New York Giants Post Draft Commentary

The Giants were hoping for another Super Bowl run in 2008, but fell short of the mark, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Playoff. The Giants did not have a great deal of urgent needs heading into the 2009 off season, but wide receiver was probably the biggest. The team released the troubled Plaxico Burress and as such, needed to bring in another player to fill that void. The team did lose Derrick Ward in Free Agency, so finding another complementary back was also a need.

The Giants did have areas of concern, such as an offensive line that lacked a great deal of depth and youth at certain positions, and getting William Beatty when they did could mean the team may not have to look for a left tackle. Beatty needs to get bigger and stronger, but no one doubts his athletic ability; which is rare for a man his size. Once Derrick Ward left, the team needed to find a capable replacement and think they found it in North Carolina State’s Andre Brown. Brown is a slasher, but he does not always attack the hole the way he should. If he can run with more downhill conviction, Brown could be a nice addition to the unit as he is a pretty natural receiver.

But, as mentioned the need at wide receiver was probably the biggest hole the team needed to fill. After the loss of Plaxico Burress at the end of the season, the Giants were not the same team. The offense sputtered a great deal, even though the running game was still quite good. The Giants used two selections on big bodied receivers Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden in an effort to find the replacement for Burress. Hakeem Nicks is very similar to Dwayne Bowe in my opinion, although his work ethic has been questioned. Nicks must shed that label and must show up to mini camps in good shape. Ramses Barden is a huge specimen, but does not have a great deal of explosion in his game and may struggle to consistently get open to begin his career. His measurables are intriguing, but Barden is extremely raw.

The Giants need help at linebacker as Antonio Pierce and Danny Clark are over 30 and the depth on the roster doesn’t appear to be worthy of replacing either player any time soon. The Giants chose Clint Sintim in the second round as hope his versatility helps solidify the position for a few years to come. Sintim can play in space or with his hand in the dirt as he is an accomplished pass rusher. The Giants seem to collect players who can rush the passer, and Sintim is just that player. Sintim may struggle in one on one matchups with backs and tight ends, but the former Cavalier is a solid player.

The Giants addressed every pre draft need they had, and should have provided some valuable depth along the way. If either receiver blossoms early, it will be a blessing for the offense as this was the unit that faltered down the stretch. One important note however what affect Steve Spagnuolo’s departure will have the defense. Spagnuolo was the brains behind the scheme, and his loss may not have been countered.

Pre Draft Needs: WR, RB, OL, TE, LB