And another one sometime in the next 2-3 rounds.

Since USC is televised every weekend I saw a lot of this kid. He is high intensity and I think he could be a really good fit in the Giants defense. There is also that kid from Wake Forest, Aaron Curry, who seems to be on top of everyone’s list. Admittingly, I did not see a single Demon Deacons game this year.

I definitely want the Giants to take a LB early as well.

I was a big supporter of keeping Kiwi at LB last offseason, but I’ve now changed my mind. It became very apparent that the strength of the D-line last year not only came from the talent, but the depth as well. The line got worn out by the end of the year. Having the Tuck-Kiwi-Osi trio will help to keep them fresh and generate the much needed pressure from the front 4. I think it’s critical to the whole defensive scheme that the Giants sustain their depth here.

would fit in very nicely on the Giants defense. Dansby too. I think the LB issue can be solved via free agency, and they may burn one of those 2nd rounders on an LB as well.

 As versatile as he is, it can only hurt to keep moving him, He seems more natural at end. The Giants really need 3 new starters at LB. It was he weakest link in the D last season. I know this doesn’t sit well with his fans but, did you ever remember him actually sacking any one on a blitz ? He generally wraps up RB’s a few yards after they’ve broken the line. We all know the coverage issues too well. Sure the Linemen are more important in this (hopefully the same) Defense but they at times are only as good as those backing them on the field.
  Off topic but the best free agent out there might be N. A. the guy I cant pronounce his name from the Raiders could make the secondary absolutely dominant. If the rookie crop of LB’s is as strong as advertised this might be the area to stack in free agency.

Kiwi’s ability to play coverage at the OLB spot, so I agree with keeping him at DE. I wonder if he’s versatile enough to play both LE and RE, to back-up Tuck and Osi.

In my opinion, the Giants should pursue a LB in FA, and maybe use and an early pick to help shore up depth on the DL.

They definitely need to draft a LB.

I think they should keep Kiwi at DE. He doesn’t look comfortable in open space trying to cover people.

Vilma and the Saints have an understanding that they will allow him to become a free agent and then sign him thus avoid losing their 1st round pick to the Giants. For that reason I’d like to see the Giants make him an offer and force N.O. to match it.

LB is important just because teams decided to scheme directly at AP late last season and he was torched game after game. Perhaps he was gassed because they really don’t spell the man enough or maybe he’s done. I don’t know for sure but I do know that I want a 6’4" 240lb beast with speed and a desire to kill any offensive player in his sight.

Pierce is small and no longer swift. It seemed like he was guessing instead of making an impact. But he is very smart. I would get a young backer to take some downs from Pierce, maybe a fresh Pierce would perform better late.

I do like Ernie Koy but with the Eagles drafting ahead of us I would think they would take a backer too.

regardless of scheme, so he’d be someone I would investigate in FA. Drafting one at our slot wouldnt help immediately, Goff or Kehl would have a year on them and presumably would be ready for more playing time, particularly Kehl.

So we’d be too late for Malaluga (sp?) or Laurenitiis….so would a mid round LB be anymore of an upgrade than the young guys we have?

No doubt they’ll take at least one, but that cant be counted on to help immediately.

Does Kiwi have enough speed to cover anyone?

as long as we are preparing to totally revamp our linebackers why not consider the switch to a 3-4 system. I just don’t buy the argument that it will take too long to implement. The advantages of a 3-4 are worth the gamble in my opinion. A defense needs to constantly stay ahead of it’s opponents to prevent predictability.

I like the 4-3 that the Giants run because of the capability to get to the QB. So long as the CB’s are able to cover their men long enough, the DE’s and DT’s can generate a great rush. So when guys like Robbins are generating a great push, the D is excellent.

Conversely, on some downs next year, the Giants can likely get Tuck, Osi, AND Kiwi all lined up on the D-line. Imagine a front 4 of Osi/Kiwi/Robbins/Tuck? That’s getting back to what made the team so successful the prior year (ie the Four Aces).

Anyway, I would much rather stick in this 4-3 because the skill guys are on the D Line. But upgrading at LB is a MUST. Pierce just looked old this year. I mean I love the guy and he is a TRUE warrior – but he really looked like he lost a step and was never there mentally after the Plax debacle.

ETVal – I like Kehl too, he has good wheels and can get back in pass coverage, he had a pick in the Pitt game and I think he was the only LB to get an interception this year. Wilkinson looked like he had talent but can’t stay on the field.

Maluga is great but won’t get by the first 10-15 picks and is a middle LB, I like his USC teamate Brian Cushin, a Jersey kid, and an absolute playmaker on the outside he might be available late first round for the Giants. If they get a FA at LB, and I doubt they will spend that much money on a LB as a FA, I would grab Bart Scott from the Ravens. He’s another outside playmaker and he can rush the QB. Keep Pierce in the Middle, Scott at one OLB, and let Cushin & Kehl compete for the other OLB spot. That would be upgrade the LB’s and give them some speed and Peirce won’t get exposed as much. Sounds nice, I wish being a GM was that easy!

The Giants have had good luck filling the LB need through Free Agency. They need to find the next Harry Carson. Someone who loves filling a hole and laying the lumber on a ball carrier. AP has the brains but he physically does not scare the opposing offense. The draft may have someone who eventually could fill this role but it takes several years for the intuitive and instinctive skills to mature. I trust Reese to find the right body.

Ramses Barden WR: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo- 6’6 with decent speed and good hops.. a monster in the redzone and beats jams incredibly well.
Lawrence Sidbury- DE: RIchmond- one of the greatest motors i have ever seen. will take a while to up the competition but he should be able to make an impact.