NFL Draft Preview: NY Giants Draft Board

Coming into the 2010 draft, the New York Giants look to shore up a once proud defense that has slipped the last couple of years. A cornerstone of the Giants Super Bowl years, and indeed their entire identity, is always to come to the field with a stout defense. Their 2007 Super Bowl year was marked with a 7^th ranked defense that only got better late into the season and peaked in the playoffs. The 2008 season was marked with a quick start and a 5^th ranked defense. However, 2009 was a disaster and showed some serious holes. Part of the problems pertained to injuries to players like Osi Umenyiora and others that took away the Giants ability to put pressure on the quarterback, a mainstay of their defense that allowed them to enjoy several seasons in the top 5 of NFL defenses. The result was a 13^th place finish and a sudden realization that they were becoming more susceptible to both the pass and the run.

Stopping the run will improve the pass defense:

Nothing improves the pass defense that to have pressure on the quarterback and pressure up the middle of the defensive line. The Giants suffered with a rush defense that was 17^th in the NFL in 2009, giving up 114.8 yards per game. This is not Giants defense. Most fans expect the Giants to secure a safety with their 15^th selection in the first round, but the best option would be to secure one of the many Defensive Tackles that are available in this year's 2010 draft.

1^st Round Selection: 17^th Pick = Defensive Tackles

2^nd Round Selection: 46^th Pick = Defensive Tackles

For the Giants first and second round pick, we are going to assume they'll pursue some of the hot Defensive Tackles available in this year's draft. Yes, the Giants need a safety, there's no question about that. However, drafting one of the many Hot Prospect Defensive Tackles will make a later 3^rd or 4^th round safety pick a much better player. Stop the run, put pressure on the quarterback and your opposing teams offense won't have as much time to find an open receiver. So, here are some of the Defensive Tackles the Giants could pursue with their first and second round picks. We have to assume that Ndamukong Suh won't be available by the 15^th pick. Therefore, that leaves the following prospects that could be available when the Giants pick.

Terrence Cody: Alabama

6 feet 5 inches 360 lbs

Cody is a gigantic man and was a huge presence in the middle of Alabama's defensive line. His size and abilities often forced teams to double team Cody, which made everyone around him better. His greatest attribute is his run defense, where he really excels in plugging up the middle of the line, forcing the run to the outside where Alabama's linebackers were able to make plays. One problem with Cody has been his weight and at 360 lbs, he still needs to lose some of that excess weight and build more muscle. However, he has great lateral movement for a guy his size, and is surely one of the best defensive tackles against the run.

Jared Ordick: Penn State

6 feet 5 inches 295 lbs

Jared lacks the size that Cody has, but he makes up for that with athleticism, sheer determination, and quick moves that allow him to break up field and put pressure on the quarterback. In fact, Jared's game and strength, is his ability to apply that pressure in passing situations. He registered a high number of sacks for a defensive tackle, and might be a good insurance option for the Giants if Osi Umenyiora doesn't get back to his pre-injury play.

Dan Williams: Tennessee

6 feet 3 inches 327 lbs

Dan has the size, the smarts, and the experience in playing in College's most dominant football conferences. His stats and popularity are low, only because of Tennessee's poor season and the fact that the Volunteer defense is more known for Safety Eric Berry. The Giants may indeed be looking at Berry, but it is highly unlikely he'll be available when they pick. Instead, they should look at William's size, strength, lateral movement, and his ability to plug those running lanes.

Arthur Jones: Syracuse

6 feet 3 inches 275 lbs

Arthur who? Yes, it's a bit of a stretch, but Jones is a solid player. While he lacks the size of the other players we've covered, he makes up for it with determination and a high energy level. Simply put, he's fast off the line of scrimmage, plays low on his knees and uses his strength as leverage to move up field. While he may not be the quintessential run stuffer, he, like Penn State's Jared Ordick, could be a valuable insurance policy and valued asset in helping the Giants put pressure on the quarterback.

3^rd and 4^th Round Selections = Safety

Chad Jones: Louisiana State University

6 feet 3 inches 225 lbs

If the Giants are able to land Jones, it'll be a steal. Jones is overshadowed by other high value safeties like Taylor Mays, Eric Berry, and Earl Thomas, but it's hard to ignore Jones's size and speed. He's incredibly fast for a guy his size, and has been clocked running a 4.6, 40 yard dash, and he hits like a tone of bricks.

Another player benefiting from playing in the always competitive SEC, he's covered the best and destroyed the rest.

Reshad Jones: Georgia

6 feet 2 inches 207 lbs

Reshad is a little faster and agile than Chad Jones, and has excelled in Georgia's defensive backfield. He's fast, running a 4.5, 40 yard dash, has good footwork, can cover both running backs and tight ends, and is solid in run support.

Major Wright: Florida

6 feet 205 lbs

Major Wright recently announced he would enter the 2010 NFL draft. A virtual unknown when it comes to discussing Safety prospects for this year's draft, Wright is a solid contributor in Florida and has been his entire NCAA career. He lacks the size of the other players on this list, but he's quick, agile, and can cover pretty much anyone coming into his zone. Size might be an issue, but he can add the lbs needed to make it work.

5^th Round Selection = Wide Receivers

The Giants lost that big play ability in the passing game when Plaxico Burress was incarcerated. While they have Steve Smith, his 2009 average per reception of 11.4 yards is far below Burress's Giants career of 15 yards. Last year's first round selection of Hakeem Nicks, with his 47 receptions for 790 yards and 16.8 yard average, could help in this department, but it wouldn't be bad if the Giants looked to fill out another wide receiver spot with a late round selection. True, it may not be needed, and Nicks may just continue to blossom into a dominant receiver, and with Mario Manningham contributing 57 catches for 822 yards, the Giants look set at Wide Receiver. However, a little competition never hurts anyone.

6^th & 7^th Rounds = Cornerback

The Giants must find a compliment to Corey Webster's abilities. Neither Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross or Bruce Johnson look to be able to fill that hole. The Giants may be able to add a late round pick, but will likely look to free agency to find a solution. That solution may be available within their own division in Carlos Rogers if the Redskins decide not to re-sign him. However, it looks like the Giants will need some way to find a cornerback in the later rounds of the draft.

We've gone the opposite route here. It's likely not the most popular approach as I am sure everyone is screaming for that much needed safety. However, the Giants defense has always been able to stop the run, and that ability is lacking now and needs to be addressed in the 2010 NFL draft.