2011 New York Giants Draft Needs
Written by Jack Jones
The New York Giants won 10 games in 2010, but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs. Many fans wanted head coach Ton Coughlin gone, but GM Jerry Reese has brought him back for another go-round. New York completely folded at the end of last season, blowing a huge lead to the Philadelphia Eagles and getting stomped by the Green Bay Packers. Special teams gaffes cost them dearly, and those two losses kept the Giants out of the playoffs.
New York also has 42 turnovers last season which is uncharacteristic for Coughlin-coached teams. Players have voiced their frustrations as well, noting that they wish he would lighten up a little bit. Still, there is plenty of depth and talent on both sides of the ball for the Giants to make another Super Bowl run. If they can capitalize on free-agency and the 2011 NFL Draft, then a couple smart moves will have the Giants back atop the NFC East in no time.
The G-men will have eight draft picks this April, including the 19th overall selection in the first round. Their 2010 draft class was a joke for the most part, as only top pick Jason Pierre-Paul made significant contributions. I have pinpointed their biggest needs below to give you a feel for what types of players they will be pursuing. Give our 2011 NFL Mock Draft a look to see which player they are likely to take in the first round.
Top 5 Team Needs
1.) Offensive Line – The team needs to bolster their entire offensive line, especially along the interior. While C Shaun O’Hara made the Pro Bowl last season, folks on the inside know that he played hurt all season and is clearly on his last legs. Backup Rich Seubert suffered a dislocated kneecap in the final game of the season and has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. The Giants are looking for someone in the mold of ORG Chris Snee who is tough, strong and nasty. Maurkice Pouncey was that kind of rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. The Giants are likely to target his brother from the Florida Gators, Mike Pouncey, with their 19th pick in the first round. New York could also use a tackle at some point in the draft to inject some youth into their aging offensive line.
2.) Linebacker - This position was one of the Giants biggest strengths when they won their most recent Super Bowl. MLB Jonathan Goff has more than held his own inside, but New York desperately needs to add some playmakers who can get after the quarterback on the outside. Michael Boley took a big step back last season, and Clint Sintim has yet to prove he belongs in Perry Fewell’s base defense. It’s time for New York to address outside linebacker, as they failed to do so last year.
3.) Defensive Tackle – While Barry Coefield was solid inside last season, the Giants have only signed him to a one-year deal this offseason. Veteran backup Rocky Bernard is a free agent. Linval Joseph, a 2010 second-round pick, barely saw playing time in his rookie season and there’s no certainty that he’ll be a long-term solution. New York likes using a four-man rotation at defensive tackle, and they could use another stout, quick body up front to go along with Chris Canty.
4.) Running Back – Ahmad Bradshaw was a workhorse last season, rushing for 1,235 yards and catching 47 balls. The problem the Giants have with Bradshaw is his fumbling problems (7 last season), and as a result he has only been signed to a one-year contract. Brandon Jacobs is scheduled to make $4.6 million in 2011, and while he was productive with 823 rushing yards in 2010, he’s not worth that kind of pay. If Jacobs is gone, then look for the Giants to draft another big banger at running back.
5.) Return Specialist – After finishing in 31st in both kickoff and punt returns in 2010, the need for a return specialist is a big one. Coughlin loves to play field position, and he couldn’t do so with the play of his special teams. Coordinator Tom Quinn is clearly on the hot seat because of it, and spotty punting from rookie Matt Dodge didn’t help matters. KR Domenik Hixon is returning from a torn ACL, and if he returns healthy then he’ll solve half the problem. The Giants averaged only 6.1 yards per punt return, while opponents had a 14.9-yard average to go along with two touchdowns last year. Someone like WR Jerrel Jernigan from Troy will be available in the later rounds and he’s a potential target.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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