2008 NFL Draft Preview: New York Giants' Wishlist

The New York Giants were an afterthought most of the NFL season, especially with Tiki Barber ripping former teammate Eli Manning. All Manning did was go 3 playoff games without an interception and leading two 4th quarter touchdown drives in Super Bowl XLII. A 17-14 win derailed the Patriots 19-0 season and a place in history. In addition to bringing a crown to New York (usually that's the Yankees job), the Giants beat Vegas, causing Sportsbook companies to lose more than $2 million in one day.

The Giants didn't have a ton of statistical success in 2007 - just look at Manning's 20 interceptions, 56% completion rate and 13 fumbles. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward combined for 1600 yards and 7 TDs, averaging nearly 5 yards/carry. Jeremy Shockey's late-season injury opened the door for 5th round pick, Kevin Boss, to shine with big catches in the final 5 games of the season (including playoffs). Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan (isn't he happy he didn't retire?) were a force on the defensive line, combining for 32 sacks, including 5 in the Super Bowl.

The downside, if there is one, to winning the Super Bowl is having the last pick in the 1st round of the NFL draft. That's better than losing your pick (ala New England) however. The Giants won the Super Bowl but are not the favorite heading into 2008. The NFC East is still a landmine with Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington looming to take down the champions 6 times. The Packers, Seahawks and Saints can all make a deep run in 2008 as well in the NFC. The Giants can use the NFL Draft to improve their depth chart at offensive line, linebacker and safety.

The Giants will be the final team to draft in 1st round - even the spygate Patriots have the #7 pick from a trade with San Francisco, but they have the Lombardi Trophy in their house, so it's not all bad. Offensive line and linebacker provide tremendous value late in the 1st round, giving New York a great opportunity to fill a need and get one of the best players available in their spot. Anthony Collins (Kansas) and Sam Baker (USC) are quality talents at offensive tackle and likely to be on the board when New York in on the clock. Linebackers Ali Highsmith (LSU) and Xavier Adibi (Virginia Tech) can learn behind veterans Antonio Pierce and Kawika Mitchell. Adibi would be able to gain experience in passing situations with his great speed and agility from day one.

In the middle rounds, safety provides quality depth in the 2008 NFL draft with a number of players capable of contributing their rookie campaigns. D.J. Parker (Virginia Tech), Jamar Adams (Michigan) and Craig Steltz (LSU) are all playmakers likely to go in rounds 3,4 and 5 in April.

Overall the Giants don't have a lot of holes - but that could change if players start to chase the money other teams are likely to throw at Super Bowl champions in the off-season. The Giants, like Pittsburgh a few years back, came out of (almost) nowhere to steal the post-season show. In a tough division, it's unlikely the Giants can sniff the Super Bowl in 2008, regardless of their off-season moves. What they need to avoid is a down-year by Manning, which snowballs into a sub.500 campaign, putting Coughlin on the hot seat again. With the help of a few rookies and 2nd-year players like Steve Smith, Ahmad Bradshaw, Aaron Ross and Kevin Boss, the Giants can contend in the NFC East again next year.