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Giants’ Draft Strategy: Need, or Best Player Available?

by John Fennelly on March 27th, 2011 at 8:55 am

The Giants are actually in a great spot in this year’s NFL Draft at #19.  Since Jerry Reese assumed the role as GM in 2007, they have followed a “stand pat” initiative in the first round, waiting for the others in front of them to make mistakes.

In doing that, he may have made mistakes himself. The jury is still out on Reese’s first four #1′s and to this day his draft strategy remains unclear.

Has he been picking for value, or need?

Under Reese, the Giants have not drafted higher than 15th in the first round.  That was just last season when they chose USF DE Jason Pierre-Paul.  The Giants went for value in JPP, who appears to have few limits on his potential.

His previous selection, in ’09, was UNC WR Hakeem Nicks (#29), clearly a need pick, but one of value as well.  In ’07 and ’08, Reese’s two attempts to upgrade the Giants’ secondary (Texas CB Aaron Ross at #20 in ’07, and Miami safety Kenny Phillips at #31 in ’08) have been failures thus far as both players have not been able to stay healthy.

Nicks is on his way to becoming a special receiver.  He is the playmaker college scouts advertised he would be. In retrospect, Nicks should have been drafted much higher.

Ross and Phillips were half-value, half-need picks.  Ross is perpetually dealing with some type of injury.  Phillips has an arthritic knee that has dampened the once-bright forecast for his career.

With the 19th pick this year is it uncertain what Reese will do.  He can wait for a stud to fall his way and – regardless of position – gobble him up.  Or, he could take a look at his roster and see where the most urgent needs lie and select from that angle.

Our colleague over at Giants’ 101, Dan Benton, believes that Reese can do both.  The Giants have speed issues in their back seven on defense. There will be quite a few LBs and DBs to choose from.

They also need to bolster an aging offensive line, and there are several franchise centers and OTs in this draft class. Then, there is RB Mark ingram, the Heisman Trophy winner out of Alabama whose father was part of the Giants’ championship teams of the ’80′s and ’90′s.

If Ingram is there when the Giants select, they will be tempted.  Ahmad Bradshaw‘s fumbles killed them last season.  Brandon Jacobs‘ 2010 farewell tirade towards reporters is not sitting too well with the Giants. They are stuck with him right now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t replace him sooner.

From Dan Benton…..

The New York Giants are fortunate enough to have a solid base in place for their 2011 squad, but are clearly in need of an upgrade in certain areas. Based on a blend of need and talent, I have assembled a list of the top draft targets for theNew York Giants.

1. Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

2. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

3. Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

4. Tyron Smith, OT, USC

5. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconson

6. Mike Pouncey, C, FLorida

7. Aldon Smith,LB/DE, Missouri

8. Justin Houston, LB, Georgia

9. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

10. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

 

 

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About John Fennelly

Managing Editor of SNY.tv's Giants Football Blog - the ultimate destination for New York Giants' news, opinion and entertainment. View all posts by John Fennelly →
  • http://www.facebook.com/amilcar.cuevas Amilcar Cuevas

    I doubt Ingram will be available at 19 but if he is I think they’ll think about it hard but his 40 time scares me. The Giants need an overall upgrade in team speed and I think they can get a rb in later rounds who are just pure speed 3rd down back types that would be better served for them than a 1st round RB. Personally I think they go best player available and knowing Giants past drafts don’t be surprised they draft another DE especially since that is one of the drafts strengths positions or they see what Pouncey did for the Steelers and see his brother as a sign. insurance policy for Koets and O’Hara.

  • Anonymous

    The Giants need to protect the Franchise.Draft eitherTyrone Smith or Mike Pouncy(great genes)

  • Homeralbie

    It seems the draft pickers are beginning to equivocate on their earlier near-unanimity that the Giants will pick an offensive lineman

    • Mickster

      And interestingly, Colorado OT Nate Solder is NOT on Benton’s list. He seems to be the wild card, boom-or-bust OT this year – people either love the guy or want no part of him. Benton’s apparently in the latter camp.

  • Mickster

    You know, if Dan thinks Buck-type rush linebackers such as Ayers, Houston of Aldon Smith are legitimate candidates for the Giants defense, he hasn’t learned anything from the failures of recent history. Also, though Jimmy Smith is very good, he’s a Bump-and-Run specialist which doesn’t go with our current defensive scheme. Come on, Dan!