As I type this, Day 3 of the 2011 NFL Draft is nearly ready to get underway. Of course, the question you all care about is "what will the New York Giants do today?"
The Giants have followed the Big Blue View Rules For Draft Success in the first three rounds, drafting what they perceive as "value" rather than simply grabbing "need" players. You can certainly argue for different players in the second and third rounds -- maybe Illinois runing back Mikel LeShoure or Florida center Rodney Hudson in the second and Washington linebacker Mason Foster in the third -- but, according to most draft boards the Giants got tremendous value with their first three selections. Besides which, you can make an argument that a potential No. 1 corner, a nasty defensive tackle and field-stretching home run threat at receiver were all, to a degree, needs.
So, what will happen today? The Giants have FIVE (yes, origianlly I had six here) selections during the final four rounds. I can't imagine they come out of this draft without a center, maybe Jake Kirkpatrick of TCU or Brandon Fusco of Slipper Rock. Tight end Luke Stocker of Tennessee is still on the board. Linebackers like Colin McCarthy of Miami, Quan Sturdivant of North Carolina, Greg Jones of Michigan State, Mark Herzlich of Boston College and K.J. Wright of Mississippi State are still on the board. There are several productive running backs.
Best guess is that today will be more of a 'need-based' day for the Giants. Value, always, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them make sure they wind up with players from those positions commonly considered needs.
I will have your early coverage today, then Mike Farley will bring you home with the last couple of selections. Enjoy, folks! And be good to each other!