NFL Draft: What will the Giants do?

by Ed Valentine on Apr 23, 2009 10:00 AM EDT in News Comment 31 comments

General Manager Jerry Reese told Giants.com the team is "not going to try to force anything" in the upcoming draft.

We ran through our Big Blue View Community Mock Draft, and wound up with Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno falling to our New York Giants. That's a scenario I find highly unlikely to repeat itself Saturday when the real draft -- finally -- gets here.

So, what do I think is going to happen? I don't have any inside information. I read the same reports everyone else does, and this is just the way I read the tea leaves.

I think there is very little chance the Giants actually pick 29th on Saturday. In fact, I would be flabbergasted if General Manager Jerry Reese just sits and waits for the Giants' turn. He has 10 potential selections to play with, and you know there is no way 10 rookies make the Giants' roster this fall. So, Reese has room to maneuver -- and I believe he will.

Ralph Vacchiano is reporting this morning that the long-rumored Braylon Edwards to the Giants trade with Cleveland appears dead.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the Giants no longer see any hope of acquiring the Cleveland receiver and are moving forward with their plans to take a receiver early in the NFL draft. The sticking point still appears to be GM Jerry Reese’s refusal to part with the Giants’ first-round pick and the Browns’ refusal to take anything less.

It’s pretty much been that way since Reese and Browns GM George Kokinis first talked about Edwards in February, but until very recently there was at least some optimism inside the Giants’ organization that one of the two sides would blink. Reese has no plans to blink, the source said, and the Giants are now convinced that Kokinis won’t either.

If that scenario does not pan out, I still don't see the Giants sitting at 29. I can see Reese using his excess picks to jump into the middle of the first round -- pretty much any time after Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin are off the board.

Maybe it's just personal preference, but North Carolina wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is the guy my gut tells me is the likely target. Vacchiano is also reporting today that Nicks might be the guy the Giants want. Here is a Nicks scouting report.

Of course, Reese could move up and look to draft a dominating outside linebacker, something the Giants have not had in a looooong time.

Tomorrow I will do a more complete breakdown of the Giants probably 'need' areas heading into draft weekend.

Your thoughts on first-round scenarios?

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I really don’t want the Giants to draft Nicks if they go the route of trading up for a WR. I’d much rather see them get Kenny Britt or Darius Heyward-Bey. They need a guy who can stretch the defense and keep safeties out of the box. Hakeem Nicks is not a guy who can do that.

by wash088 on Apr 23, 2009 10:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DHB

this is a boom or bust guy. I couldn’t argue if the Giants take him, but he scares me. He is one of those ‘workout warrior’ types whose production has not matched his athleticism. If you can run fast, but you can’t get off the line of scrimmage, run a good route, get open and catch the ball it doesn’t matter much.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 23, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im kinda glad

the Edwards deal is done. Not cuz I don’t want him, but mainly cuz Reese didn’t overdo it to get him. He stood firm on his offer, and only added to his legacy and the man at GM.

As for trading up, I still like either Nicks, Britt or DHB. I don;t know who would they trade up for it they do so. I think Nicks and DHB will probably be gone by #29. DHB may go to the Raiders at #7, if which is the case, I think the Giants should trade up for Maclin.

Jeremy Maclin would be a very nice player. He could return kicks and punts, tho as a first round pick he should get in the offense too.

Maclin would probably be the perfect pick, cuz he could get involved with the team right away as that KR/PR. Maclin would be able to get eased into the offense so he could bide his time there. the other guys I don’t think are PR or KR, so they may have to sit behind Smith Hixon and even Manningham.

by FreeBradshaw on Apr 23, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't be shocked

if the Edwards deal still gets done. At this point, a couple days before the draft, there is soooo much posturing going on you can’t be sure what to believe. So, don’t take it as a sure thing that Edwards won’t be a Giant.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 23, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

that report reeks of being leaked by the Giants

by queler on Apr 23, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

Its probably a ploy by Reese just to reassure that he is not giving up on his offer or the Shockey picks, and that’s it.

by FreeBradshaw on Apr 23, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As for the other positions the Giants could use

If they trade up to a Top 15 pick, depending on who’s there, Id love to see a guy like Aaron Maybin.

yea he;s a DE an maybe more of a 3-4 OLB, but if the Giants thought enough of moving Kiwi to do that, why not start from the get go with Maybin out there?? The guy is an absolute monster, and he could be an LT lite (very very lite….) type player.

Maualuga would be nice for a future MLB, Michael Oher would be great as a OT backup for either side, even Andre Smith would be a steal if they trade up that far.

I think they trade up for a WR nothing else tho.

by FreeBradshaw on Apr 23, 2009 10:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why do that?

They are loaded at that spot already? I could see a pure linebacker, but not a DE.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 23, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If they trade up

I would like to see them keep pick 29 and package something (muliple picks) with Spags and the Rams. Take Curry and there will still be a good WR at #29. If we trade up really high, why not just make a monster of a defense.

Remember Superbowl xxxv. Ravens had garbage at QB and WR’s and still destroyed us. 5 TO’s in that game gave them 5 extra shots at scoring.

Also, if Reese hasn’t pulled the trigger by now, I have to believe that Edwards (and I would like to see him in blue) is not worth the price the Browns are asking or JR is just trying to steal this guy and keep some picks for another deal. We won’t be drafting 10 players. Reese has something up his sleeve, I just can’t wait to see it.

by njgiant on Apr 23, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LBs

I love this idea. Move up and get a monster of a LB (i.e. – Curry) and just make our defense dominant. Plus I still believe that the offense would be good enough to get the job done without a top flight WR. Now the only issue is if they could move up far enough to get Curry and how much is too much?

by potroast on Apr 23, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s why I mentioned Spags and the Rams. He knows the organization and maybe some picks and a third stringer would work. He would know what Jerry would and would not part with.

by njgiant on Apr 23, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's a nice thought

but trading from 29 to 2 would take 5-6 picks. We aren’t going to duplicate Mike Ditka’s insane trade for Ricky Williams. And Spags has his own team now, he is not going to do us any favors. That’s the problem with finishing in the playoffs every year, you don’t get to target the top 5 players :)

Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!

by bigbluethruandthru on Apr 24, 2009 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh....

I just threw Maybin’s name out there.

Yea he’s a DE, but like I said the guy could play that role they wanted for Kiwi to play strongside. The obviously would want a big guy playing the SOLB, and I think Maybin is more athletci than Kiwi and he could actually fit at that position.

But yea, it was just thrown out there and I doubt the Giants would trade up for HIM. If somehow he’s falls in the Giants laps, somehow, Im sure they’d give him a look, the guy’s a beast.

by FreeBradshaw on Apr 23, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nicks is by far the BEST of the 2nd Shelf Receivers

after Crabtree and Maclin. He does NOT have the speed of Bey or Harvin and does NOT have the size of Britt, but he is the most polished, best hands, and great radar for the ball compared to the others. HOWEVER, that said, I think he is more of a replacement for Toomer in his prime, than a replacement for Plax and we would still be missing that endzone and downfield threat. I like Nicks and would not mind a move to get him, provided everyone understands what he is and the fact that MOST WR rookies do NOT make an impact their first year. I would much rather see a move up to get a Brian Cushing and create a dominant D so we don’t have to do anything on offense but run the ball. :-)

by dtowner on Apr 23, 2009 10:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Right on.

Here’s the last line of the Mocking the Draft’s scouting report…

“So long as teams aren’t relying on him as a deep threat, Nicks should excel in the pros.”

Someone else said one day “Oh, Great!! Another 6’1 slow receiver. Like we don’t have enough already…” They may not have been talking about Nicks, but it sure fits, don’t it??

Draft OL LB… a big bodied guy in later rounds (if you don’t trust Manningham, Rucker or Hagan, already with the team, to strecth the field)

by NY17NE14 on Apr 23, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As Reese has said

there is more than one way to win. The Giants don’t need to follow the exact Plax blueprint. If Nicks is the safest bet, and the guy most ready to play right away, go for it. The Giants will be better defensively in ’09 than they were last year, and what Eli really needs is guys who will get open and catch the ball. With Hixon, Manningham and whoever they can find ways to get deep at times.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 23, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My money's on Whoevemr.

by NY17NE14 on Apr 23, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

I think Braylon Edwards would be better than any WR we draft at #29. Especially since we already have a stable of good WR and an offense that doesn’t rely heavily on the passing game.

I think The Giants should make the deal with the Browns, as long as the Browns aren’t asking for a player. Wwe have so many picks I think we can afford to give them our 1st rd pick.

Now if Reese is planning to make a move up the draft then that’s a different story.

But as always In Reese We Trust.

by John W on Apr 23, 2009 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll go further than that

and say that I think Braylon Edwards will be better than anyone we draft at any slot in the 1st Round, at least for this upcoming season. And if we’re trying to win a Super Bowl, shouldn’t that be enough? I don’t see any of these WR’s having a big impact on the team next year, so what’s the point? We have young WR’s with upside, we need an established WR. If we’re gonna hang on to our pick or trade up, I’d much, nay MUCH rather take an impact LB.

by cjmulrain on Apr 23, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

CJ

That’s why there is such strong consideration for this deal. Giants are ready to win now, not wiat 2-3 years for a guy to develop.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 23, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

from nfp

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/04/diner-morning-news-the-browns-edwards/

Basically says, he’s worried about all the WRs in the draft having separation ability, and demanding coverage. Edwards despite his drops, still draws coverage

by queler on Apr 23, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree wholeheartedly with the last four posts...

Edwards is worth reaching for in my opinion. As queler has noted he has the ability to draw coverage, something we don’t have now with any of our wide outs. All our receivers could benefit from that…

by giant fan since 57 on Apr 23, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Giants draft moves

Your thoughts on this scenario.
On or before draft day: Sweeten the pot to Cleveland for EDWARDS. Offer second round pick 2b, third rd. pick 91 and the fifth rd. pick 5b.

Then trade up with New Orleans at pick 14. ( They need the picks ). Offer our first round pick
pick 29 and second rd. pick at 45. Throw in a late round pick if needed…
At pick 14, G-men have their choice of LB., CB, SAFETY, OFF.Line or WR.

This still leaves us with a 3rd, a 4th, and 5th to still get decent depth. 7th rd for kicker or BPA.

by mnbigblue on Apr 23, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is Edwards a UFA after this season?

Or a RFA?

by XLII on Apr 23, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like Ramses Barden and Patrick Turner

Especially for where they’re valued. I personally think DHB will be a bust, and I have a bad feeling about Britt. Nicks would be good but tough to get, and can he stretch the field? Maclin would be ideal if we could get that high, but it would be expensive too. So, I hope we wait til 2nd round with Ramses Barden/Patrick Turner, and maybe even Brian Robiskie.

by NYG 28 on Apr 23, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks For The Intro Props Fellas...

from the earlier post, i appreciate it.

But for the sake of what should the Giants do? As i’m also posting on another forum based site, i decided to re-post (to BBV) my sentiments from when i first learned of the latest pertaining to Braylon and the talks (rumors?), this was from Rotoworld…

Braylon Edwards-WR-Browns Apr. 22 – 2:43 pm et

ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio reports that the potential Braylon Edwards trade to the Giants is “on hold.”

Sal Pal points out that Cleveland has no other suitors, so Giants GM Jerry Reese holds the cards. Reese has only offered second- and fifth-round picks. The Browns want at least a first-round pick, and probably Mathias Kiwanuka. This deal isn’t expected to go down before Saturday, if it happens at all.
Related: Giants

…and now this is what i posted…

Well, if this has any factual weight to it, then i see the Brownies retaining Braylon until his contract expires and he walks outa town with the Browns having nothing in return. I’m not bitter this deal hasn’t happened but in the sense that the Giant’s are the ONLY SUITORS, but the price seemingly is going anti-gravity is the mystifying aspect here?!? Nothing like hardballing an only suitor when in fact, there is no leverage!

The Giants 1st round pick (#29) is no more than a high 2nd rounder given the value and potential player grades that will be there. You could say then, well why wouldn’t the Giant’s do this under my opinionated thought? The Giants are NOT, in a rebuilding mode and any player that is there at #29 would presumably, be an impact or a starter in the VERY, near future! So why risk the opportunity to outbid yourself when actually there is only one suitor involved?

Yeah, the Browns are TRYING, to maximize a return, but the return is too much in the eyes of only one sole! Given the timing of what picks the Giant’s do have this year, 5 in the top 100, they’re probably not going to budge on a 1st and a player in any scenario to think of. Who in their right mind would, regardless of need?

They’re (the Browns) are taking themselves out of this equation by virtue of senseless greed. If i were JR, i say the heck with it and now use our picks to solidify our roster to the fullest and see how it it pans out. Quality depth and not to mention, quality starter’s in the VERY, near future!!!

I posted this yesterday and stand firm to my convictions. FreeBradshaw pretty much summed up my thoughts, “F-EM”!!! I’m thinking the Browns actually had no intentions in the first place, especially given what they wanted in return with only one suitor? So, let’s see, Cleveland will draft Crabtree (and pay him at least $10mil.) all the while they retain Braylon for one more year and he’ll walk with NO, compensation to Cleveland to speak of. Good luck with that lol.

I’m not sure if this is a rant or an observation, but IMO, it doesn’t add up!

by Hootman on Apr 23, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking the same thing, though I was (and remain) unsure if Edwards will be a RFA, in which case the Browns could retain him for another year or get compensated for losing him. I think the new brass in Cleveland is trying to make a name for themselves by playing hardball but they are gonna end up shooting themselves in the foot. With the Browns very unlikely to contend for a championship, it’s a no-brainer to trade a player that you know is gonna walk the next year, especially for a mid-2nd round pick.

by XLII on Apr 23, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess

They could wait until Free Agency next year to snag him..

It's not easy being Giants fan in Philly.. but it sure is satisfying

http://novafacts.blogspot.com

by Hoyadestroya85 on Apr 23, 2009 5:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This might all be one really well orchestrated smoke screen ...

Consider:

Braylon has made it clear he doesn’t want to be in Cleveland (who does?)

Mangini is looking to turn over this roster pronto.

A year from now Browns may get nothing to see Braylon walk.

A week ago, Browns were smitten with Crabtree.

The Scenario:

A deal is done. 2nd & 5th & Hix (so it’s Braylon for Shockey & Hix). The smokescreen goes: price too high (1st & 3rd or 1st & Kiwi), Giants out of it. Browns hate Crabtree. Then … on Saturday … Browns take Crabtree at #5 (so no one trades up to get him), then Giants go LB at #29 or even trade up a bit with other #2 or a #3 thrown in, and then done deal gets announced just as the #2 traded to Cleveland goes on the clock.

The question is – would JR feel the need to have a new contract worked out with BE before the deal is done, or would they plan on extending him only after seeing how he works out in NY (and how do you keep BE and his agent quiet this long if a deal is done ?)

by Shofner85 on Apr 23, 2009 7:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder

if the Browns are waiting to make sure Crabtree makes it to them, since I don’t think it’s beyond reason to think the Seahawks might take him at #4. Maybe, once Crabtree makes it to them at #5 they’ll make a deal with the Giants.

by cjmulrain on Apr 23, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe also add

that a guy the Giants want, i.e. Britt, Nicks whoever else, isn’t there at #29 if Reese doesn’t trade up.

The if th Giants have #29 still, the Browns do draft Crabtree, and No one is there at #29, Reese may just say F’it and hand over th #29 for him (plus Id assume at least a 5th or higher.

by FreeBradshaw on Apr 23, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs