The New York Giants' Offseason Profile

The Giants may have had there best chance to go far in the playoffs this past season, at least for a few years. With pro bowl running back and team leader Tiki Barber retiring, the Giants will be losing a lot more than just a great running back. In fact they will be entering a whole new era as their number one offensive player leaves behind a still shaky Quarterback and an aging receiving corps. Behind that there are the problems on defense, as ESPN puts it, "every position but d-end could use help." To use that term dreaded by fans everywhere, the Giants might just be entering a rebuilding year, Gasp! However, if New York can pull off some excellent picks in the draft and make due with free agents or trades, the Giants could still beat out Philly for the NFC East lead.

Up front the single most glaring concern is the absence of a proven running back. Unfortunately Barber left quickly and earlier than some had thought, not allowing the Giants to groom a backup to take the reigns. A trade for Browns running back Reuben Droughns might prove a quick fix along with former backup Brandon Jacobs, but neither of these players can be seen as a legitimate starting runner on their own. So taking a running back at some point in the draft might be advisable, maybe a talent which they can groom for the starting job throughout the season. Yes, that kind of talk does sound ominously like a rebuilding year move, but the Jets proved that you can't label your year such and automatically not do good, as their 10-6 record proved. So don't give up hope yet, and so on to the next problem.

For the present the offense might get by, if a little patched up and aging, but the defense needs some desperate help. New York tried to fix the linebacker problem with the Bronco's Al Wilson, but he failed his physical to enter the team. Their other acquisition, Kawika Mitchell, can be seen as another quick fix and doesn't really bring any depth. This means that a perfect second round pick could take care of that problem, as no first round options are good enough for the taking.

Since the defensive line seems to be holding up well, the other big concern on defense is the secondary. Another cornerback is really essential to make this unit work, and this draft just happens to have a glut of CB's that are viable late first round picks. Cornerback Aaron Ross, from Texas, could be the best choice here, but if he gets snatched up early, another option like Pittsburgh's Darrell Revis could fit nicely.

Okay, so there is a lot to fix and maybe a rebuilding year would be for the best, but in a weak division and conference, and with a few good picks, the Giants could remain viable playoff contenders.