New York Giants Remaining Needs and Potential Targets

The New York Giants day of the 2012 NFL draft without a need that must be addressed in the draft. The Giants have 22 solid starting starting players, a kicker, a punter, but what the Giants didn’t have was great depth at any one position. There are depth issues all over the roster because of that the Giants have been able to go best player available in each round (though some will argue that Boise State Doug Martin in the first three round. Three separate reports posted before the Giants made their pick at the end of the first round hinted or flat out stated that the Giants had a strong liking for Virginia Tech David Wilson. The Giants then addressed the outside WR position by selecting the talented, but not overly productive WR Rueben Randle out of LSU, the Giants then double dipped with Virgina Tech prospects by selecting Jayron Hosley. Hosley is very talented as well, but small and failed a drug test at the combine.

The Giants have also made two moves that might have affected their draft plans. They signed DT Shaun Rogers, a former pro bowler who has a prove it type deal with the Giants, which might motivate him. And they also extended the contract of Mathias Kiwanuka, who I personally believe they plan on moving back to Defensive end.

With that being said the Giants still have some needs.

Middle and/or Strong side linebacker.

The Giants have three linebackers on their roster that I like. Michael Boley, Keith Rivers, and Jacquian Williams. All three have speed and play making ability, the issue is that all three are classic will linebackers. In some alignments, Rivers might be able to play a more strong side linebacker, while Boley could play the middle, but that might not be ideal. The Giants will probably move Kiwanuka back to DE because they have lost Dave Tollefson to free agency.

Mark Herzlich is an option to play middle or strong side linebacker and played ok while he was in last year. He could be a nice two down linebacker.

Greg Jones didn’t look big or fast enough to play consistently on the N.F.L. level he’ll have to prove me wrong.

The depth is okay, but not spectacular.

Players that could fit:

Oregon LB Josh Kaddu is very athletic and has good size he could be a nice strongside linebacker option. He’s kind of a developmental guy, which is where the Giants tend to go later in the draft.

Audie Cole played both MLB and outside linebacker at North Carolina State it’s possible that he could play both in the N.F.L. though I think he’s best suited as a SAM. He has long arms and is not afraid to mix it up.

Tight End:

The Giants have Martellus Bennet, Bear Pascoe and potentially Travis Beckum for the season, but he’s coming off an A.C.L. tear and didn’t play great all the time before his injury.

Orson Charles-I think if Charles is available at the end of fourth round he’ll be a New York Giant. He had a terrible pre-draft process, but he’s a good N.F.L. player. A willing blocker with great functional strength and can catch the football. He’s undersized though.

Rhett Ellison is a guy who played a lot of fullback for the Trojans this year because of injuries to that position, but is more of a traditional tight end. Big bodied and enough hands to make some plays as a number two tight end. LaDarius Green might be enticing, but I don’t think he’ll be the pick because he’s more of a WR in a TE’s body for the Giants.

Safety

Safety is a huge position of need to me. Right now Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips are good players to have at safety, but the depth is scary. The Giants have no proven players behind those two, this however is a weak safety class so if they don’t address the position I would not be surprised.

Markelle Martin-athletic and productive at Oklahoma State Martin would provide instant depth for the Giants if available at the end of round four.

Trenton Robinson, Michigan State. Robinson is undersized (not usually a Giants type player) but has terrific coverage skills for a safety.

Offensive line-

Like I wrote earlier, the Giants have a lot of depth issues. The Giants have two young players they seem to like with Mitch Petrus at guard and James Brewer at tackle. The Giants believe in their OL coach and like to draft talented, but under-developed late round day three offensive linemen and let their OL coach teach them how to play at a high NFL level.

Bobby Massie, if available at the end of round four will be a New York Giant. That seems unlikely though.

Brandon Mosley is a guy who could be a swing tackle and like a Giants target at the end of round four as well.

Matt Mcants, Zebrie Sanders are other options.

Ben Jones the Georgia center is the best center prospect available and could be an interesting option if he’s still available.

I’m sure the Giants will surprise and look for them to strongly consider a developmental QB .

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