NFL-Giants: NY Giants football news

Good summary from Ralph V of the Giants 8 receivers. The real questions are:

Do Derek Hagen and/or David Tyree make the team?
Is Hakeem Nicks ready to contribute right away?
How will the Giants use Moss and will he deliver?
Is Manningham ready fro serious playing time?
Will Barden come in when we reach the red zone?

Interesting article on Ramses Barden, though you have to wonder when his father says, “But if you ask him, even now,” Al says with pride, “I bet you basketball is still the No. 1 thing in his heart.”

I guess I have to hope football is the true #1 or at least a close 2nd…

1st Round: WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina

Clearly the Giants biggest position of need. Sure we all know someone saying Braylon Edwards would be better than an unproven rookie. And if you don’t consider the salary cap those people are correct. I have no problem with the pick even if Nicks doesn’t beat out Hixon, Smith, Tyree, Moss, or Manningham. Yeah the Giants have a bunch of unproven guys or #2-#3 guys but Edwards wasn’t ahppening and the Giants did the next best thing – they drafted the most NFL ready receiver with upside available at 29. And they didn’t reach.

2nd Round: LB Clint Sintim, Virginia

Says he’ll play SAM for the Giants. Should be able to contribute immediately on the pass rush and on special teams. Has a chance to become an exceptional starter thanks to his good size and ability to defend the run. There are concerns about his coverage skills but the Giants expect him to be bale to drop back into coverage. Who am I to argue?

2nd Round: LT William Beatty, Connecticut

Reese said he was the most athletic tackle in the draft and that he’ll have no pressure to play right away. In other words, he’s a project. Round 2 is a bit early to be drafting projects, unless the guy becomes an elite left tackle in 2 years. Then this pick will be pure genius.

3rd Round: WR Ramses Barden, Cal Poly

A 6′6″, 230 pound receiver but no replacement for Plax. More of a possession guy then a stretch the field guy because he’s probably not much faster (4.6 40) than any of the NFL competition. But he can catch and he’s big. Can he be a special red zone threat? I like his chances so I like the pick. Obviously the Giants thought he was worth giving up a 5th rounder to move up for.

3rd Round: TE Travis Beckum, Wisconsin

At 6′3″. 243, this guy is a smaller tight end not known for his blocking. However, blocking can sometimes be coached. He’s a pretty polished receiving threat. Reese says he will play H-back and will be expected to do some blocking but you get the feeling this guy is here to abuse linebackers in coverage. sounds exciting to watch so I really like the pick.

4th Round: HB Andre Brown, North Carolina State

Reese says this guy reminds him of Derrick Ward. He reminds me of Rodney Hampton. Good speed and tough so he can move the pile. Coughlin calls him a slasher which is what I remember they used to call Tiki the first time I saw him come in for Hampton. Who knows what he is from a highlight reel and a few quotes? Hopefully he’s a good running back.

5th Round: QB Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State

Reese calls this a value pick and says Andre Woodson is not being shoved out the door. I guess competition is good and if the scouts say this guy was BPA then so be it. Certainly I’d rather have seen a safety but…

6th Round: CB DeAndre Wright, New Mexico
7th Round: CB Stoney Case, South Carolina

Two corners I’ve never heard of to be honest. Coughlin says they are corners so the Giants still don’t have a 4th safety. I know 3 on the roster is enough, but that means there is no competition for the 3 guys we have now and an injury leaves us pretty screwed. Both guys are 5′11″ and close to 200. I can’t help but think that they won’t be on the team unless one switches to safety or becomes a special teams ace. But coach says they are corners so what do I know?