Here’s what going on today around the Giants blogosphere…

• Big Blue View has a Giants draft preview, focusing on the needs of the G-Men, namely safety, cornerback and linebacker.
• The New York Post writes that RB Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to be Brandon Jacobs primary backup, despite the recent re-signing of Derrick Ward.
• ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Eli Manning has “made it clear” that he wants Jeremy Shockey back with the Giants this season. Manning is reportedly excited about the prospect of using more two-tight end sets with Shockey and Kevin Boss.

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Don Banks at SI.com breaks down the upcoming NFL combine, and how teams are trying to find the secret formula the Giants used to draft seven players who all made a major impact on the road to a Super Bowl Championship.

Where would New York have been without fifth-round tight end Kevin Boss and seventh-round running back Ahmad Bradshaw once Jeremy Shockey and Derrick Ward went down with broken legs late in the regular season? And from December on, how essential were second-round receiver Steve Smith, third-round defensive tackle Jay Alford and first-round cornerback Aaron Ross, all of whom had their spotlight moments in the Super Bowl upset of the Patriots? Even fourth-round reserve linebacker/longsnapper Zak DeOssie — a guy who really made the radar screens of NFL teams at last year’s combine — was a contributor as a rookie.

The Giants will have a significantly tougher task ahead of them this time around because of their draft position and their off season planning being shortened by their run through the playoffs.

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In today’s New York Post, Paul Schwartz pens a terrific column about the wildly successful 2007 NFL Draft, Giants GM Jerry Reese’s first.  In addition, Reese shares his thoughts on his team’s preparation for the 2008 Draft to be held April 26-27.

“We’re not here in the meeting patting ourselves on the back about last year’s draft,” Reese stated in an e-mail to Schwartz.  “We’re just here trying to do a good job with this year’s draft.”

Players chosen by the Giants in the 2007 NFL Draft:  (Rnd 1) Aaron Ross, (Rnd 2) Steve Smith, (Rnd 3) Jay Alford, (Rnd 4) Zak DeOssie, (Rnd 5) Kevin Boss, (Rnd 6) Adam Koets, (Rnd 7) Michael Johnson and Ahmad Bradshaw.

Although the 2007 Draft was Reese’s first as GM, he has impressive and extensive credentials.  He has headed the Draft for the Giants the past five seasons.  In addition, Reese was the leader of the Giants scouting department.

Those worried about a Giant hangover should take solace in the following quote:

“I think we all realize last season was was pretty special,” Reese stated.

The success of the 2007 Draft is so great it’s almost hard to imagine.  Not only did all 8 men make the team, Smith, Alford, Boss and Bradshaw contributed in large part to a Super Bowl victory.  Ponder that for a minute.  Meanwhile, Ross had a very solid Rookie season while DeOssie and Johnson both showed signs of being legit NFL Players.  The idea that Reese is already referring to last Sunday’s win as “last season” can only be a positive sign as well. 

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Hat tip to Tommy Dee for the clip.

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Ernie Palladino, Giants beat writer for the Journal News, writes on his blog Giants Journal about how the Giants have a number of rookies making significant contributions.

The Pats and Giants present two different views as far as rookies go. The Pats have just one drafted contributor, first-round DB Brandon Meriweather. But the Giants have had significant contributions from seven of their eight draft picks, most prominently from first-round CB Aaron Ross, second-round WR Steve Smith, and seventh-round RB Ahmad Bradshaw.

General manager Jerry Reese should receive high praise for putting together a squad that should compete for many years to come.

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Here are some quotes regarding the Giants and their huge NFC championship win last night.

Regarding the cold weather…

Ahmad Bradshaw - “Cold weather lasts for three hours,” said the kid who sounded wise beyond his years. “This championship lasts a lifetime.” [ Peter King, SI.com ]

Osi Umenyiora - “I thought I was going to turn into a popsicle out there.” [ Peter King, SI.com ]

Ernie Accorsi’s final words in his last address to the team as the Giants general manager last season…

“You’re good kids. Stay together. Trust each other and be good teammates to one another. I believe there is a championship in this room.” [ Peter King, SI.com ]

Archie Manning on his son Eli…

“We’re not saying he’s Phil Simms or anything. I just never thought he was as bad as some people thought he was.” [ Harvey Araton, New York Times ]

Peyton Manning to Eli Manning on the phone after the game…

“You’re past the point where I can give you advice.” [ Mike Greenberg, ESPN Sportscenter ]

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After missing a field goal with 5 seconds left in the game, Lawrence Tynes earns redemption in overtime, kicking a 47 yard field goal to send the New York Giants to their first Super Bowl since 2000.

The Packers won the coin toss and took over on offense in overtime, but Corey Webster, who had once lost his job earlier in the season, had the huge interception soon after that set up the game winning field goal.

The Giants and Packers went back and forth all evening long but Eli Manning was able to out sling the veteran Favre. Manning did not turn the ball over for the third straight playoff game, throwing for 254 yards. The Packers secondary could not stop Plaxico Burress who had 11 catches for 154 yards. Brandon Jacobs rushed for 67 yards, but it was Ahmad Bradshaw who made the biggest impact down the stretch. He had several big runs in the fourth quarter and scored the game tying touchdown with 2 minutes left.

The Giants controlled the ball and held the edge in time of possession, 38:22 to 21:38.

The Giants who seem on stoppable on the road, with continue down the road to their 4th Super Bowl in team history.

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The loss to the Green Bay Packers back on September 16th, the second game of the season was something of a turning point. Brandon Jacobs and Ryan Grant did not even play. Eli Manning feared he might miss a month with a shoulder injury.

After the loss, the Giants never looked back, and began a run to and through the playoffs, which now has them facing the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2000.

September 16th was a long time ago, and as David Picker writes in The New York Times, these are two very different teams now.

The Giants have lost Jeremy Shockey to injury and replaced him with Kevin Boss. Michael Strahan, who wavered before deciding to return this season, is relishing his role as the veteran anchor of the Giants 5th ranked defense, playing alongside the best defensive end in the league, Osi Umenyiora.

Amani Toomer and Steve Smith have stepped up and contributed after the early part of the season was dominated by Plaxico Burress. Perhaps most surprisingly, the Giants found that there is life after Tiki Barber, as Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have combined forces with two very different styles of attack.

Last but certainly not least, Eli Manning threw his best game to date this year, nearly ending the Patriots perfect season. He has yet to throw an interception in the playoffs and proven he has to poise to rise to the occasion in big games. In fact, he seems to thrive under the pressure of playing in a no-huddle offense.

The Packers have seen the renaissance of ageless Brett Favre, and the emergence of Ryan Grant. Their explosive offense is second only to the New England Patriots.

The Giants will face another turning point in their season on Sunday, against the same team they faced when they turned their season around in the first place. Two very different teams than who they were last time they faced each other, with a chance to turn their season into something very special.

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