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Hurtin' for: a cornerback
According to Football Outsiders, the Giants ranked just 21st in the league against opponents' No. 1 receivers last season. Additionally, despite a dominating pass rush and holding opponents to the fifth-lowest completion percentage, the team managed to tie for a mere 20th in interceptions with 15. Sam Madison will turn 34 just before the draft, has missed some time in each of the past three seasons and has picked off more than three passes in just one of the past seven years.
New York was said to be considering a deal with
Atlanta for DeAngelo Hall, but it probably would have been a better idea anyway to wait and draft a kid with far less attitude.
Should be lookin' for: a receiver
It's easy to overlook flaws when a team wins the Super Bowl, especially when an embattled quarterback suddenly appears serviceable in the post-season. Beyond Plaxico Burress, however, the Giants have an aging Amani Toomer – he'll turn 34 in September and hasn't started 16 games since 2003 – and a few still-unproven young guys. David Tyree will probably forever be known for his fourth-quarter helmet catch in the Super Bowl, but in five pro seasons, he has yet to catch even 20 balls in a year. Sinorice Moss looks about worthless. I expect Steve Smith to become a prominent factor in the Giants offense this season, but another guy is needed. The strange haze around Jeremy Shockey's status with the team, as well as his inconsistent play, only heightens the need for another dependable target. Of course, if Shockey is eventually traded,
New York should target another tight end to provide insurance behind Kevin Boss.
Will likely settle for: linemen and a linebacker
The Giants' offensive line played well last year, but it might be even better if the team found a new left tackle and moved David Diehl back to guard. Frankly, I'm hoping that Guy Whimper can take over the job in his third season, because I can't think of much worse a name to adorn an NFL left tackle (or just about any male, for that matter). On defense, Gerris Wilkinson didn't do enough a year ago to keep Kawika Mitchell from coming in and starting on the weak side, so the Giants should at least look for someone to compete with him this time around.
Matt Schauf is a contributing writer for Draft Stock and an associate editor and senior fantasy football writer for SportsBuff.com |