The New York Giants are a far cry from the team that won the Super Bowl in 2007. They once again faded down the stretch in 2010, losing two of their last three games, including a monumental fourth quarter collapse against the division rival Eagles with the NFC East crown on the line. The G-Men need to get back to playing the tough, physical brand of football that made them World Champions not so long ago.
2011 NFL Draft Needs: New York Giants
In order for the Giants to get back to level they played at in ‘07 they have to inject some youth into some traditional strengths of theirs.The Giants won the Super Bowl on the strength of their defense, offensive line, and running game. All of those areas were once again solid in 2010, but there are some aging veterans at key positions.
Check out the top needs for the New York Giants after the jump.
1. Left Tackle - For starters, a franchise tackle is New York's number one need. William Beaty has not yet been given a chance to shine, but he has not been impressive in limited action and may not be cut out for left tackle. In addition, the rest of the offensive line is aging, so depth is needed. The Giants have to protect their franchise investment, Eli Manning.
The 2011 tackle class is not considered to be particularly strong, but prospects like Tyron Smith, Derek Sherrod, and Nate Solder would all present decent value for the G-Men.
2. Linebacker - New York could be faced with an issue at linebacker, with Keith Bullock and Mathias Kiwanuka both set to be free agents this offseason. Not to mention, Keith Bullouk is getting up there in age. For the Giants to continue to play well on the defensive side of the ball, they will need a capable young linebacker. Oklahoma's Travis Lewis could be an option if he falls to the second round.
3. Running Back - At first glance it may seem like a stretch, but the Giants would be wise to select a running back in the 2011 NFL Draft. With Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw both free agents this offseason, the Giants potent running attack could be a weakness if the position is not addressed. All signs point to New York choosing Bradshaw over Jacobs, but Bradshaw is constantly injured and has a bit of a fumbling issue. He cannot carry the entire workload for the Giants.
Talented running backs can always be found in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft, and 2011 should be no different. Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech, Illinois’s Mikel Leshoure, and UConn’s Jordan Todman are all solid mid-round prospects that would fit well with the Giants.
See More:
