2011 NFL Draft: New York Giants Top Needs

February 13, 2011

NEW YORK – Just when you think you have everything figured out, something will surely happen to change the situation quickly. Let’s take a look at some of the immediate issues the Giants are dealing with. The CBA talks, investigating the free agents available, prepping the upcoming NFL draft in April, work current Giants player contract negotiations, evaluate practice squad players, confirm health of players returning from injuries and a few other issues I am leaving out on purpose. It must be exhausting for the front office and especially for GM Jerry Reese.

Where does the research end and the action begin? Well, one of the first actions will occur in about two months at the 2011 NFL Draft. I am going to focus on this topic because it has been getting the most buzz lately. I am going to talk about what top three positions I feel will go in the first three rounds and also discuss some other positions our readers have mentioned. I have to admit that some of my thoughts have changed after speaking to our intelligent readers and listening to their thoughts on this. As always, I am basing the following information on the Giants current roster as of today 2-13-11. Things will change and so will my draft needs assessment for Big Blue come April.

I still believe the team will draft a linebacker or offensive lineman in the first round but I’m not so sure about rounds two or three anymore. The Giants could find themselves in a hole at the defensive tackle position due to free agency. This is a draft that has a ton of talent at the DT position and I would not be surprised if the G-men grabbed one with a top three pick. Throw in the cornerback position and now we have four positions that could be drafted in the first three rounds. Not to mention the tight end and running back position which some readers felt could be drafted in round one also. I could see a RB or TE being drafted easily but I doubt it will be in the first three rounds. There are only three positions that I am almost positive will not be drafted this year and they are safety, defensive end and quarterback. The Giants were pretty balanced last year on offense and defense but the team was atrocious on special teams and a lack of depth was also exposed.

Let’s take a look at my updated mock draft by position for the 2011 NFL Draft. Our readers can expect this list to change a couple of times before the draft but these are my selections as of today 2-13-11.

1. Linebacker

2. Defensive Tackle

3. Offensive Lineman/true Center

4. Cornerback

5. Running Back

6. Offensive Lineman/Tackle

7. Tight End

Feel free to leave your own mock draft by position in the comment area. I’m sure everyone will have their own opinions and we would really like to hear what the Giants fans think.

RD – nygreporter.com

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6 Comments | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Preseason, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Mini Camp, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Training Camp, Giants Transactions, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Preseason, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Story, NYG Training Camp, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Steve Tisch, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine

Would DE Jason Pierre-Paul Make a Good DT for the Giants?

January 16, 2011

NEW YORK – I was having a conversation with one of my writer friends about the draft and he mentioned the defensive tackle position being a problem in 2011. The Giants will more then likely have to let one go and most think it will be DT Barry Cofield. Personally, I hope the team doesn’t let Cofield go because he is a rock in the middle and one of my favorite players. Unfortunately, there is a very real possibility that he will not return. If it were up to me, I would lock the man down with a four year contract. This situation at the defensive tackle position will no doubt effect the Giants 2011 NFL Draft but to what extent?

There are a number of possibilities that could occur before the draft in April, such as a free agent signing or a trade. One of the more interesting scenarios I have come up with is the possibility of converting DE Jason Pierre-Paul to a defensive tackle. Now before you all rip my head off just hear me out and remember this is only an idea. JPP was drafted in April of 2010 and was listed at 270 pounds. By the time the 2010 regular season started in September, Pierre-Paul bulked up to 285 pounds and was still flying around the field like he was a welterweight. My question is simple, what would JPP do if he put on another 15 pounds (to round it out at 300 pounds) and got those extremely long arms a yard or two closer to the opposing quarterbacks at the defensive tackle slot? It is a very intriguing thought.

It is extremely unlikely that this will happen but DC Perry Fewell has been using the “nascar” defense quite a bit this year. The name of the game is to get the talent on the field. Imagine Tuck, Osi and JPP on the field for every single down the defense played in 2011, that’s scary. Ultimately, Pierre-Paul’s talent at defensive end will prevail when Osi or Tuck decide to retire or move on to another team. But wouldn’t it be amazing if JPP were to change the defensive tackle position forever with his unique combination of size and speed? Where ever the team decides to play JPP, one thing is for sure, the guy is going to be a pro bowl player within a year or two. He is just too talented and committed for things to turn out otherwise.

I would like to hear your thoughts on whether or not JPP would be a nice fit at the DT spot in 2011 or if you feel he is too valuable as depth for the DE spot. Please keep in mind that the Giants will be getting a guy named Mathias Kiwanuka back from injury in 2011 as well.

RD – nygreporter.com

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6 Comments | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Regular Season, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Transactions, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Fantasy Football, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Story, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Steve Tisch, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine

New York Giants Fans Still Want More NFL Football

January 10, 2011

NEW YORK – Fans of the New York Giants were not ready to give up NFL football last weekend, when they were eliminated from the playoffs for the second year in a row. I have been hearing and reading the chatter all over the internet from the bummed out fans hating the offseason. You had all the evidence you could need, if you checked out twitter or Giants.com yesterday during the playoffs and read all of the depressed Giants fans comments.

Well, I’m here to tell the fans to keep their heads up and to focus on the offseason possibilities. When the fans can finally put the 2010 NFL Season behind them, they can then see that the team has some fun work to do in researching and scouting new talent that the team could bring in to help out.

I don’t want to mislead you into thinking that I am not disappointed over the 2010 NFL season because I am. But I truly believe that the fans cannot let it effect how they feel about the team or interfere with their regular lives. I hope that the fans remember to stay true to Big Blue and that they can remain respectful and classy in their comments. You have to realize that the players, coaches and their families read those comments. It’s bad enough when the players and fans have to deal with rival fans moronic comments but it must be particularly hurtful to hear nasty comments from their own fans. Anyone who cheers for the team when they are winning and boo’s the team when they are losing are known as fair weather fans. Stay classy New York and let’s also remember that kids read these articles and comments too.

Also, after the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Green Bay Packers yesterday, all of the NFC East teams are officially out of the running for a Super Bowl title. However, my prediction about the Packers winning the Super Bowl this year is still very much alive. I would love to hear what some of the fans think about this subject. Please feel free to leave a comment below and voice your opinion.

RD – nygreporter.com

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Posted by robdomaine

2011 NFL Draft: New York Giants Early Bird Edition

January 5, 2011

NEW YORK – It’s never too soon to search for improvements. I would like to take an early look at the New York Giants 2011 draft needs. These draft needs will absolutely change by the time the draft arrives on Thursday April 28, 2011. Keep in mind that the NFL now holds the 1st round of the draft on Thursday night, rounds 2 and 3 on Friday night and rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday. The times have not been released yet but that’s the schedule. The New York Giants will have the 19th overall pick in the 1st round.

So let’s take a look at some of the needs for Big Blue. The first two positions that pop into my mind are Linebacker and Center. I would not be surprised one bit to see either of these positions taken in the first round. I would also not be surprised to see the Giants take two offensive linemen by the time the draft is over. I made the same prediction last year but the Giants surprised me by taking a defensive end with the No.1 overall pick. A pick that proved to be awesome because DE Jason Pierre-Paul had an impressive rookie season and he will continue to develop into a beast. If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is the fact that Giants will not take another defensive end with their first pick in 2011.

The Giants will more then likely dip into the free agent market once again in 2011, so I’m not sure where these needs will be on the chart come April. I can only make my guesses based upon what I see today. The Giants need to get more help on the offensive line to protect franchise QB Eli Manning and they need to get a serious playmaker at the linebacker position. I’m not knocking LB Jonathan Goff who did an excellent job in 2010 replacing the retired LB Antonio Pierce. The team still needs more fire from that area and I would be shocked if the G-Men did not pick up a return specialist in the late rounds. Let’s take a look at the early bird special.

2011 NFL Draft – New York Giants Edition, player rankings are current as of 1/03/11.

1. Linebacker/Center – Stefen Wisniewski of Penn State is the No.1 ranked Center in the draft by CBS Sports. The No.2 Center on that list is Kristofer O’Dowd of USC.

2. Center/Linebacker – Greg Jones of Michigan State is the No.1 ranked MLB in the draft by CBS Sports. The No.2 MLB on that list is Quan Sturdivant of North Carolina.

3. Cornerback

4. Running Back

5. Offensive Tackle

6. Linebacker

7. Return Specialist – CB/WR

Please feel free to give your opinions and your own draft needs assessment in the comment area. I know it’s a bit early to do this but I love the draft and couldn’t wait. As I mentioned, I’m sure this draft order will change a couple of times before April rolls around.

RD – nygreporter.com

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21 Comments | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Preseason, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Reporter, NYG Story, NYG Update, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Steve Tisch, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine

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