But there is, however, pretty strong evidence suggesting that he will use his top pick to fill the team’s biggest needs.

Over the past few weeks, I have read a number of comments suggesting that Jerry Reese is too “smart” to draft based on need and that the good GMs draft the best player available instead of reaching for the best player at their position of need.  Using this logic, judging by Jerry Reese’s three drafts as Giants GM, he does not fit the profile of a good general manager.

In 2007, the team’s biggest need was a cornerback, and Reese drafted Aaron Ross.  In 2008, the team’s biggest need was a safety to replace Gibril Wilson, and Reese drafted Kenny Phillips.  In 2009, the team’s biggest need was a wide receiver (or so everyone though), and Reese drafted Hakeem Nicks.

To say that Jerry Reese will not draft for need in the first round is a statement that is not based on fact.

Is it possible that Reese selected the best player available according to the Giants’ draft board, and that they just happened to coincidentally play the positions of biggest need.  I guess so.  But the more likely scenario is that the Giants selected the best player available at the position they deemed the greatest area of need.  That they all turned out to be good players and that they filled these needs relatively quickly is a testament to Reese’s ability to evaluate talent.

There’s no way of knowing what goes on behind the scenes in the Giants’ war room.  Jerry Reese was quoted as saying that Aaron Ross was both a need and value pick, but sports fans should expect to be given lip service when higher ups are discussing the inner workings of the game.  The only thing I have to go by are the results of Reese’s three drafts, and so far, he has used his first round pick to fill a pressing need 100% of the time.

I’m not saying that the Giants will certainly not draft based on value.  I believe that throughout the draft, there are certain opportunities for a GM to make their team better by making value-picks: players that do not fit immediate needs but have fallen far beyond where the team has them ranked on their draft board.  When the Giants drafted Steve Smith, they had Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey as weapons for Eli Manning in the passing game.  Smith did not fill an immediate hole, but the Giants drafted him because they had him rated as the best player available with their second round pick.  Smith turned out to be an important player down the stretch and one of the best draft picks the Giants have made this century.

Often, picks such as this are what make or break a draft.  Other examples of Reese’s value picks are Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw, Michael Johnson and Mario Manningham, all of which turned out to be valuable players despite not filling immediate needs.

But in the first round, when the premium players are still available, Reese has shown that he is not afraid to draft based on need.

So, can someone please explain to me where this idea that Reese doesn’t draft based on need comes from?

On April 22nd, if this guy is still on the board at #15……he could be a Giant. 

Dan Williams of Tennessee is 6″2″, 330 and is simply a monster in the middle.  He may be too good to pass up…..

‘Bama’s McClain Has Crohn’s Disease

It was revealed at Alabama’s Pro Day today that star LB and projected high draft-pick Rolando McClain has been battling Crohn’s since high school.

According to sources, McClain did not complete his drills, leaving esrly due to illness.  This is not a good sign for the Giants or any other team that was going to put their chips on McClain.

Crohn’s Disease is an incurable, but treatable, affliction of the lower intestinal tract.  QB David Garrard of the Jacksonville Jaguars also suffers from Crohn’s, and he has rarely – if ever – missed time due to its effects.

Safety Still A Need

The Giants are still actively seeking some depth at safety, but are likely to steer clear of the more expensive options such as Darren Sharper.  Look for them to draft a safety in the early rounds.  One in particular is intriguing – Nate Allen of South Florida.  Again, Gibril Wilson is a free agent.  He may end up back here because the Giants recently cut Aaron Rouse and Kenny Phillips may be slow to return….Don’t forget, the Giants still have some latitude at safety even before the draft.  Sha’reff Rashad, a second-year man out of Central Florida and Vince Anderson – the “tweener” they found on Manic Monday after last year’s draft – are still Giants.

Free Agent Notes

The Giants have been fairly active compared to some other teams.  They added two key pieces very quickly – a safety and a backup QB.  There is more room for improvement, but free agency might not be the way to go.  Some suggested there would be a flurry of trades, but thus far, trades have few and far between…

DT Fred Robbins signed with the Rams yesterday.  QB David Carr has agreed to become a 49er.  Along with Rouse, the Giants cut LB London Fryar this week. ….

It usually takes at least three years to fairly review a draft class, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start to lean one way or another.

And in most cases, after two years we have seen enough to give us a strong indication of whether or not they will be successful players. In other cases, we can close the book entirely.

But while we can say what we want, these grades should be taken with a slight grain of salt.

Kenny Phillips (Round 1, Pick 31)

With the last pick in the first round, the Giants selected this Miami product to replace departed safety Gibril Wilson.

Phillips received rave reviews for his performance in training camp, and it looked like the Giants had themselves a steal.

Although it took Phillips until mid-season to crack the starting lineup due to injury, he eventually settled nicely into a three man rotation with Michael Johnson and James Butler.

Entering the 2009 season, Phillips was primed for a breakout. Butler had left via free agency, and Phillips became the full time starter.

The youngster did not disappoint, recording two key interceptions in a week two win at the new Cowboys stadium.

Unfortunately that is the last game he played due to patellofemoral arthritis in his left knee.

Phillips’ future is still in doubt; if he can come back fully healthy, he can be one of the top safeties in the game.

If not, he is a sad, familiar story of a talented player who couldn’t overcome injuries.

(Phillips’ injury is not reflected in the grade of his selection; GM Jerry Reese cannot be faulted)

Grade: A

Terrell Thomas (Round 2, Pick 63)

For the second year in a row, the Giants selected a USC Trojan in the second round. For the second year in a row, the Giants struck gold.

In his rookie year, Thomas was mostly used as a nickelback behind Corey Webster and Aaron Ross.

His first season was a modest success, with 45 tackles and an interception. But, in his second season, Thomas was forced into action due to Aaron Ross’ gimpy hamstring; he did not disappoint.

In a season wrought with lapses in coverage, Thomas was the Giants’ most consistent defensive back. He recorded 85 tackles and five interceptions—tops on the team.

Looking forward, Thomas will team with Corey Webster and a healthy Aaron Ross to create a very good cornerback core.

Just don’t expect him to give up his starting job anytime soon.

Grade: A

Mario Manningham (Round 3, Pick 95)

Read the rest of this entry »

Again, I am embroiled with other pundits across the internet and in barrooms over the value of rookies.

This year, the Giants will be looking for an inside linebacker in the draft (or in free agency) to become the centerpiece of their defense.  To ask a rookie to step in and lead a defense to the playoffs is highly unrealistic.

That is why whoever they draft at MLB will mainly watch from the sidelines while a veteran (in-house candidate Jonathan Goff or a free agent such as Kirk Morrison) drives the bus in the meantime.

That aside, the Giants were leveled by injuries last season and never got to display Jerry Reese’s recent draft and free-agent gems.  Here’s a quick update on a few of the players that fell short of expectations in 2009 and should make more of an impact in 2010….

Defense

DE Justin Tuck was tripped by Dallas’ Flozell Adams in Week Two, badly injuring his shoulder and inhibiting his ability to both rush the passer and stop the run.  He played the final 14 games with his arm strapped to his body. He will be ready for training camp.

Free agent LB Michael Boley played well for the most part, but an early season suspension and then a knee injury shortened his season.  He should be back and ready to display the athleticism that Reese had paid a small fortune last spring to see.

Two other FAs, DTs Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty lost most of their seasons to injuries as well.  They are both looking to come to camp 100% back.

S Kenny Phillips only played two games last year before he had his knee woes addressed and – by all accounts – should be ready for the 2010 season.

CB Aaron Ross only dressed for four ganes in 2009.  His hamstring is rested and ready to go for the 2010 season.

DT Jay Alford, a key component in the Giants’ defensive line rotation, never made it out of training camp. His knee injury landed him on season-ending IR.  He’s coming back and he will help solidify the d-line.

Other players that will open some eyes in 2010 will be the team’s three second round draft choices from the past two drafts: CB Terrell Thomas, LB Clint Sintim and OT Will Beatty. Thomas has already shown that he can be productive.  Beatty held his own in the few spot starts he got last season, and Sintim, who was hobbled by a groin injury for most of the season will build on some of the strong perfromces he logged last season.

Offense

RBs Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown and DJ Ware all were affected by injury in 2009.  Jacobs played with a banged-up knee all season.

Bradshaw had foot and ankle problems and never really got untracked.  Ware was held out of eight games due to various injuries and Brown blew out his Achilles in training camp.  This group should have better luck in 2010.

Players to watch in 2010: WR Ramses Barden and TE Travis Beckum.   Barden had a hard time making the gameday 45-man roster because he was not faring well on special teams.  The team dressed Domenik Hixon and Derek Hagan instead.

Reese had this to say…“We like Ramses Barden. We think he’s really a talent and we expect to get him in there early this time. You only have so many spots you can play out there, but we expect him to be in the mix and be a strong contributor for us.”

Barden, along with Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks give the Giants a solid young corp of receivers, among the league’s best.

The Giants are trying to get Beckum into the offensive flow as well.  The Giants have reduced the TE role in recent years and opponents are beginning to notice.  They need to make Beckum and Kevin Boss relevant pieces in the passing game.  I think they will.

The Giants have signed QB Jim Sorgi, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the NY Daily News.  Sorgi will contend for the backup QB job made available when David Carr signed with the 49ers.

Sorgi is best known for being Peyton Manning’s long-time backup.  In his quest to collect ‘em all, he now adds Eli to his personal Manning collection.  Up next is Cooper.

Rolle Signing Could Be Biggest Free Agent Splurge For Blue

The Giants needed help at safety and got it with the addition of Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle. They did not hesitate in making Rolle the game’s highest-paid safety, but he may be the only big-ticket player the team brings in, for now.

The uncapped year and the free agency rules that accompany it have many teams either confused or cautious.  Teams are waiting to see what breaks.

I believe teams are playing a patient game of chess.  Since most of the desirable pieces this off-season are restricted free agents (RFAs), general managers and their staffs are calculating whether to draw up offer sheets and surrender draft choices or simply sit back and wait for the draft.

Right now, all teams are measuring the existing pool of free-agents, what other teams might be be interested in them and whether there are better options in the draft.  This process could take weeks. We may not see considerable free agent movement again until mid-April.

Giants Still Need An Experienced MLB, But Could Stick With Goff

It’s obvious to everyone from the parking attendants at the Meadowlands to the ownership that the Giants must find a player to replace Antonio Pierce.  They need to do this before the draft.

Every fantasy player is telling you they should draft a MLB.  I agree, but there is no rookie alive that is going to start Day One of his career calling defensive signals in the NFL.  As a coach,  you’d have to have your head examined to expect a rookie to run your defense.

They need an experienced player at MLB, and that is why Karlos Dansby was considered a “must-have” for the Giants this off-season.  Instead, they opted to spend on a safety, which they also needed.  Now, they have to scour the RFA list for a possible deal. There are some good players, but very few that possess the qualifications the Giants need.

Many feel that Oakland’s Kirk Morrison, tendered at a third-round level, might be the answer.  So far, the Giants have made no moves in that direction.

I think the Giants are hoping that Jonathan Goff can fill the bill for now.  He’s a bright young man and tough player (he has an engineering degree from Vanderbilt) and he has experience with the headset.  If he can build on his performance of last season, there may not be an immediate need to draft a linebacker in the early rounds unless someone they covet falls to them.

Fans are barking about Rolando McClain, Brandon Spikes and others as possible first round draft picks, but if you know the Giants that first rounder is rarely a “need” player.  They will take the best player available regardless of position.

This is a deep draft and there may be someone at 15 they just can’t pass on.  The LA Times projects that player could be Notre Dame WR Golden Tate.  A receiver?  Think about it.  How many receiving options do the Saints, Colts and Vikings have…four or five each?  In this pass-happy league, this would not be the craziest move by a long shot.

Notes

It doesn’t appear that QB David Carr will be back.  He is roaming around the league trying to land a starting gig.  The Giants will work out Colt backup Jim Sorgi today at the Meadowlands as a possible replacement. They are also rumored to be considering Jeff Garcia.

The Giants will also try out another kicker this week – former Panther Rhys Lloyd.

Don’t know if it was our article that Tom Coughlin was responding to this morning, but he made sure everyone understood why the Giants signed Antrel Rolle yesterday.

“The idea that this is associated with the Kenny Phillips situation is incorrect,” Coughlin said. “We needed to answer some questions in terms of the safety position. This move puts us in a position now where we feel this can be a really strong part of our team. We needed to really solidify and help the safety position based on last year’s experience. That’s the reason this objective was so important to us.”

Thank you.  We were further straightened out when the coach stated that Rolle and Philips were “interchangeable” players, meaning they could end up playing wherever they fit best.

Julius Peppers went to Chicago yesterday and came away $91 million richer.  Karlos Dansby, who was supposed to be courted by a slew of teams, was only offered a contract by the Miami Dolphins.  He took it.

And Antrel Rolle, a safety coming off of a Pro Bowl year, was made the richest at his position by the New York Giants.

So much for the bidding wars.  We now know the strategies of the majority of NFL teams.  They are choosing to be cautious.  The Bears and Giants were desperate for players at those positions.  The Dolphins turned out ot be the only destination Dansby wanted to land.

The rest of the league is taking a powder. There were some other moves.  Detroit made some moves, but they need to make so many moves that whatever they do seem inconsequential.  The Bears also signed Chester Taylor, who will finally become a featured back at the age of 30.

Atlanta made a solid move by inking Houston’s talented CB, Dunta Robinson.  The Cardinals continued to reshape their roster by shipping WR Anquan Boldin to Baltimore for draft choices.

Perhaps the exodus of major players in Arizona helped Rolle’s decision to take the Giants’ money a bit easier.  It was thought that Rolle’s agent may try to take a Giant offer and leverage it vs others, drawing out the process, but that never materialized.

Rolle fills a gaping hole in the Giants’ secondary. Unfortunately, it’s at free safety – the position where Kenny Phillips has been penciled in.  What will the Giants do?  Or is there something we don’t know about Phillips’ future?

The Giants and Kenny Phillips have both assured the public that Phillips’ knee rehab is on schedule, yet they went out yesterday and paid Antrel Rolle $37 million dollars to play Phillips’ position. For a team that claimed they were going to double-count their chips before every move, this quick strike to secure a free safety seems dubious.

The Giants’ made Kenny Phillips their first round selection in 2008 because he had the same attributes as another University of Miami safety- the late Sean Taylor.  Rolle is also a former Hurricane.  In fact, when Taylor left for the NFL in 2004, Rolle took his slot in Miami and became a consensus All-American.

The signing of Rolle certainly helps the Giants at safety. But is he Phillips’ new partner or his replacement?

Let’s hope it’s the former. Does this also mean that they are not expecting Kenny Phillips to fulfill his promise? Will they take Taylor Mays or Earl Thomas if either player falls to them in the draft?  We shall see….

On a side note, the Dolphins released former Giant safety Gibril Wilson yesterday.  I wonder if the Giants would consider bringing him back…?  Are the Giants still looking for inside LB help? And if so, who might be on their radar now that Dansby and Gary Brackett are no longer possibilities?

The Eagles released LB Will Witherspoon yesterday.  He’s still got some mojo left. He may be worth a look.  Then there are the RFAs.  Kirk Morrison of Oakland and Cleveland’s D’Qwell Jackson have been mentioned.

The opinion of this writer, that is if the Giants want a real MLB, they send an offer sheet to Houston’s DeMeco Ryans.  Only 25, Ryans is the league’s next big superstar at the position.  He was recently tendered at the highest level (a 1st and 3rd round pick) by the Texans and is going to be offered a long term deal.

Take a shot, Jerry Reese. You have our permission.  As Clint Eastwood said in The Outlaw Josey Wales….Are you goin to pull those pistols or just stand there whistlin’ dixie…?

NFL news king Adam Schefter reports that the Giants have signed FS Antrel Rolle to a five year deal worth $37 million, $15 million guaranteed.

The Giants needed to upgrade at safety, and they did just that.  Almost as importantly, this moves gives them flexibility going forward and in the draft.  They can now focus on linebacker and defensive tackle…and maybe another safety, depending on Kenny Phillips’ uncertain future.

Rotoworld.com ranked Rolle as the sixth best free agent available…but they also produced this gem:

“The Giants had to upgrade their safety position, but of all the free agent signings so far, we like this one least. Rolle has fine ball skills and range, but has never made a Pro Bowl, tackled poorly last season, and often seems to be out of position.”

To each his own, but it’s hard to take their opinion seriously, seeing as Rolle made the pro bowl this past year…