NFL-Giants: NY Giants football news

When talking about his decision not to IR backup OT William Beatty, Reese talked about Steve Smith in 2007 and how they almost put him on IR (he missed 11 games) but then he came in on fire and lit it up for the playoff / Super Bowl run.

Here’s the Mike Garafolo article on this. Reese decided to keep Beatty on the roster even though he knew it meant losing Kehl (who was cut to make room for TE Bear Poscoe) who was a pretty hot commodity once released.

Why Kehl, the worst Giants linebacker on a pretty average linebacking unit, turned out to be so well-loved by other teams is beyond me but that’s another issue entirely.

First, I’m not sure where he’ll be playing but this article says he’s fighting for a starting job. I don’t see him winning the left tackle spot over Diehl and I don’t see him beating out McKenzie on the right so I’m not so sure about that. But it will be interesting to see what happens to him and his play tonight will certainly give us a clue.

I mentioned that William Beatty would be a good player for Giants fans to watch. Did he impress or what? The Giants offensive line may be getting older but if most of these guys have a few years left (Snee certainly should have more than that) and Beatty and Boothe are as good as they seem to be, the Giants offensive line should be in fine shape for the future.

Obviously we’ll watch to see if the Giants defense decides to take another Sunday off, but one interesting player to watch will be William Beatty. They say he’s a natural left tackle and feels more comfortable on the left but apparently he’s the best the Giants can do at right tackle while Kareem McKenzie is hurt. Let’s see how this guy plays because he’s supposed to become our next left tackle (what happened to Guy Whimper I wonder?).

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?