With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the New York Giants "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the NFL Draft Bible's take and our grade.
(1-29) Hakeem Nicks, WR (North Carolina): The Giants got their replacement for Plaxico Burress in Nicks; another great pick by GM Jerry Reese. Somehow, some way, the G-Men find a way to plug holes and keep chugging along. Nicks is expected to step in immediately and start for New York, which might be a little too much to ask from a rookie.
(2-45) Clint Sintim, OLB (Virginia): As a big linebacker with excellent pass-rushing skills, Sintim is also a very smart defender who does an excellent job of reading what’s in front of him. On the downside, however, the rush linebacker is a bit stiff in pass coverage, perhaps better suited for a 3-4 scheme. He also needs to show more willingness to get his nose dirty on inside runs. Big Blue won’t overburden Sintim with responsibilities in his rookie season. (Pick from New Orleans)
(2-60) William Beatty, OT (UConn): Outstanding tackle with rare quickness to get to the second level and make plays on the move. Beatty may not be ready to play left tackle from the get-go since he didn’t provide blind-side protection for his left-handed quarterback in college. He is also undersized and needs a year or two in the weight-room to get bigger and stronger, but by 2011 could be the best player of Big Blue’s Class of ’09.
(3-85) Ramses Barden, WR (Cal Poly): Love this pick. He's big, so let the Plaxico comparisons begin...no matter how unfair they are. Barden doesn't have the speed of Burress and won't be a number one in the NFL. However, he will contribute. He's got a great attitude, really long arms, and is a strong kid—he won't be pushed around, especially near the end zone, where you can find him on future Sundays. He must work on his ability to get separation skills. (Pick from Philadelphia)
(3-100) Travis Beckum, TE (Wisconsin): Injuries didn't scare the Giants here. I wonder if they could have gotten him a bit later on. Beckum is a receiver that plays tight end. I'd say he was a receiver in a tight end's body, but he's not that big. If he can stay on the field, he will give Eli Manning a genuine threat from the position. Don't expect him to block anyone, unless he bulks up, but he can really stretch the field and go up and get football. (Compensatory Pick)
(4-129) Andre Brown, RB (NC State): This might be the Giants’ best pick, and there were plenty of good ones. Brown is, quite simply, a younger, cheaper, Derrick Ward. He's an effective runner and receiver and will challenge for the backup role immediately. That's a pretty good gig, the "relief" for Brandon Jacobs. If Brown can prove his durability isn't going to continue to be a problem, he's one of the biggest steals of the draft.
(5-151) Rhett Bomar, QB (Sam Houston St.): I guess that Andre Woodson pick didn't work out last season. Bomar has some gifts, but he needs to curb his attitude if even half of what's been said about him is true. It's funny, but if he makes the team, it won't be the first time he's going to be paid for doing nothing. Bomar will have time to develop and if he matures, he could be a pretty decent backup. The Giants have lacked depth at quarterback the last couple of years and Bomar might be the man to change that. (Pick from New Orleans)
(6-200) DeAndre Wright, CB (New Mexico): The G-Men need depth in the secondary and their last two picks addressed that need. Wright is very quick, but needs to hit the buffet and put on some weight or he'll be pushed around. He might be able to help in the return game if his shoulder injuries don't pop up again.
(7-238) Stoney Woodson, CB (South Carolina): Another quick corner that could add some depth in the secondary. Woodson will fight to make the roster, but at least the team didn't waste a pick—they know they need more corners, and have produced some system guys out of nowhere in years past. Woodson can also play a little safety adding to his value.
Team Needs: WR, OT, MLB, RB, OLB, TE
Needs Filled: Five of six.
The Bible’s Take: Outside of the linebacker position—they didn’t address the depth/youth at MIKE and drafted an outside linebacker who is a better fit for a 3-4 defense—not many teams did a better job of addressing their needs on draft weekend. Nicks and Barden give them two reliable receivers and Beckum is yet another weapon to help counter the loss of Plaxico Burress, with Brown the replacement for the departed Ward. Eli Manning can never say GM Jerry Reese never did anything for him.
Grade: B+
Photo Credit: College Press Box (NC State), UNC Athletic Communications
Posts
