7 picks
#15, 46, 76, 115, 147, 184, 221
Defensive Tackle
It seems like a long time ago the Giants used their defensive front to terrorize the Patriots en route to a championship. I'll be the first to admit I was fooled by their upgrades before the season. If games were simulated on Madden I'm sure the additions of Bernard (Seahawks) and Canty (Cowboys) would have given them at least a division title. Some blame the scheme of their departed coordinator, but at some point players need to play. Bernard had surgery for a torn labrum which contributed to his woes. Canty was hampered by his calf, finally having a procedure to relieve the pressure. Then he tweaked his knee in the embarrassing season finale. He should be fully recovered. Robbins (Rams) was lost in free agency. Cofield was tendered (second round) as a restricted free agent and played well coming off knee surgery. Alford spent the season on IR with a knee injury, but claims to be fully recovered. Are there enough question marks here? They need a high profile presence on the interior.
Running Back
Brandon Jacobs says he is ready to show everyone he can still do it, but coming off a knee injury how can the team be sure? Rookies Andre Brown and Gartrell Johnson failed to chew up the slack left by Ward's departure to Tampa Bay. Brown was put on IR with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The same is true of Danny Ware who regressed and was tendered as a restricted free agent. They combined for 32 touches. Bradshaw did take on a larger role, with 163 rushes and 21 receptions. He is also coming off surgery to both feet. The bottom line is that the best rushing attack from 2008 lost nearly a full yard per attempt and went from 157.4 yards per game to 114.8. That's why many are expecting them to pull a bit a surprise on draft day by adding Clemson's C.J. Spiller for some much needed explosive plays. Just having a lot of young players doesn't mean they are getting the job done. The numbers reflect that.
Defensive End
I think Umenyiora has cooled off and will be fine after his unfortunate rant at the end of the season. Tuck should be fine after a shoulder injury as well, which in theory has them in good shape. However, "Kiwi" will be a free agent next year. Tollefson was tendered as a restricted free agent this year meaning he is going to be up as well assuming he stays. There are enough long term question marks for them to mull over bringing in a rookie.
Linebacker
Pierce was cut and there is a hole in the middle. Goff was not able to fill it last year, but as it stands will be given a chance to compete with Wilkinson for the starting job. Wilkinson, tendered as restricted free agent, can't stay healthy. The most recent injury was a dislocated wrist landing him on IR. On the outside Boley and Sintim are slated to start, but need support. Boley is an injury risk. Coming off his rookie year Sintim is taking on a dramatically increased role. Danny Clark was cut, thinning the depth chart of valued experience. Youth is a great thing, but a veteran would do this unit some good. If not, at least another versatile rookie would keep the competitive juices flowing.
Offensive Line
There could be some changes in store on their veteran line with three starters at 30 and a fourth (Diehl) who will be this September, although I'll be quick to point out plenty of players have gotten the job done into their mid 30's. There is no successor to O'Hara at center on the roster, which opens up the possibility of drafting one. Starting left guard Seubert might be behind on his rehab. One way to resolve that is shifting Diehl to his spot and trying last year's rookie Beatty on the blind side. There is also a weak spot at right tackle with McKenzie. If Seubert is good to go, Diehl and Beatty could be the starters. Any way you cut this up, they need an infusion of youth. At tackle Whimper was tendered, but his development has been stunted by a broken leg which caused him to miss 2008. It's possible he will not be back. Reserve guard/tackle Boothe was given a late tender as well. They did add tackle Herb Taylor (Broncos) off waivers. I always stress versatility on the offensive line because teams are not able to carry many backups. Someone like Iupati (Idaho) would be an intriguing option for them at #15 because he has at least some potential at various spots across the line.
Cornerback
The safety position was handled in free agency with Rouse cut, and Rolle (Cardinals) and Grant (Seahawks) brought in. Those moves provide insurance for Phillips rehabbing from knee surgery and Michael Johnson's poor play. Now the question is depth at cornerback. Dockery was not tendered, and a balky hamstring helped him fall behind rookie Bruce Johnson which clouds his return. Fryer was cut. They still have their top three set with Ross, Thomas and Webster, but with Ross coming off a badly strained hamstring (he says he is pain free) they might take a late round addition just in case.
Blocking Tight End
The Giants have a ton of youth at wide receiver, and are just waiting for the group to blossom into a force. They also have a pair of young tight ends in Kevin Boss and last year's rookies Travis Beckum and Bear Pascoe. Unfortunately, out of this group no one can hold down the task of doing the dirty work. A tight end with blocking skills could be sought in the draft to compete with a roster spot with Pascoe.
