New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft Positional Needs

I haven’t done one of these awhile because I’ve been working so hard on all of our scouting reports but I figured it’s about time I did.

For the first time this season on Sunday Prince Amukamara played in a N.F.L. football game. With Michael Boley out Mark Herzlich saw his real first snaps as a linebacker in the N.F.L. He had spent this season as a special teams contributor. Let’s start with there.

Mark Herzlich’s play

I’m going to be 100 percent honest. Herzlich played much, much better than I expected him to. Herzlich isn’t all the way back to where he was before he was diagnosed with cancer, but he is probably getting pretty close. Herzlich played really physically and was consistent contributor in the run game. Herzlich showed an ability to fight through blocks to get involved in the run game, and pretty good instincts. He had one blitz where he had really nice timing, but someone (McCoy maybe?) got just enough of him at the last second to save a sack. Herzlich showed more in one game this season at linebacker than fellow rookie linebacker Greg jones has shown all year. Neither Herzlich or Jones has the speed to excel in pass coverage in the N.F.L, but Herzlich at least disengaged from blockers and has better instincts.

Herzlich needs to improve on his pass coverage drops, but all in all he showed at least capable of being a two down linebacker in the N.F.L.

Prince Amukamara

Amukamara got lucky on one play. he got beat by DeSean Jackson deep, but the ball was under thrown and he made a play on it for an interception, but after that he had a really quality game. He had good coverage all game, and showed good closing speed, (which was the biggest question about him heading into the draft). He also threw his hat in the ring for run support. And in a game where many Giants were lifeless, Prince showed some spirit. He chased and beat LeSean McCoy 60 yards down the field to save a touchdown in the waning moments of the game.

I still think cornerback is a need for the Giants next year because Aaron Ross and TT are free agents, but Amukamara looks like he could be the Giants best Cornerback (I know it’s very early).

Position needs

Biggest Needs

RT and LG

Kareem Mackenzie has officially gotten old. he has been pitiful all season. He has been getting beat routinely all year, and Sunday was no different. Just a season ago Mackenzie played at a pro bowl level. This year he has ensured it is his last in New York.

I don’t care what the Giants say about Dieh’s play, they are lying. he has not been good all year, maybe he will be better next year with another offseason to adjust to playing guard again, but LG is a big need. The Giants could consider LG in the first round if David DeCastro is available. Or They could consider center early like Peter Konz or Michael Brewster and move David Baas back to his natural guard spot.

To make things worse: All Pro Caliber RG Chris Snee has struggled all season.

MLB

I think the Giants are fine in two of the three linebacker spots now and in the future. Mathiaw Kiwanuka has been a revelation at Strong side linebacker this year. He’s a terror in run support and constantly improving in pass coverage. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants opt to keep Kiwanuka there next year. At weakside linebacker Michael Boley has been good all season and Jacquian Williams has flashed a lot of ability and I can easily see him maturing into that role in another two years.

MLB is a problem spot though. This year’s draft has the best 43 MLB in along time with Luke Kuechly, Manti Te’o and Vontaze Burfict as all first round possibilites. North Carolina’s Kevin Reddick is a 2nd round possibility. And Zach Brown could play MLB in some schemes. The Giants might really consider LB in this year’s draft because for the first time in a long time picking one early will represent good value.

I’m not ready to commit to Herzlich and Goff is okay, but I’d love to have a guy with Vontaz Burfict’s ability in there. I think it could make a huge difference.

Safety

If the Giants resign Thomas and Ross, CB is not a need with Webster, TT, Ross, and Amukamara. However, Safety is. Deon Grant looks real old and Tyler Sash is instinctive ,but perhaps too slow.

Chad Jones might never play football. The Giants need four safeties and right now they have two for sure (probably three with Sash), but they need a fourth.

Special Teams Coaching (and perhaps new head coach)

Every year the Giants rotate in players to return punts and kickoffs and every year they are still average AT BEST. Maybe they should try changing the special teams coach.

If the Giants collapse again this year (which I think is a near certainty) they MUST get new coaches. It’d be a slap in the fact of Giatns fans if they don’t.

Every year Coughlin says “most disappointed we’ve been in a long time”, but he must conveniently forget how this happens two to four times a year every year.

Cough is a good coach, but his message might be getting stale in New York. A seeming lack of effort, and continued undisciplined play is the fault of the head coach.

These are the major needs for me. What do you guys think?

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