The Secondary: A Primary Focus on Draft Day

(This is Part 2 of 5 in a series of articles that will examine some positions of interest for the Giants as they approach this year's draft. Part 2 looks at the Giants’ needs at defensive back.)

Much like the offensive line, the Giants secondary is more or less set at the starting positions. The unit is stacked with young talent as the Giants have spent 3 of their last 4 top picks at those positions. 2005’s top pick CB Corey Webster has developed into one of the better corners in the NFL, while his counterpart – 2007’s top pick CB Aaron Ross – though struggling at times last season, has proven himself as an effective starter. Last year’s number one pick, S Kenny Phillips, is set to assume a starting role this year after the departure of free agent James Butler, and third-year player Michael Johnson returns at the other safety position.

Again, much like the offensive line, depth has become an issue for the Giants’ secondary. In addition to Butler’s move to St. Louis, the Giants cut two veterans in CB Sam Madison and S Sammy Knight this offseason, and the awesomely-named DB R.W. McQuarters remains a free agent. Losing four contributors from a unit will undoubtedly leave holes to fill…

Last year’s second round pick CB Terrell Thomas provides a solid third man in the CB rotation behind Webster and Ross, and may even challenge Ross for a starting spot in camp this summer. The athletic Kevin Dockery is a restricted free agent and has yet to sign his tender with the Giants. It is more than likely though that he will return, giving the Giants a solid four-man rotation at corner. But injuries can evaporate depth at a position in an instant. For the Giants, whose defensive scheme relies heavily on the CBs ability to cover one-on-one, you need roughly a half dozen quality guys who can handle their business to safeguard against injuries.

S Kenny Phillips and CB Terrell Thomas should have much larger roles in 2009.

Behind Phillips and Johnson, the only real depth the Giants currently have at Safety is recently acquired free agent C.C. Brown. The former Houston Texan only played a handful of games last season before suffering an injury. Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin have an eye for bringing in under-the-radar talent and maximizing their contributions though, so Brown could prove to be a solid addition. Still, much like Cornerback, the Giants need one or two more stallions in the stable to solidify the position. Depth in the secondary is thus an essential area for the Giants to address in the draft, with Safety getting priority.

Safety in Numbers

Ignoring the possibility that the Giants will trade their first pick, it is unlikely they would spend it on a defensive back to begin with, with more pressing needs to fill (like Wide Receiver) and more talented players likely available at other positions (like Linebacker). Safeties are unlikely to start coming off the board until the early second round anyway, but when they do, the first name called will likely be either Louis Delmas from Western Michigan or William Moore from Missouri. One of them could be available when the Giants get on the board with the 45th overall pick.

Western Michigan S Louis Delmas

Delmas is perhaps the best safety in the draft. He’s tough and physical and plays with good awareness. He’s stout against the run and in coverage, and can drop the boom with a big hit. Moore’s stock has fallen a bit recently, but at one point he was regarded as first round talent. He’s big and athletic with great play-making ability on the ball. He’s another solid run-player and can cover a lot of ground and deliver the big hit. He lacks fluid hips and can struggle in man coverage though.

Other Safeties that could come off the board in the second round include Rashad Johnson from Alabama, Sean Smith from Utah and Patrick Chung from Oregon. Johnson has great ball skills and solid instincts on the field. He matches up well in coverage and is a sound tackler. He also has that “Hit stick” ability to lay the lumber. Smith is a ‘tweener DB who played Corner in college but could move to Safety in the pros. He’s another solid athlete with speed, agility, and good hands. He plays the run well and is a good tackler, but struggles in the open field and lacks the fluid hips and closing speed to really excel. Chung could slip to the third round, but brings a solid skill set to the table that couples instinct with ability. His Special Teams potential could attract the Giants to him, but he lacks the speed to be that deep middle Safety the G-men need.

If the Giants are looking for more help at Safety on day two of the draft, some early mid-round prospects to keep an ear out for include Chip Vaughn from Wake Forest, Michael Hamlin from Clemson, and David Bruton from Notre Dame. Bruton could be a solid pick-up in the 3rd round.

On the Corner

Already four deep at the position, I don’t think the Giants will look to draft a Corner until the 3rd round at the earliest. Names like OSU’s Malcolm Jenkins, Illinois’ Vontae Davis, Vanderbilt’s D.J. Moore and Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith should all come off the board in the first round. If available at the 29th pick, the Giants might be tempted to go for Moore or Smith because of their return prowess, but again, more pressing needs to fill…

I think it’s unlikely the Giants go for a Cornerback in the second round either, but given their recent history of drafting secondary in the early rounds, it shouldn’t be ruled out completely. One name to look for is UConn’s Darius Butler. He’s an excellent athlete with great physical tools: fluid hips, leaping ability, great hands and quick feet. He’s an intelligent player with good instincts and a lot of upside under the right coaches. He also has kick return potential. Oregon’s Jairus Byrd is a slower version of Butler. Byrd could come off the board as early as the late second round (though more likely early third). His lack of speed prevents him from being a good fit in some schemes (like the Giants’), but he could do well in the right system.

UConn CB Darius Butler

A few names who might be on the Giants’ radar for day two are Sherrod Martin from Troy (Osi Umenyiora’s alma mater), Victor Harris from Virginia Tech, and Kevin Barnes from Maryland. Martin may end up playing Safety in the pros. That might make him an appealing option for Big Blue in the third round if he’s still available.

Impact Players

I anticipate the Giants will draft at least two players for the secondary at this year’s draft. Safety depth is a more pressing need, and given the Giants’ recent penchant for taking defensive backs early, I think we could see a Safety drafted as early as our first second round pick. I suspect we will pick up another corner or two on the second day. Special teams and kick return ability could play big parts in the Giants’ decisions at these positions. Regardless, given their successes with DB draft picks over the past few years, I suspect whoever Big Blue drafts for the unit will make an impact.

Tune in next weekend for Part 3 in the series: Wide Receivers.

Click here to read Part 1: Offensive Line.

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Another Brick in the Wall: Offensive Line Draft Preview

(This is Part 1 of 5 in a series of articles that will examine some positions of interest for the Giants as they approach this year's draft. Part 1 will take a closer look at one such position: the offensive line.)

The New York Giants' offensive line is one of the team's greatest strengths, and arguably one of the best front five in the NFL. ESPN the Magazine featured a cover story last season suggesting the group was in fact the NFL MVP.

The unit combines quality, cohesion and consistency, boasting two Pro-bowlers in C Shawn O'Hara and G Chris Snee, G Rich Seubert - a solid, athletic veteran - and tackles Kareem McKenzie and David Diehl. All five have started the last 32 consecutive regular season games together, and all five are signed to long-term deals. If any starting unit is set on this team, it's the offensive line.

Someone's about to get trucked...

But it's beyond the starting unit where the offensive line corps begins to come into question. The past few seasons, the Giants have relied on veteran Grey Ruegamer to fill in on the inside while counting on young developmental talents like Kevin Boothe and Guy Whimper to back up the tackle positions. Ruegamer has been a solid six man, and his free agent status only exacerbates the Giants' depth concerns on the line. Whimper and Boothe have seen limited action in reserve duty and goal line situations. Whimper has struggled with injuries and Boothe, a converted guard, has shown that he is just that, often struggling to fend off pass rushers on the edge.

With a deep and talented O-line class, this year's draft presents a good opportunity for Big Blue to invest in their future, and pick up some top-shelf college talent with one of their ten draft picks. Let's take a closer look at some possible candidates and see where they might be available for Jerry Reese and company on draft day.

Top Dogs

It's likely we could see a similar run on OT’s in the first round to last year. The class is deep, and offensive tackles Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith, Jason Smith, Michael Oher and Eben Britton are all projected to go in the first round before the G-men even get on the board with the 29th pick. It’s unlikely the Giants would spend their first round pick on linemen to begin with as, as we’ve seen, the starting unit is in pretty good shape for the immediate future…

(For those who argue that David Diehl (a converted LG) is only a temporary solution at left tackle and the Giants should draft a tackle to replace him, I suggest you get your head examined. The guy is one of the toughest, most hard-working players in the league. He’s never missed a game (and only a handful of practices at that) since he was drafted. In the two years he’s started at left tackle, the offensive line has been dominant. Last year he allowed only 6.5 sacks against the likes of Julius Peppers, Jared Allen, and others. If you exclude DeMarcus Ware, the number’s probably closer to 3. He was second team All-Pro in 2008 (i.e. 2nd best LT in the league). Stop, stop, stop suggesting Diehl is a temporary fix!)

Double D!

More Bricks for the Wall

It’s still very possible though (if not likely) that the Giants could draft an offensive lineman on the first day, from the second round on. The Giants have needs to fill at OT and on the interior of the line in the event Ruegamer does not return. An early to mid-round pick would immediately put a serviceable back-up on the bench and go far towards improving the depth and long-term durability of the unit.

Finding talent at tackle can be a challenge, and that position is arguably of greater need for the Giants right now, as Kevin Boothe could be converted back to a back-up guard. Some names projected to go in the 2nd and 3rd rounds include William Beatty from UConn, Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma, and Jamon Meredith from South Carolina.

Beatty is a great athlete with size and strength. One area in which he could stand to improve is run blocking. Loadholt has a huge frame and is a physical and athletic tackle. He does struggle on occasion against outside rushers and has had a few run-ins with the law. Meredith is an impressive athlete with strength, quick feet and agility for a man of his size. He’s also a smart player, and excels against the pass. The first two are slated to go in the early 2nd round, but Meredith could be available for the Giants at either of their two second round picks.

The Giants could chose to address the interior of the line on the first day as well, and there are some excellent players to choose from. One name being thrown around as a potential first 2nd round pick for Big Blue is Max Unger, Center from Oregon. Unger is a smart player with great awareness, a complete physical skill set, and versatility on the inside of the line. He has the work ethic and competitiveness to fit in on the Giants’ line, and as one fan commented, “He even sounds like a Giant.” Unger could be a solid replacement for Grey Ruegamer if the veteran leaves, and he could also provide the future face at Center for the Giants as Shawn O’Hara isn’t getting any younger.

Oregon Center Max Unger is projected as the top interior lineman in the draft.

Oklahoma Guard Duke Robinson could be another option for the Giants on the first day. Scouting reports list Robinson as a physical, strong lineman with versatility. He gets good leverage against defenders and is a finisher who drives opponents to the turf on every play.

Sleeping Uglies

If the Giants are looking for more O-line help in the later rounds, a couple of names to keep your eyes on are G Greg Isdaner from West Virginia – an athletic, strong player who finishes each play – and T Mike Brown from Mississippi St. He played left tackle in college, but scouts project he will play right tackle or guard in the pros.

Another Brick in the Wall

One way or another, the Giants will be looking to add depth to their offensive line at this year’s draft. Big Blue will be looking to add tough, versatile talent who can contribute right away. For that reason, I strongly suspect the team will go O-line with one of their picks on day one. I also suspect that they will draft at least two linemen before the weekend is out. Max Unger and Jamon Meredith are two players that stand out as good fits at their respective draft positions. We will have to wait and see what draft master Jerry Reese has up his sleeve this year.

Click here for Part 2 in the series: Secondary.

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GSTV Offseason Report #2

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The Next 17: the Giants without Plaxico Burress

The Giants began their offseason workout program on Monday. While many did attend, including some of the Giants’ new offseason acquisitions, the expected absence of Plaxico Burress provides fans with another unnecessary reminder that the Giants still face a major conundrum this offeason: who's going to catch the football next year.

After Plaxico Burress's infamous "shot heard 'round the nightclub," the Giants struggled to produce on the same level offensively last season and as a result, made a premature exit from the playoffs. With Burress’s status still unknown as his trial approaches at the end of the month, the Giants have big hole to fill on offense if they want to recover their early-season form of 2008. The Giants need a “number 17.”

The Waiting Game

The outcome of Burress’s trial will be the major factor in deciding how this situation plays out. If Burress avoids jail time and is available to play next season, signs indicate that he will be back. The management and staff publicly have left the door open for Plax’s return, and his teammates have also vocalized their desire to see him back. As big a moron as Burress seems at times, last year revealed just how valuable he is to the Giants. I think if he avoids a prison sentence, he will be back in blue.

That being said, Plax faces an uphill struggle in my opinion. I’m not sure how someone whose unlicensed gun goes off and then falls out of his pants in a public place, as he’s writhing on the ground in the pain, is not guilty of unlawfully carrying a gun. “Did someone else tuck a pistol into your sweatpants, Mr. Burress?” As obvious as the facts might seem, one should never underestimate the power of an expensive lawyer…

But then what?

But let’s assume - as the Giants are - that the Super Bowl XLII hero will not be available. The Giants will need a new number one receiver. Where to find one presents a tricky puzzle.

Four viable solutions stand out for Big Blue to fill number 17’s shoes: 1) Develop the young receivers on the roster to fill the void; 2) Sign a veteran free agent receiver; 3) Select a WR in the early rounds of the draft; 4) Trade for top-flight talent.

The Young Guns

Developing the young talent already on the roster is certainly a priority for the G-men, however it may not be the best solution to the Plaxico problem. Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss, and Mario Manningham - three of whom were college standouts and high draft picks – are all talented young players who have had varying levels of success in their first few seasons in the league.

They will inevitably have to step up next season, regardless of what happens to Burress, as it looks the Giants will also be saying goodbye to former starter Amani Toomer. Hixon is probably the leader right now to take over Toomer’s spot. Steve Smith would start as well, without Burress in the line-up. (He would most likely move to the slot – where he excels - in multiple wideout formations.) Developing into a solid replacement for an aging veteran and developing into a defense-altering deep threat are two different things.

Last year this group not only struggled to execute in Burress’s absence, but also seemed to struggle under the burden of the increased roles that came with it. It’s easy to be an effective role player alongside one of the most dynamic receivers in the league, but can one of these talented young players emerge as anything more than a solid number 2 guy? Perhaps an entire offseason to prepare will make a difference…

Calling All Free Agents

The Giants could bring in a veteran free agent to sure up the ranks of the receiving corps. Big names like Marvin Harrison and recently released Tory Holt are available, and perhaps even Amani Toomer could be convinced of returning in a more limited role. (While this is unlikely, I think Toomer does have some gas left in the tank and could be a mentor to the younger players, much like Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters were for the secondary last year.)

This is probably the least likely and least appealing option of the four. First, the Giants don’t have the cap space for another big signing, and the price for a Harrison or Holt will be too high. Second, these players are nearing the ends of their careers. They are no longer the dominating players they once were, and at this point I think such an addition would be like adding another second level weapon. It wouldn’t be worth it, and it wouldn’t be cost effective.

Youth over Experience?

Would adding a top-level receiver in the draft be the solution then? First of all, I think one way or another, the Giants will add a receiver in the draft. The real question is whether they do so on the first day (three picks in the first two rounds), or - if they find a guy they really like - if they trade up for a receiver.

Without question, this is a deep class of talented receivers, and with the current shortage of wide outs on the Giants’ roster right now, I am confident that Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin will draft someone at the position. That said, I do not know that adding a talented rookie would resolve the Burress situation either. History shows (and the Giants have some first-hand experience) that wide receiver is the hardest position for players to acclimate to in the pros. I’m very skeptical, not that the Giants can’t add a contributor in April’s draft, but that they can find their new number one threat ready to make an impact on Day 1.

Trading Places

The final alternative then would be to trade for a veteran number one receiver. Personally, this is the most appealing option for me, though I think it is probably not the most likely. Keep in mind: it would only happen in the event Burress does not return to the team. People may be quick to bring up the lack of salary cap room, but in a trade scenario the Giants would be operating without Burress’s contract to consider.

Cardinals' WR Anquan Boldin is a bad, bad man.

Two names - among others - that have been circulating the past few months are Anquan Boldin and Braylon Edwards, both are Pro Bowl playmakers who could have an immediate impact for Big Blue. There are pros and cons to both, and I don’t want to delve too deeply into that here. (I’ll save that for if and when a trade takes place.) Both could be dynamic additions to the Giant offense.

The Next 17

The picture will certainly become clearer by the time April rolls around. For the time being however, it looks to me like the Giants will rely on their existing young receivers to rise to the challenge and embrace a bigger role next season, and seek to support the current crop with some talent in the early rounds of the draft. Despite the poor showing last year, I think this could be a viable solution in the event Burress does not return.

One theme surrounding this Giants’ team the past few years has been its ability to move on after the departures of prolific players, and the capacity for young talent to fill the subsequent void. 91 did it for 92, 27, 34 and 44 did it for 21, and 89 may even be better than 80. We’ll have to wait and see if history holds a similar fate for 17.

Back at ya soon,

Will

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