2007 DRAFT NEEDS:

NEW YORK GIANTS

presented by

by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

There were high expectations for the New York Giants in 2006.  Despite a highly competitive NFC East, the G-men were regarded as a team that could go deep into the postseason, and possibly land in the Super Bowl.

It didn't work out that way, though.  A dysfunctional group of mismatched personalities came apart under the stress of a long season, and instead of pointing a single index finger into the air to signify on-field achievement, too many players were pointing index fingers at teammates, coaches, and the media.

So the pressure is on new G.M. Jerry Reese to be more sensitive to the reality that the players whom he collects will interact with others, and that the presence of too many me-first, strong-willed types makes it too hard to get everyone on the same page.

For his first draft as the leader of the football operation, Reese must focus on adding players in the following areas:

1.  Outside linebacker:  One of Reese's first orders of business was to give the boot to linebackers LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons.  Arrington was a high-profile addition in 2006, but his contributions were limited by a knee with little or no cartilage and, ultimately, an Achilles' tendon that snapped like a piece of raw pasta.  With strong defensive ends attracting the attention of offensive linemen, the Giants need athletic linebackers who can take advantage of the openings created by efforts to neutralize guys like Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Mathias Kiwanuka.

2.  Free safety:  Will Demps was a bust of a free-agent pickup by former G.M. Ernie Accorsi, a former beat writer whose relationship with the "real" media shielded him from criticism regarding his football decisions -- and his jet-black hair hat.  The Giants need help at this position, now.

3.  Cornerback:  Sam Madison's best days are way behind him.  Before injuries swallowed his 2006 season, he was getting beaten like a rented drum.  (Or something like that.)  Not long ago, Will Allen and William Peterson appeared to be poised to hold down the position for the rest of the decade.  Now, there's not much on the shelf, and an upgrade would be beneficial.

4.  Wide receiver:  Amani Toomer tore an ACL late last season, and ho-hum quarterback Eli Manning struggled without him.  Rookie Sinorice Moss was hurt for most of 2006, and he needs to show that he can get and stay healthy.  In order to get the most out of Manning, it might be wise to add more bodies at the position.  It's a good draft to do so, and we think that the Giants should consider using their first-round pick on picking up a new pass-catcher.

5.  Running back:  Reuben Droughns is, supposedly, the replacement for TiVi Barber, with Brandon Jacobs securing an increased role.  It might make sense to look for another guy in the third or fourth round who can move the chains.

6.  Offensive tackle:  The retirement of Bob Whitfield and the release of Luke Petitgout makes the position a priority, even if (as expected) David Diehl slides from left guard to left tackle.  Of course, that would then create a need at guard.