christian DE Tommy Blake would make sense. If they develop, they could start and if not then cutting a 6th round pick is not a horrible outcome.

Sixth Round #32 (198th Overall) Pick 2

Rudolph Hardie- DE 6'2", 270 lbs. Howard
At this point in the draft, you just take the best player available and your scouting department really makes their money. Hardie is a speedy defensive end with potential to develop into a decent pro pass rusher. Hardie is a hustler and would not be expected to contribute early. If he shows potential the team would give Hardie the 4th roster spot at defensive end and push Dave Tollefson.

Sixth Round #33 (199th Overall) Pick 3

Pierre Garcon- WR 6'0", 210lbs. Mount Union

The team is going to try to continue to prove it can find diamonds in the rough, like it did last season with TE Kevin Boss from tiny Western Oregon. Now the team may turn to fast WR Pierre Garcon out of perennial Division III power Mount Union. An American Football Coaches Association All American that was very productive and has experience returning kicks. There are many other prospects that the Giants may take a look at in this spot.

Conclusion

Well that is my try at which players and more important positions that the Giants may look at in the 2008 NFL Draft. This draft is critical for the future of the Giants and young super GM Jerry Reese has another chance to shine. Hopefully, he and the Giants coaching and scouting staff will seize this opportunity.
 

3/26/08

New York Giants Free Agent Review

As we sit here in the end of March, the Free Agent market has slowed and the Giants still have a couple more needs that need to be filled before Training Camp begins.  The most notable of these needs is someone to compete for the starting job at the Safety position.  The team could also use another player at LB, CB, and WR.  I really expect these issues, along with depth at OG, DT, and maybe even another DE to be solved in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

As I had expected most free agents of concern got away from the team because of a free agent market that is willing to overpay.  The two biggest losses were safety Gibril Wilson and LB Kawika Mitchell.  Both are very good player, but replaceable with proper drafting and teaching.  Mitchell got the money he deserved after a very impressive season from the Buffalo Bills.  I expect Mitchell's spot to be filled by young LB Gerris Wilkinson.  Most would consider the team's biggest loss to be Wilson, but there was no way the team would resign him at the money he was asking and got from the Raiders.  He is being paid like an All-Pro even though he has not performed at that level.  He will likely be replaced by a combination of Sammy Knight, youngster Michael Johnson, or a draft pick. 

Here is an analysis of the players already signed and I will add to this list if the Giants sign more players:

The New Giants

Sammy Knight

SS 6'1", 215lbs USC- Unrestricted Free Agent

While Knight will not solve the problem left open by the failure to resign Gibril Wilson, he will help in the short term.   He has the size and aggressiveness that allow him to be a very strong run defender and play near the line of scrimmage.  This former Pro Bowler has averaged 90 tackles a season for the last 7 seasons.  Knight is more of a zone coverage safety than a man-to-man safety.  He is better off playing an area in coverage than having to stay with a specific receiver on a route.  The team will likely use him as an in the box safety and not expect him to be a coverage safety.  I am sure the team will install some packages to take advantage of his veteran smarts on blitzes.  The team will be delighted with Knight as long as he assumes the leadership role in the secondary along with corner Sam Madison and get the 3-4 interceptions that he averages per year.  Knight will compete with youngster Michael Johnson at the strong safety position vacated by Wilson.

David Carr

QB 6'3", 216lbs Fresno State- Unrestricted Free Agent

Carr has gone from being the #1 overall pick in the 2002 draft and cornerstone of an expansion franchise to a cast off that will have to fight 2 other players for the backup position to New York's cornerstone quarterback.  While many analysts are more than willing to label Carr as a complete bust, I have not heard many criticize his throwing ability, arm strength, and natural quarterback skills.  Carr's major issues have been much more mental than physical.  He was battered for 5 seasons behind a very weak offensive line and completely lost his edge as a quarterback.  Last season with the Panther, he still looked shaky and suffered from frequent injuries to himself and his supporting cast.  What should be interesting to see is if putting Carr on a Super Bowl winner with a very good line, great offensive weapons, and quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer revitalizes his career and allows him to be the quarterback he was during his senior year at Fresno State.  Palmer not only helped Eli Manning to improve, but he was also Carr's first pro coach.  This is an absolutely no risk signing that should result in a stronger group of quarterbacks on the teams roster.  Carr will compete with Anthony Wright and Jared Lorenzen to be Manning's backup.

Danny Clark

LB 6'2", 245lbs Illinois- Unrestricted Free Agent

The signing of Clark reminds me a lot of the Kawika Mitchell signing of last season.  Clark's signing did not make many headlines, but he is a player who started 9 out of 13 games last season and is a very valuable player to have.  Clark has started 66 games in his 8 seasons career and could step in at any of the linebacker position.  Like Mitchell, Clark is an aggressive linebacker that will come up the field and hit.  He does not have great athleticism and will not be the guy to cover a tight end down the field, but he is a smart player that will help against the run and on special teams.  I expect him to be the backup to the outside linebacker positions and help on coverage units. 

Future Free Agent Needs

A major priority for the Giants or any team coming off of a Super Bowl victory is to avoid complacency and quickly work to resign young talent.  Everybody loves a winner, especially other teams looking to make a quick fix and become a winner.  The Raiders are a great example of the quick fix.  They overpaid for former Giant safety Gibril Wilson, paying him $39 million over a 6-year deal with a $16 million signing bonus is a stretch for a non Pro Bowler.  However, if he improves their defense and helps them win then he will be worth the money. 

The team must prevent young talent from escaping like Wilson, by signing them well before they get near free agency.  The team did a great job by resigning DEs Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck to long-term deals a year before the end of their rookie contracts.  The team must work to arrange a long-term deal for RB Brandon Jacobs before hitting free agency next year.  A lot of teams would love a bowling ball RB with an attitude like Jacobs.  The team would also be smart to work out a deal with CB Kevin Dockery, a solid Nickel or Dime corner.  Throughout the 2008 season, resigning Jacobs has got to be priority #1.
 

1/31/08

The New York Giants End of Season Review

The Giants bucked there recent trend and finished the 2007 regular season with a respectable 4-4 stretch over the last 8 games to complete a 10-6 regular season and earn a Playoff appearance at Tampa Bay over Wildcard weekend.  Just when it looked like the Giants would slump following an awful loss to Minnesota at home the team responded with a 2 game winning streak.  Following a thrilling victory in Buffalo and a very solid showing against the Patriots in a loss, the team actually heads into the playoffs with a little momentum for the first time in a couple of seasons.  Big Blue takes this momentum on the road, where the team has been very good against a very beatable Tampa Bay team.

The Giants seized this momentum to make one of the most improbable Super Bowl runs in the history of the game.   These Big Blue Road Warriors beat the #1, #2, and #4 seeds in the NFC all on the road to win the right to go to Glendale, AZ and play the undefeated New England Patriots.  Win or lose the Super Bowl, Big Blue has had a hell of a season that has hinted at a possible bright future.   One negative of this great play is that the Giants may be looking for another new defensive coordinator if Steve Spagnuolo is offered the Falcons job.  In this write up, I will review the Giants by position and hint at what should happen in the offseason. 
 

Quarterback

Eli Manning finished the first half of the season by completing 297 out of 529 passes (56.1% Completion Percentage) for 3,336 yard with 23 TDs and 20 INTs.  Comparing his numbers to previous seasons, it appears that Manning has not made much of an improvement.  While the numbers do not show an improvement, he has made an improvement because he did have some good games over the last 8 games of the season.  He played very well in the outing at Detroit and Philadelphia and had one of the finest games of his career against the Patriots in a loss. 

For all the inconsistencies of Manning's regular season, Eli was near perfect in the post season.  He threw for 4 touchdowns with no INTs or fumbles with a completion percentage of above 60%.  Many are saying that Big Blue's Franchise QB has finally arrived.  He has shown that he can be the player that any team needs to go far into the playoffs.  He has made very few mistakes while consistently making game changing plays.  It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Manning.  While I do not think we have seen the end of his poor days, I do think that he is maturing into a very good QB that has not yet hit his ceiling

Off Season: With a post season like that the Giants will likely try to negotiate an early contract extension with Manning in the near future.  I would not be shocked to see the team bring in a rookie with their 4^th through 6^th round draft pick or a cheap free agent to compete for the backup position.  A player like Sam Keller of Nebraska or Josh Flynn of LSU could come into the team and play the role of the #3 QB for a season and then maybe develop into something down the line.  The team does have a need for a player in case of a Manning injury.  I do not have a whole lot of faith in Anthony Wright or Jared Lorenzen.

Running Backs

From the look of the Giants running game in the second half of the season, the team has found the way to replace Tiki Barber by using Brandon Jacobs as he primary runner, Derrick Ward when needed, and by giving more of an opportunity to change of pace back Ahmad Bradshaw.  Jacobs finished the year with 1, 003 yards rushing on 202 carries with 23 receptions for 174 yards and 6 total TDs.  Jacobs has shown power and burst this season.  But he needs to be a better receiver, secure the ball, and make it through a whole season carrying the load.  Jacobs missed 5˝ games from injury, dropped many balls that should have been caught, and lost 4 fumbles through the season.  If Jacobs improve in these areas, he will go from being a very good RB, to one of the elite runners in the NFL. 

Bradshaw got more and more opportunities as the season went along and showed that he can deliver.  In the playoff-clinching win against Buffalo, Bradshaw rushed for 151 yards on 17 carries with an electrifying 88-yard TD run.  Bradshaw has shown that he is extremely fast, has a lot of wiggle, and is a very decisive runner.  He looks like he has a future as a change of pace back to Brandon Jacobs. 

Reuben Droughns has handled the duties of short yardage back for the Giants this season rushing for 275 yards on 85 carries for 6 touchdowns.  I am not a really big fan of utilizing Droughns as a short yardage back.  He is not extremely fast and does not have overwhelming power on runs.  On several of his filed short yardage attempts, I would wonder why they just didn't use Jacobs to convert the first down or TD.  Derrick Ward went down with a broken ankle and was placed on injured reserve after a great performance against the Bears. Ward carried the Giants rushing game over the 4 weeks when Jacobs was out in the beginning of the season.  It is a shame that he missed the last couple of weeks of the season.  Fullback Madison Hedgecock has been solid as a blocker, but still must do a better job catching the ball. 

This season has been so amazing for the Giants running game.  Jacobs get injured in the first game and then Ward fills in for the next 3 weeks with some Droughns help.  Then Jacobs returns for the next 6 weeks and carries the load with a little Droughns and Ward help.  Then just Droughns and Bradshaw are healthy for the Minnesota game.  Then Ward has a career day against Chicago and ends up on the injured reserve.  Finally Jacobs returns for good in Week 14 and finished the season strong.  However, the team also finds out that Bradshaw is a really good running back that they would use in the playoffs.  To top off an amazing season of change, longtime Giants FB Jim Finn goes on injured reserve in the spring and the Giants find a gem in Hedgecock, who the team signed to a 5-year deal

Off Season: The Giants will likely head into next season with a three headed monster of Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw.  Next season the team will likely get Jacobs 10-15 carries per game and provide Bradshaw with 5 to 10 carries as a change of pace or 3^rd down back with Ward acting as a special teams player and insurance policy.  The team will monitor which back has the hot hand and feed that runner.  Hedgecock has secured the long-term FB spot with his excellent lead blocking and decent special teams play.  I think that the team will cut Reuben Droughns because the other 3 backs have simply out performed him and he is not worth the $1 million salary that he would receive next season.   Look for the team to bring in a back with the ability to return punts and kicks.
 

Wide Receivers

Plaxico Burress has really changed into a premier receiver since joining the New York Giants.  His pretty quiet post season turned around by simply dominating and downright abusing Pro Bowl CB Al Harris of Green Bay for 151 yards on 11 catches.  Burress has had an amazing season fighting through an ankle injury and frequent double coverage.  One of the underrated aspects of Burress's game is his downfield blocking on stretch runs.  He has also improved on finishing his routes; I have not noticed him jogging on plays that are away from him this season. 

Amani Toomer's season, while plagued by uncharacteristic drops, has been solid with 59 catches for 760 yards and 3 TDs.  He has shown that he is one of the best possession receivers in the league in the playoffs.  He showed that he still has that underestimated speed that made him a devastating receiver in his prime with a reception against the Cowboys that he took for a 52-yard TD.  When he retires, Toomer should be remembered as one of the best receivers in the history of the New York Giants.

Despite missing 11 games with injury, Steve Smith has overtaken Sinorice Moss as the team's #3 receiver with a solid performance in Week 17 against the Patriots.  One reporter quoted Smith as being a Toomer clone in terms of his skill in finding an open spot in zone coverage and sitting for an easy reception.  Smith's productivity during the post season puts into question the future of Sinorice Moss with the Giants.  Moss had an okay season with 21 catches for 225 yards but the team expected more big plays out of the quick but small receiver.

David Tyree remains a solid special teams' performer with an occasional snap as a receiver and Domenik Hixon has proved himself to be a very good kick returner and a very good special teams player.  Neither player has had much of an impact as a receiver this season.

Off Season: The Giants will likely head into the 2008 season with the same starting receivers unless something like a Super Bowl victory causes Toomer to retire.  Assuming he does not retire, Burress returns as the #1 receiver, Toomer as the #2, and Smith beating out Moss as the slot receiver.  To expand the Giants passing attack, the team should employ a speed receiver as its #4.  I could see Moss fighting for that job along with Michael Jennings, and a high (2^nd or 3^rd round) draft pick.  A speed receiver would add another deep threat besides Burress and gives the team another option when Toomer does retire.  A speedy receiver like D. J. Hall from Alabama or Darius Reynaud from West Virginia would add speed and could be a slot receiver with a year of two of NFL seasoning.  I believe that Hixon and Tyree will battle for the last receiver/ special teams player spot with Hixon likely winning because the team will not pay Tyree $1 million to be a special teams player.
 

Tight Ends

Jeremy Shockey had a very good season finishing with 57 catches for 619 yards and 3 TDs.  Despite his production, Shockey's future status with the Giants seems in jeopardy because of his injury history and route running.  There is too many times where a Manning pass to Shockey is intercepted and the two come off the field with arms raised talking to each other.  While I do not believe that Shockey will be gone by next season, he needs to prove to a franchise with a young talented team that he can stay healthy and be consistently on the same page as Eli Manning and the rest of the team.  If he can do this, he will go down as one of the greatest TEs in the Giants history.  If he does not, then the young talent will take over. 

As quiet as he was during most of the regular season, Kevin Boss has really turned it on with the injury to Shockey.  While he has only had 8 catches since the regular season finale to the Super Bowl, each catch has been clutch and he scored a big TD vs. the Patriots in the season finale.  With his size, speed, and pass catching ability, he has a real future as a TE in this league.  Fellow rookie TE Michael Matthews has served much of this season as a blocking TE, but injuries have limited his effectiveness over the last couple weeks of the season. 

Off Season: The Giants will likely head into the 2008 season with the same group of tight ends.  I would doubt that the team drafts a tight end with Shockey returning from injury and the development of two fine rookie TEs.  This is the deepest group of Giants TEs since the team let Dan Campbell after Jeremy Shockey's rookie season.  The major point of interest will be what happens with Darcy Johnson, who has spent the season on injured reserve.  Johnson is a decent blocking tight end and had the type of training camp that would have placed Matthews on the Practice Squad for the season.  The only real battle at this position could be between Matthews and Johnson for the blocking tight end role next season. 

Offensive Line

This unit has developed through this season into a Top 5 unit in the NFL in terms of its overall play.  They can run block, pass block, and do not make many mistakes that hurt the team.  David Diehl has looked like a very good NFL left tackle being able to handle the outside pass rush and still remain an effective outside blocker on the run.  Kareem McKenzie has brought that brute strength and physicality to a Giants team that is now a power running team. 

Now that the questions have been answered at left tackle, any question that remained about the LG spot with the move of David Diehl was answered by the infusion of Rich Seubert.  While never the most perfect specimen at guard, Seubert plays a gritty, gutsy game that gets the job done.  Pairing him with a Pro Bowl caliber guard in Chris Snee and one of the best and least recognized centers in the league.  This line has allowed the team to cut down the top teams in the NFC and advance to the Super Bowl.  That is all a team can ask of its offensive line. 

One of the most impressive components of Big Blue's offensive line this post season has been its ability to not make the same mistake twice.  If they are beat on the outside by a speed rusher, that player rarely will get another sack.  If they make a mental error while blocking, they will not commit the same penalty or missed block.  They will keep mistakes with them and not allow them to happen again, but they will not allow a mistake to alter their play, either.   Even more impressive is that most teams have stacked the line to force the Giants to throw the ball and the line is still creating enough holes to rush for over 100 yards each game. 

Off Season: The Offensive line will remain intact for the 2008 season with each lineman under contract through the next two seasons.  The team is set with its backups for next season as well with Guy Whimper returning as the backup tackle and Grey Ruegamer returning as the backup guard and center.  I believe that the team will draft a player to be another backup guard/center in the later rounds of the draft for next season and then fill in for Grey Ruegamer or even starter Rich Seubert in a year or two.  Letting a low round draft pick develop into a solid part of the line is the most feasible way to sustain an effective group of road graders. 

Defensive Ends

The pressure created from this group has turned two of the best passers in the league to tentative quarterbacks that have not been able to make clutch throws when needed.  They have created this pressure despite neither Justin Tuck or Osi Umenyiora getting a sack during the postseason and only sacking the QB 3 times in 3 playoff games.  Strahan and Umenyiora have been causing headaches for opposing defensive lines with Tuck getting a great push up the middle during pass plays.  Tuck made a great play by nailing Packers RB Ryan Grant for a 5-yard loss on a shovel pass.  Rookie Dave Tollefson has even created some decent pressure when he has entered the game, especially in the Buccaneers game when he nailed Jeff Garcia right after a throw.

This unit has been most effective at stuffing the opponents running game and setting up 3^rd and long situations.  Teams have been trying to run to the opposite direction of Strahan and have not found much success running against Umenyiora.  This unit has spearheaded the effort against the run and has greatly helped cover up an injured secondary.

Off Season:  If the Giants win the Super Bowl, I would think that Michael Strahan would go out on top and retire.  If he does, I am still not sure that the team moves Mathias Kiwanuka back to full-time defensive end, especially after giving a long extension to Justin Tuck.  If Strahan retires, Tuck would slide in as a starter along with Umenyiora with Adrian Awasom, Dave Tollefson, or a draft pick being the backups.  I would expect the Giants to draft a defensive end despite having Tuck, Kiwanuka, and Umenyiora because you can never have too many pass rushers.  A late round speed rusher like Tommy Blake of TCU or a small school prospect like Jameson Hartke of the University of Ohio could compete for the 3^rd or 4^th defensive end position and be a special teams contributor.
 

Defensive Tackles

With all of the noise that the defensive ends are making, it is quite easy to overlook the contribution of this unit.  Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield are above average starters in the middle of the Giants defense.  Cofield is a good run stuffer that gets a good push into the opponent's backfield.  He is frequently taken off the field during passing situations so that a pass rusher can be inserted into the lineup.  Robbins did not have the career year that he had in 2006, but he did finish the season with 42 tackles and 6 sacks.  Robbins is best when fighting to get up field.  He is not the type of defensive tackle to try to tie up blockers and wait for the play to come to him.  He does sometimes leave holes for the offense to exploit when he gets to far up field, but often times the linebackers and defensive ends pinch into these gaps to prevent big plays.

Robbins has been getting pulled off of the field during passing downs in favor of rookie Jay Alford.  Alford is good at rushing the passer and creating a pass rush from the interior to pressure opposing QBs.  This rookie has done such a good job creating pressure that backups Manny Wright and Russell Davis are rarely active on game days.  Davis was brought in to be the type of defensive lineman that can tie up blockers to free the linebackers and defensive ends, but his lack of push up the middle has prevented him from getting more playing time.  Wright is a big tackle that should dominate an offensive lineman but he still must learn to use better technique and leverage.

Off Season:  Robbins, Cofield, and Alford should each be back next season, but Davis will likely be cut because of his age and ineffectiveness.  Wright will be brought into training camp to fight for a spot, but he will likely face a few rookies and maybe a cheaper veteran for his backup spot.  The team will not spend a high round pick or a lot of money on this spot, because the defense is good enough against the run and great at pressuring the QB, but they may bring in a late round DT to fight for an eventual starting spot as a run stuffer.  A big DT like would be available in the later rounds of the draft and could be developed into a starter down the line. 

Linebackers

Antonio Pierce had another decent season finishing with 103 tackles and has been a real force during the post season.  Pierce's tackle on the screen pass to RB Brandon Jackson saved a potential TD and was a hell of a play because he fought through a wall of offensive linemen.  Pierce is the leader of this defense and rarely leaves the field.  His backup Chase Blackburn remains a solid special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell has made Giants GM Jerry Reese look like a genius with his solid play and game changing plays.  He finished the regular season with 76 tackles and has made many solid plays during the post season including a sack and several key pass defenses.   Even though teams have attacked him in coverage, Mitchell does a good job staying with opposing TEs and deflecting passes.  Mitchell only signed a one-year deal and has made a statement that if the Giants don't resign him quickly then he will be an attractive free agent to other teams.   Reggie Torbor has done an admirable job filling in for starter Mathias Kiwanuka.  Torbor has looked faster than before getting to the ball.

Backup Gerris Wilkinson looked very fast while playing against the Patriots when Mitchell missed a couple series due to injury.  He shot the gap on his first snap and dragged down Patriot RB Lawrence Maroney for a 3 –yard loss.  Other backup linebackers Zak DeOssie and Torrence "Tank" Daniels have made a great contribution on special teams with 8 special teams tackles between them.

Off Season: While I believe that the team should resign free agent Kawika Mitchell, I could see the team having enough confidence in young WLB Gerris Wilkinson to allow him to seek more money elsewhere.  The team will only resign Mitchell for a modest price tag.  Reggie Torbor is also a free agent that will likely not return to the team with the return of Mathias Kiwanuka from injury and a more experienced Zak DeOssie as backup SLB.  Tank Daniels will be back to compete for a spot as a backup WLB with a young free agent or a rookie free agent.  I doubt the team spends a draft pick on this pretty well stocked position.

Cornerback

Sam Madison has played well despite missing time with injury and remains the steadying force in the Big Blue secondary.   He is a savvy veteran who knows all of the tricks of pass coverage.  He is good at press coverage and like to muscle a receiver off of his route.  His presence along with R. W. McQuarters, presence in this secondary is not only felt on the field but also in the development and mentoring of the younger defenders.  McQuarters has done a nice job as a punt returner.  He is excellent at securing punts, but he has had unusual fumbles in his returns.  He has made many big plays this postseason and leads the team with 3 interceptions.

Rookie corner Aaron Ross looks like a long-term starter for the Giants with his sticky coverage and ability to make plays on the ball.  Ross has not made many of the mistakes that are common in rookies.  He has also not given up many big plays despite frequently seeing single coverage.  Ross has shown his toughness this postseason by playing through a separated shoulder.  Young corner Kevin Dockery continues to be a solid cover corner despite his small size.   His has missed the postseason with a leg injury but should return next season to be the #3 or #4 corner. 

The star of the Giants secondary has been much maligned Corey Webster.  Forced into action with the injuries to Madison, Ross, and Dockery, Webster has responded by making 2 clutch interceptions and a number of key pass defenses in big time games.  He is playing with the confidence that he has not had since the beginning of his rookie season.  In 3 games, he has gone from looking like a 2^nd round bust to looking like a player that can compete for a starting job next season.

Off Season:  Ross will return next season as a starter and I think that Madison, McQuarters, Dockery, and Webster will return.  However, I expect the team to use a 1^st or 2^nd round pick on a corner to eventually replace Madison and McQuarters as a starter or nickel corner.  I think that the team will go younger at punt returner and dime corner, so McQuarters or Madison will likely not make it out of training camp next season.  There is no such thing as having too many good cover corners.  Justin King from Penn State, Aqib Talib from Kansas, or Tracy Porter from Indiana are decent cover corners that would be available in the late first or second round, to be a backup and eventual starter down the road. 
 

Safety

Gibril Wilson finished the regular season with 96 tackles and played very well in run support.   Wilson played better this season than previous seasons in pass coverage.  He has the speed to stick with receivers and play the deep third of the field.  He sometimes will get beat by a physical tight end and he was not used much as a blitzer this season.  But that was more a product of the heat that was generated up front by the defensive ends and the teams need for Wilson in pass defense rather than an indictment on his abilities as a blitzer.  

The surprise starter at strong safety James Butler has had a season of mixed results.  He has been ok as a run defender but he sometimes takes bad angles that lead to big gains.  He has used his size to his advantage when defending deep jump balls, but he does not have the speed or athleticism to keep up with receivers deep, provide over the top help, or change direction in the defensive backfield.  He has not made enough big plays to guarantee his spot for next season. 

Rookies Michael Johnson and Craig Dahl have done a better than expected job as the backup safeties this season.  Dahl has been a plus on special teams and was solid as a defender in the game he started for the injured Wilson.  Dahl as missed the playoffs with a season ending injury. Johnson is a physical player with a knack for making hard hits that opponents remember.  Johnson's aggressiveness can sometimes lead to contact penalties, but he has been a big plus in run defense when in the game.

Off Season:  I expect this position to be the spot of the most off-season turnover, with Wilson becoming a free agent and the team looking for an upgrade at free safety over Butler.   The team must decide how much they are willing to pay for Wilson.  He is not quite a top-flight strong safety and he has had some injury problems, but the team is not guaranteed to find a better alternative in free agency or the draft.  I am betting that free safety is the spot the team will target with its first round draft pick.  Several good free safeties will be available at the end of the first round or in the second round that could start or at least compete with Johnson for a starters spot next season.  The team could pick a player like Reggie Smith from Oklahoma or Josh Barnett from Arizona State to develop into a starter at the FS spot. 
 

Special Teams

Kicker Lawrence Tynes has not had a great season, but to his credit he has not cost the team a game by missing a field goal.  He has been excellent kicking long field goals and was solid converting extra points.  His struggles are on angle kicks from 25-35 yards and on kickoffs, where he has booted a couple kickoffs out of bounds.  The team can live with his field goal kicking, but shanking kickoffs out of bounds is an unforgivable mistake. 

Punter Jeff Feagles remains the best directional kicker in the history of the game.  He will not boom big kicks but he often eliminates any possibility of a return by sending the ball out of bounds inside the 20-yard line.  The team has been solid with its coverage units and has made a lot of big plays in the return game with Domenik Hixon taking over for Ahmad Bradshaw as a kick returner, when Bradshaw started to see more time as a ball carrier.  R.W. McQuarters has made some key returns towards the end of the season, but has not done a great job securing the ball

Off Season:  The Giants have some real decisions to make on their special teams, especially in the kicking game.  Punter Jeff Feagles contract is running out and he is likely to retire and Lawrence Tynes was brought to the team on the last season of his contract.  While Tynes has not been automatic, he may be better than any kicker that is on the market and my bet is that the team will resign him for a short contract and then try to find some competition for him during training camp.  At punter, I think the team will bring in a couple of young punters with a little NFL experience or undrafted college free agents to compete for the job.  A lot of teams have been finding free agent punters that are more than competent and while the team would love to have Feagles back, they will not pay heavily for a replacement.
 

Giants Organization

I just wanted to give the Giants coaching staff and executives a lot of credit for the success that the team is experiencing.  Tom Coughlin should be signed to a contract extension because continuity is key.  I do not think a better coach is available for the Giants.  Coughlin has shown the ability to bring a team together and get the best out of his players this season.  He has earned this extension by making the Super Bowl in a year that he was on the "hot seat".

One key to the Giants season has been the addition of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his aggressive defense.  After the players got accustomed to his system, the defense has been a very strong unit.  He sends blitzes at the right time, makes opposing QBs uncomfortable, and he has stressed the type of defensive fundamental that the team has lack with recent defensive coaches.  One of his most impressive attributes is that he makes the type of in game adjustments that stops what opposing offenses are doing best. 

The most surprising part of the Giants season has been the work of new GM Jerry Reese.  He has made nothing but the right moves in his young tenure at the helm for the G-men.  What looked like a risky move by releasing veterans Luke Petitgout, LaVar Arrington, and Carlos Emmons, has turned into gold by allowing younger players to step in while watching these cut veterans struggle through injury plagued seasons and unemployment.  If anyone needs a reminder of Reese's effectiveness, then look no further to the 7 out 8 2007 draft picks that have made big contributions in this Super Bowl run.

11/10/07

Half Way There…The New York Giants Mid Season Review