ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper obviously doesn't see the Giants draft the same way I do.
Hairboy says the Giants, Eagles and Redskins had the worst drafts, grading them at C-.
He seems to be all upset that the Giants did not take OT Joe Staley in the first round. I admit a left tackle would have been nice, but I still believe defense was the bigger priority.
Here's Kiper's take.
I would have gone differently with the Giants' draft. Cornerback Aaron Ross has very good ball skills but not great catchup speed. I was surprised they didn't take left tackle Joe Staley because they need someone who can protect Eli Manning's blind side. The Giants took offensive tackle Adam Koets in the sixth round and even passed on left tackle Jermon Bushrod. If they had taken Staley, they could have drafted Eric Wright from UNLV instead of WR Steve Smith. I would rather have had Staley and Wright, but Smith is a good receiver and will be someone who holds onto the ball. Zak DeOssie was a really good long snapper in college and, at worst, will be a backup linebacker in the NFL. Kevin Boss (fifth round) is a natural pass-catching tight end with speed and has a chance to make an impact in the passing game. Safety Michael Johnson was a good pick in the seventh round but needs to be more physical.
I think Kiper is all wet. GM Jerry Reese disagreed with Kiper's priorities, and Kiper is killing him for it.
By the way, Ernie Palladino of the Journal News reports that the Giants might still get themselves an experienced left tackle. According to Palladino, the Giants are talking trade with Cleveland for Kevin Shaffer. Shaffer became expendable when the Browns drafted Joe Thomas with the third pick on Saturday.
Your thoughts?
