2008 NFL Draft: New York Giants on the Defensive

The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants lost four of their "G-Men" defensive starters to free agency, but had guys to replace them. Going into the 2008 NFL draft, the Giants were looking to add depth back into those defensive positions (after all, it was that defense that won them those rings). According to the Sports Network, the Giants were looking for some much needed strength in the defensive backfield and the offensive line.

First Round (31): The Giants got the last pick of the first round (31st overall), choosing safety Kenny Phillips of Miami (FL). Phillips runs the 40 in less than 4.5 seconds and is able to follow the ball well. However, he is caught out of position a lot as well. He will need work, but the Giants believe that Phillips' athletic ability will see him through.

Second Round (63): New York went to the defensive backfield for the second pick as well, choosing cornerback Terrell Thomas of USC for the last pick of the second round (63rd overall). Thomas is not very fast, but he is a great defender up close and has versatility as a safety or on defensive special teams.

Third Round (95): For their third round pick (95th overall), the Giants picked up wide receiver Mario Manningham from Michigan. Manningham averaged nearly 100 yards per game with Michigan and was ranked 10th in the nation. A big play guy, Manningham can also double as a running back (which he did at Michigan for 31 carries during his career there).

Fourth Round (123): The Giants went back to defense for their fourth round pick, outside linebacker Bryan Kehl of Brigham Young. Although reports show him not very good at man-to-man, Kehl is fast and a threat to rush the passer. He can also be used on special teams.

Fifth Round (165): The Giants picked up the balance for Kehl with inside linebacker Jonathan Goff of Vanderbilt for 30th pick of the fifth round (165th overall). He's big and can get across the field to make key open field tackles.

Sixth Round (198): Quarterback Andre Woodson of Kentucky was the Giants 198th pick overall in the draft, coming in the sixth round. He is slow to release and telegraphs his passes, but he's strong and accurate.

Sixth Round (199): The Giants picked up defensive end Robert Henderson of Southern Mississippi right behind Woodson in the sixth round (199th overall). He's good against the run and pressuring the quarterback, but reports make him a questionable choice for NFL play.

The defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants picked five defensive players in their first seven draft picks, looking to replace that which they lost after the Super Bowl and to plug the hole they have in the defensive backfield. They did not, however, address their issues on the offensive line and this could prove troublesom, especially with some of those bonecrushing defensive ballplayers making a nasty habit of coming in to attack Eli Manning. The Mario Manningham pick gives Manning another target besides Toomer, Tyree, and Burress. But will it be enough to get them back to the Super Bowl? Maybe...

Sources:

Tony Moss, "New York Giants 2008 Draft Preview," KansasCity.com

ESPN.com