NFL Draft Thoughts
I love what Jerry Reese and the New York Giants front office did over this past weekend. While I liked the draft class last year and grew to realize how good it was as the year went on, I think this year is even a better haul. Here are my thoughts:
- Round 1, Pick 31 - Kenny Phillips - S, Miami -It is no secret that I was pushing for Arkansas State Safety Tyrell Johnson with the 31st pick, and I was wrong. It was really a two horse race for the top safety, and the edge went to the talented Kenny Phillips. With the Giants pass rush, Phillips could become a superstar, if he puts all of his physical skill together in the NFL. Phillips had a great sophomore season at Miami, but did not make a lot of plays as a junior, and inconsistency hurt his draft stock, which turned out to be great for the Giants. I think Phillips will benifit from the Giants pass rush, play the role of centerfielder in the Giants defense, and make a lot of plays as a rookie. He should see significant time and may start from day one, an instant upgrade to the Giants secondary.Â
- Round 2, Pick 63 - Terrell Thomas - CB, USC - Terrell Thomas really fits the Giants defensive scheme better than any of the corners that were selected in the first round. He is a big (6′1 202lbs), well built corner, who physically reminds me of Aaron Ross.  Thomas is strong enough to jam receivers at the line, and is a great blitzer and hard hitter for a cornerback. All of the strengths of his game really translate well to the Giants defense, and jamming the receiver is a key with our rush, because it makes the QB hold onto the ball longer. The problem with Thomas is the fact that he cannot stay healthy, and dislocated both shoulders and blew out his knee while at USC. If he is able to stay healthy, Thomas could be a great nickleback and eventual starter at cornerback.Â
- Round 3, Pick 95 - Mario Manningham - WR Michigan - Wow, this one surprised everyone, and I think every Giants fan was thinking what my brother and I were yelling “They have GOT to take Manningham!” There are some concerns with “Super Mario” like a few failed drug tests for marijuana and a troubling Wonderlic score of six out of fifty possible points. However, the value that Manningham has in the third round is off the charts, and he could turn out to be the steal of the draft. His skill set really reminds me of Chad Johnson’s, who is currently still with the Cincinnati Bengals as I write this article. Manningham is deadly on the fly pattern and always seems to come down with the ball and space to run with it. He just knows how to get open and is a force with the ball in his hands, scoring 27 touchdowns during his three years at Michigan. I can say that I am very excited to see Eli throw his first 40 yard fly pattern to Mario in one on one coverage, this is going to be fantastic.Â
- Round 4, Pick 123 - Bryan Kehl - OLB, BYU - Kehl is an athletic outside linebacker, who has good speed and the frame to add bulk. I found this pick a little curious, because the Giants have pretty good depth on the outside, but we all saw how important depth can be at linebacker (like when we played Carolina in the first round three years ago and we were signing linebackers off of the street to play). Another interesting fact about Kehl is he turns 24 in June, and is older than most of the 2008 draft prospects because of the Mormon mission all BYU students must attend. Kehl’s speed will allow him to contribute right away on special teams, and he should be a solid reserve.Â
- 5th Round, Pick 165 - Jonathan Goff - MLB, Vanderbilt - I watch a lot of SEC football, and I love this pick. Goff was one of those players that just stood out whenever I watched Vanderbilt play over the last two seasons.  It seemed like the name Goff was called after every defensive play, he is always around the ball and will really hit opponents. He looks the part at 6′2 243lbs, and has great range for his size. Goff will be a solid reserve as a rookie, but I think he is a player that will be a great starter and key to the defense as he gets stronger in a few years. He plays with a mean streak, is a great leader and has shown great character. Â
- Round 6, Pick 198 - Andre Woodson - QB, Kentucky - You cannot knock Woodson on productivity, he was great at Kentucky and is the best quarterback in school history.  At one time, Woodson was thought of as a first round pick, but the NFL scouts found a hitch in his release, and his draft stock began to slide.  Woodson also did not perform well at the senior bowl or at the combine, but as a backup quarterback, you have to love his upside. Woodson has enough talent that with a year to learn the offense, he could run the offense effectively if need be. Of course, I hope that he never has to see the field, but depth all over the field is very important.
- Round 6, Pick 199 - Robert Henderson - DE, Southern Miss - Henderson is a stout (6′3 276lbs) defensive end, who may be asked to play on the inside on passing downs at the next level. He has good strength and plays with a low center of gravity, but does not have great speed to come off the edge. If I had to guess, I would think Henderson will be on the practice squad this season.Â
Final Thoughts - Think about the offensive weapons that Eli Manning has at his disposal now. Jacobs, Bradshaw and Ward in the backfield.  Burress, Toomer, Smith, Manningham, Moss and Tyree as receivers. (I could see Moss fighting to keep his roster spot).  Shockey, Boss and Matthews as tight ends. There is so much depth on this team right now, and I think offensively the GMen will be even more explosive than they were last season. I also think the defense looks even stronger following the draft. I think Kenny Phillips has a lot more upside right now than Gibril Wilson ever did, and he will instantly upgrade the secondary.  If I had to guess, I think Phillips is the starting free safety and Sammy Knight is the strong safety for the opener. I expect Thomas and Manningham to contribute right away on their respective sides of the ball and the rest of the rookies to make an impact on special teams. There is more depth on the Giants right now than ever before, which is key in the NFL. We can lose a player or two due to injuries, which are bound to happen, and we have a guy who can step in and play at almost every position. You have to be excited with this draft class as a Giants fan. At first glance this was another job well done by Jerry Reese and the front office.             Â
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm and is filed under Aaron Ross, Steve Smith, David Tyree, Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw, Sammy Knight, Michael Matthews, 2008 NFL Draft, Derrick Ward, Brandon Jacobs, Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, Eli Manning, Amani Toomer, Jerry Reese, Sinorice Moss, Gibril Wilson, Steve Spagnuolo, Giants 101.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
THE AUTHOR
RECENT ARTICLES BY DIVISION RIVALS
ARCHIVE
SPONSORS
Online Seats
NY Giants Tickets NY Mets Tickets
Ticket Specialists
New York Giants Tickets New York Jets Tickets
Coast to Coast Tickets
New York Yankees Tickets Tickets NFL Football Games New York Giants NFL Tickets Game Tickets Ð Super Bowl Sports Tickets Ð College Football
Great Seats
New York Giants Tickets Jets Game Tickets Tickets - New York Yankees Mets tickets Broadway Tickets
33 Responses to “NFL Draft Thoughts”
April 29th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Great article Rich. Can’t wait until training camp starts. Although I’m very excited about “Cashmere”, I hope that Sinorice still shows why we drafted him in the 2nd round, two years ago.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Great article, I think every Giants fan out there is excited about next season. I only had two problems with our draft, one: I would have liked to have seen an OL drafted. two: we passed on xavier adibi, who will excell at the next level. I dont know much about kehl, he might be great. same goes for thomas, which the injuries concern me. Other than those two, I m happy.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I too am very very happy with this draft. We have depth at each position and as long as the young guys take to the coaching quick like last season, I don’t see why we couldn’t repeat…! All we need now is for everyone to get into camp and stay healthy which is easier said than done…?
April 29th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Hey ROC since Hixon is the odd man out. Who do you have returning kicks? Do you see Chase making the sq
April 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
It’s hard for anyone to criticize Jerry Reese right now. The respect and admiration that comes with building a superbowl winning team will leave criticism off him for at least the next 3-4 years. Last year I honestly didn’t expect much with the Giants’ draft, I thought it was just decent. Each of their rookies contributing so much was a real surprise to me. If we get even 4 contributors (2-3 future starters) then I will consider this draft a success.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Rich, I couldn’t agree with you more on EVERY point. I love the weapons. I can’t wait to see the 2 TE set now with Boss’ experience, and I hope there’s no issue(s) with Shockey, moving forward.
I’d like to keep Moss, and hopefully him knowing that he’s on a short leash will motivate him like crazy. I’m getting tired of waiting for him to do something. I was hoping he could, at least, be our Punt Returner…but he can’t even stay healthy enough to do that. Will Domenik Hixon be both KR & PR this year? I really hope McQuarters is cut sooner than later.
Finally, some depth at LB, and I love the size of the players in our secondary. I can see Madison mentoring the CBs, and Knight mentoring Kenny Phillips, my hopefully soon to be favorite Giant. I’ve been waiting for us to get a great safety for many, many years.
The depth is SICK, the future is looking beautiful and barring serious injury, I see zero reasons why we shouldn’t repeat!!
April 30th, 2008 at 6:04 am
This works. Phillips may well start right away. The rest are great depth.
Will pass on reading all about Shockey’s every move and just hope he acts like an adult. On the field he is a talented TE and I am glad he stayed.
Predictions. Strahan will retire, Kiwi will move back to DE making Clark AND Gerris starters at OLB.
Toomer will lose playing time to Manningham and Moss will get hurt and then cut. The Hefty Lefty and Wright are history. RW as well.
See you when training camp starts
April 30th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Anyone have any thoughts on DJ Hall the UFA from Alabama?
I watch a lot of Alabama football and he stood out a lot.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:10 am
CN - I love the fact that the Giants brought in DJ Hall. As I said in the post, I am a huge SEC football fan, and think Hall has a shot to make the team. He has good size and hands, and he would have been drafted had he not suffered from injuries. The problem for Hall will be the ammount of depth the Giants have at wide receiver. Most teams carry 5 wideouts, 6 at the most. We know that Burress, Toomer, Smith and Manningham will be on the roster. That leaves the final spot up to Moss, Jennings, Hixon and maybe Hall. Of course there is also a shot we can stash Hall on the practice squad, like we did Anthony Mix.
Izlandgiant - Linebacker is another position where the GMen have a lot of depth and a cut or two may have to be made. We have Kiwi (unless he moves back to DE) Pierce, Clark, Wilkinson, Blackburn, DeOssie, Kehl, Goff on the squad right now.
Luckily, DeOssie is also the longsnapper, so that saves a roster spot.
Who do you guys think will make the team?
Also Giants.com is reporting that Sinorice Moss is very excited to have Kenny Phillips in town, since they are very close from their days at “The U” and he is ready to “Shock The World” with his abilities this season. Hopefully he means in the return game…
April 30th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Don’t forget Tyree,have to find a spot for him just because of his special teams play and the greatest catch in Giant history.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:14 am
what about Jennings, I love the kid but it seems like we have had him for years and he hasnt done anything. Its like they keep him around because ammuses everyone
April 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
WR’s: plax, toomer, mario, smith, tyree, moss, hall. That’s six. Jennings had his chance. Give hall a chance, I think he has potential, but I thought the same of Jennings. I’d give moss one more year, put him on return duty, if he screws up, he’s done. Maybe toomer will retire and we won’t have to worry about who to keep. He is getting older and less productive.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I forgot Tyree, good point. There has to be an odd man out for the receivers. Tyree will make the team.
Jennings was a shoe in to make the team last season until he tore his achillies tendon. He was playing very well, but that is a tough injury to come back from, and I do not see him making the squad this season.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:59 am
DJ Hall is a talent, no doubt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH_idY3JhM0
The Bama blogs consistently rip him though for being a jerk. He’s more explosive and stronger than Manningham, but neither one of them likes to go over the middle. Neiher of these guys has the fearlessness of our current group (Moss excepted).
If we hadn’t been wedded to Phillips, maybe we would have tried to trade out of the first to grab Sweed, Kelly or Hardy in the mid second. Those guys are monsters and if Phillips can cover these guys then it was a great pick.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Also, I hope Michael Jennings makes Moss the odd man out. He has more game in all respects–specials, returns, route running, YAC.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:22 am
What about dominick hixon. He was big time for us this year especially at the end of the year and in the playoffs.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Yup. He was huge.
Burress
Toomer
Smith
Manningham
Tyree
Hixon
Jennings
Moss
If we keep six, Hixon may be competing with Jennings as the returner. Jennings’ edge is as a receiver but Hixon is a more physical presence on specials. Hmmm. . .That’ll be an awesome competition–assuming Jennings is healthy.
Assuming Mario is a sure thing, Moss doesn’t add up.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
hey as far as this draft class i have a few things to say, 1 being, i feel this class is a very good one and i can only see one of these guys starting (phillips) but the rest being great depth.
as for the depth chart i feel that thier will be alot of surprise cut coming down the road
QB
1. lefty hefty
2. Anothony Wright
leaving Eli, Carr, and woodson as our QB
RB, TE, and OL will be the same
WR
1. Hixon - reason being is that we have our second round pick Thomas who can play gunner and also play on all speacial teams. first thinking about this i was leaning towards Tyree but he can step into anyrole and play right away due to his knowledge and chemistry with Eli.
2. Moss - he may not get cut because he may try to save his job by trying to become a kick returner since Hixon will be cut but somtime in the near future he will be gone if he cant fix his injury problems
Dline will be the same as last year.
LB
1. Blackburn will be cut due to the depth on the team
CB. i can see R.W being cut to make room for thomas
Safty - starting safties will be Knight and Phillips while Johnson and butler battle it out for #3 of the list and future starting time
to be honest we didnt downgrade on any spot, we may have stayed the for talent wise for LB but as far as every of spot we improved, Knight and 1.Wilson are the same player
2. Phillips is an upgrade over butler
3. WIlkenson/ Clark arent as good as mitchell
4.however M.K is better than Tobar so its balance thier
5. Mario is better than Moss and for what i hear better than Smith
April 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
WRs
Plax
Toomer
Smith
Mario
Tyree
Moss (I would like to see Hixon or Jennings here but I can’t justify keeping Tyree and Hixon based mostly on their spec. teams contributions. Jennings doesn’t have to just come back and show that he is healthy. He has to Excel. I don’t see him doing that. Like ROC said his injury was a tough one and usually takes 19-23 months before a player regains their form. If Moss can’t display the ability to be a reliable ret. guy on KOs and punts and or has an average showing. He will be the odd man out and either Hixon or possibly Hall will make the team.
LB
KIWI SLB
Zak SLB
Kehl SLB
Pierce MLB
Goff MLB
Gerris WLB
Clark WLB
Goff will have to work his ass off to beat out Chase and show that he can pick up the slack when Blackburn is gone. I hate to see chase leave, but he is not a potential starter for Pierce. Thanks Chase for always doing what made you a fan favorite…..your job.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I agree but I’m not comfortable with the depth on the O- Line.
The Giants almost had a chance to pick Carl Nicks at the end of the 5th but the Saints took him the pick before us.
Ultimately the G Men are better off with Diehl at guard but they have no one better right now at tackle.
Hopefully they pick up a veteran in June when teams start cutting to keep under the cap.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Nobody is gonna cut a decent OT!
April 30th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I’m not sold on Jennings coming back. He tore is achilles (see tim carter for production). I like his work ethic but he has done NOTHING in a regular season game. I give Moss one more year. I feel they have to use him on punt returns and develop a Wes Welker type of role.
They cannot get rid of Tyree. That would be the equivalent of signing Scott Norwood.
April 30th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Did we get rid of Droughns? I cant remember?
April 30th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I feel bad for Super Mario and i think this kid got a huge chip his shoulder. Im glad we snagged him in the third, check this article out after the draft
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story.....nfirm=true
April 30th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
gman24,
If what you said about thomas is true, then hixon is expendable because we have a new gunner. He may be a rookie but it would only take him a few games to settle into it. I really liked hixon- he sort of reminded me of our only special teams pro bowler recently, Willie ponder. Therefore:
Plax, Toomer, S. Smith, Manningham, Tyree, and (healthy) Moss. Tyree essentially because we give back to those who gave to us, and moss, who is better than Jennings unless he gets hurt early into this coming season. If he goes down again quickly, he’s out.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Keep dreamin kiddo. This draft has NO SHOT at besting last years draft. Mario Manningham was a terrible pick when you consider who was available in areas with a more pressing need. Hope springs eternal though.
April 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Its easy to say Mario was a bad pick but without a suggestion on who the Giants shouldve picked its just an opinion, and we all know what they say about those. I think he was a great pick for a third rounder. He can show up at camp and compete for a job and perhaps motivate some of the giants in that receiving corps. Good job Jerry.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:25 am
[…] how good it was as the year went on, I think this year is even a better haul.? Here are my thoughts:http://mvn.com/nfl-giants/2008/04/29/nfl-draft-thoughts/A knowing early assessment of Bears’ draft Chicago TribuneIt generally takes three years to assess […]
May 1st, 2008 at 12:01 pm
blackburn is going to be cut, how can one just make that assumption? what do you have a crystal ball (comment # 19) you are not the gm of the giants nor do you have any inside information on how these players will fare come training camp or whom the coaches will cut. maybe your just summarizing what your gong to do in your upcoming season of madden.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
and gman24, wilson and knight are the same player??? is that why they got the same contract? and you go on to talk about rookies who are better than people with nfl experience. mario is better than smith, maybe potentially but right now i think smith done a little more than mario to warrant being the better player, the guy helped us win a super bowl, thats all that matters.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Does anyone think we can get any value for Moss? Maybe a 4-5 round pick in 2009? I have not been impressed with him (and it doesn’t sound like I’m alone). Plus, what role will he have in this offense? Is there room for him to really contribute?
Finally, there have been some good Jared Lorenzen nicknames on here. I hate to see this guy leave because he’s so fun to make fun of. My personal favorite, which I haven’t seen on here, is the Pillsbury Throwboy.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Blackburn won’t be cut, he’s too dependable. Manningham needs to start catching passes in the middle of the field before even being considered as better than S. Smith.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Hey,
First of all I think the Giants had great picks in Manningham, Phillips, and Andre Woodson, Johnny Goff… However I must question JR with the Terrelle Thomas Pick, we needed a LB of Dan Oconnor or Xavier Abidi caliber and we choose Bryan Kehl whose 25 and is not NFL ready coming from the MWC.
Secoundly,
I am still trying to figure out how a 6-2 Wr who caught 67 passes for 1005 yrd and 6 tds did not get drafted? Does D.J Hall have off the field issues or what?
Anyways cant wait for training camp in the Wide Receiver battle
Between Steve Smith, DJ Hall, Manningham, Santana Moss, Hixon, Jennings, i Say they will cut Jennings and Hixon and if they do wish to part with one of those top four they will get great trade value.
D.J Hall could be the giants best “pick” in this draft after all if your going to take a chance on Manningham’s off the field issues as well. a 4.53 6-2 W/R who is very productive and broke every record at Alabama vs the level of the SEC defenses sounds great to me, and trust me the giants can get this guy in the gym and bulk him up every rookie has to bulk up according to the analysts and watch his combine he looked pretty impressive
Leave a comment