Grading the New York Giants 2008 Draft Class
The Giants did a great job at filling positions of need and getting great value in the 2008 NFL draft. When you can do both of those things you have a great formula for success. I will now grade each individual pick the Giants made last Saturday
Round 1, Pick 31 - Kenny Phillips - S Miami- As most of you know I was pushing for Phillips to be picked here for quite some time and needles to say I was thrilled when I heard the commissioner announce the pick. Phillips is a perfect fit for this Giants defense and fills the teams biggest need at safety. Not only can Phillips step in and be a solid starter from day 1, he also has the potential to be one of the best safetys in the league one day. This is the guy that Steve Spagnulo wanted for his defense and its good to see that Jerry Reese listened to Spags.
Bottomline: This was the prefect pick for the Giants and I wouldn’t have even thought about going any one else in this situation. A+
Round 2, Pick 63 - Terrell Thomas - CB USC- Another thing most of you know is that I didn’t feel LB was a first day need and that I didn’t like Dan Connor as a prospect, not for this team at least. Apparently 32 teams shared similar thoughts with me through the first 73 picks. I knew that CB would be targeted here and while it was unlikely I held out hope that Tracy Porter would fall to pick #63. After Porter the top 3 corners on my board were Patrick Lee, Terrell Thomas and Charles Godfrey. Patrick Lee went before pick #63 so it was between those two who the Giants were choosing from. Godfrey is a good prospect but is more of a prospect so Thomas was much more suited for the Giants in this situation. Thomas is a big athletic corner that is going to do very well in Spags system. Thomas is physical and can play press coverage very well.
Bottomline: Thomas had some injury problems while at USC but when healthy he was one of the best corners in the nation. Once again the ideal pick for me in this situation. A
Round 3, Pick 95 - Mario Manningham - WR Michigan- Manningham should not have been here under any circumstance and the Giants took advantage of that. The Giants have not been a team to take chances on players with character concerns in the past but the value is just way to great in this situation. its extremely rare that a 1st round talent falls to the end of the third round. I have faith that the Giants organization checked him out and made sure that none of the things that led Manningham to fall this far will affect him as a Giant. If there is anywhere Manningham can succeed it is here because of the Giants strong core of leaders and Tom Coughlin the disciplinarian. Manningham offers the Giants a receiver that can get great separation on a consistent basis for the first time in a while.
Bottomline: This could turn out to be the steal of the draft. For the third straight pick in a row the Giants pick the player that I want. A+
Round 4, Pick 123 - Bryan Kehl - OLB BYU- The Giants traded the first of their 3 6th round picks in order to move up to secure Kehl here and I love the move. I didn’t know tons about Kehl coming in to the draft but after all that I have read on him it seems like he is a perfect fit for this defense. A big athletic weakside Linebacker with the ability to rush the passer. He seems to have all the tools that you look for when looking for a star LB and I think his potential is very high. At the very least he is going to be an excellent special teams player and provide good depth.
Bottomline: Kehl seemed to be a favorite sleeper pick by many and it was good for the Giants to trade up to secure the guy they wanted. I like the pick, but its not the slam dunk the first 3 were. B+
5th Round, Pick 165 - Jonathan Goff - MLB Vanderbilt- Another great value pick here by Jerry Reese. Goff was one of the top MLB’s in this draft and should have probably gone in the 3rd-4th round range. Goff was an All-SEC preformer at Vanderbilt and like Rich said previously he has a real nose for the ball. Some Giants fans were calling for an eventual replacement for Pierce in this draft so that we can groom him for a couple of years and this is the guy.
Bottomline: After taking a LB in the previous round it was assumed another would not be taken but this was just way too good a value pick to pass up on and a replacement for Pierce would have been needed eventually. Great pick here. B+
Round 6, Pick 198 - Andre Woodson - QB, Kentucky- I’m starting to sound repetitive but another great value selection here. A lot of people were confused by this pick, but Carr is only signed for one year and Eli is going to need a reliable backup to depend on and we got one that will hopefully be on the team for years. He has very good size and is a very accurate passer with a good arm. A lot of scouting reports said that a team has to be patient with Woodson and that’s exactly what the Giants are going to be. Woodson can hopefully either turn out to be a solid backup for years, or into a decent trading chip like Matt Schaub was for Atlanta.
Bottomline:As I was watching the draft I kept thinking about when Woodson was going to go because I thought he was a lot better then people were giving him credit for. While he didn’t land in the ideal situation for him here I’m happy he is a part of this team and like I said he could turn into a very solid backup. B
Round 6, Pick 199 - Robert Henderson - DE, Southern Miss- You can never have too many pass rushers. After reading up on Henderson that’s exactly what he is. This may have been a little bit of a reach but I have faith that Jerry Reese saw something special in this kid in order to take a chance on him.
Bottomline:Henderson would have probably been better off being an undrafted free agent and picking a team where he has a better chance to outplay people in camp. I just don’t see how he makes the team here. C
Overall:Overall this draft was excellent in my opinion. I really could not have asked for anything better from the Giants orginization and I look forward to seeing these players on the field. I give this draft a solid A-
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27 Responses to “Grading the New York Giants 2008 Draft Class”
May 1st, 2008 at 5:48 am
There were other, perhaps better, CBs available when Thomas was selected. Interesting OLBs also. The draft was solid but Thomas was no “A” pick. Hope he stays healthy and is perfect for Spag’s scheme and proves me wrong. Henderson was a reach if that is possible in the sixth. FA class is unknown. Draft is a solid B or B+ - no more.
May 1st, 2008 at 7:50 am
Considering we picked last in every round and still got 2 of the top 30 Talents in the draft, i have to give it an A.We added 2 big / strong DB’s and 2 fast / Athletic LB’s. Also got a young talented QB that was considered a 1st rd pick only 6 months ago in the 6th round. 8 months from now everyone will be talkking about JR’s back to back Monster drafts!!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:12 am
MIKE D - Hope you’re right. I’d give it a B+, I’m a little worried about the injuries to Terrell Thomas. Manningham was a steal, JR will keep him on a short leash.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:24 am
Sean,
A very good and optimistic synopsis. I agree with you as I am really excited about the draft. However, one really doesn’t know until they get on the field. I, for one, did not like JR’s first draft as GM last year. I though that it was a “C” at best. No doubt that it was the best draft in the NFL last year. Hopefully, JR and MR both follow suit for this one.
I understand that Marc Ross really knows his stuff. It certainly will be exciting if he was “right” on Super Mario. If he and/or S. Moss are the WRs who will be able to spread the field, it will open the middle of the field and improve our passing game.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:27 am
I’m not a fan of the Manningham pick, not even in the 3rd round. He’s just the kind of guy what can screw up the great team chemistry they’ve built last season. Plus he drops a LOT of balls and we already have enough WR’s that do that - LOL.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:33 am
My grades:
Phillips: A = No brainer
Thomas: B- = A bit of a reach with his injury history, but hopefully will prove to be right on target
Manningham: B = Great value pick, but character concerns
Kehl: B = Smart player, I “think” there was no need to trade up
Goff: B+ = Pierce’s eventual replacement
Woodson: A- = Possibly the future #1 backup, if he develops right I can see him as a future starter/trade chip
Henderson: Unknown = The player I least know about from this draft class, but Reese has proven to pick low round bargains before (though maybe he’s better in the 7th round?)
Overall: B+
Reese brought in talent and youth at about every single need position. The biggest concern for me is on the Giants’ O-line where I was hoping they would be able to draft Sam Baker. If more than 1 starter on the O-line goes down, I’m kind of worried for Eli’s safety. Otherwise the team looks in good shape.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:36 am
Solid, yet unspectacular, draft nd that is a good thing. There were plenty boom or bust prospects ahead of our picks and we went with value. I don’t believe every pick makes the roster like last year, but I think some of the palyers chosen got a raw deal that let them fall to us.
Phillips was the best safety in this draft for OUR team. I liked Johnson too and I would have liked to wait for Barrett for development, but this kid is ready to play NOW and Spags wanted him bad.
Thomas got a raw deal as, little do most people know, modern surgically repaired shoulder dislocations heal stronger than the original joint much like Tommy John sugeries do for elbows.
Manningham, what can I say? Who do you think leaked the Wonderlic test results before the draft ’cause I want to buy this guy a beer. If discipline is needed, it will come in droves from this coaching staff and this group of veterans. Maybe the Steal of the draft.
Kehl and Goff are value picks, but I think only one makes the roster.
Woodson was a steal at this spot also and will be a fine backup for Eli after Carr is gone next year. Can anybody say “Bye, Bye J-Load and the Wrong Anthony”?
Henderson is a little iffy and I think the UDFA Gilberry passes him to push him onto the practice squad, at best.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:55 am
I LIKED EVERY PICK WE MADE UP UNTIL THE 4TH ROUND, I REALLY THOUGHT WE SHOULD PICKED UP ERIN HENDERSON FROM MARYLAND, BUT SINCE HE WENT UNDRAFTED THAT MEANS EVERY TEAM THOUGHT HE WASN’T WORTHY OF A PICK…HEAD SCRATCHER BUT OK I CAN DIG IT……ALL AND ALL I GIVE JR AN SOLID “A” FOR THIS DRAFT
May 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am
Loved every pick other than Henderson. Cant wait for the season to start. Man this year is gonna be exciting!
May 1st, 2008 at 10:16 am
philips- A+ good pick sold cant say much more
Thomas- B++ loved the pick there was only three other worthy corners on the board, godfrey, king, molden… thomas was a great pick, id rather have moved up to grab tracy porter or flowers….. but o well thomas i like hes tall fast …reminds me of a better version of corey webster..
Manningham- A++++++++++++ he is the next chad johnson…i HATE michigan, but i played college ball D1 and i seen most of these guys play… manningham will be a star, mark my word
Kelh- F hes 25 and not even good… he will be a future ST star thats it. id love to have traded up and grabbed adibi who was picked just a few spots ahead.
Goff- A+ he is better suited as an OLB he is always around the ball GREAT pick, he may push wilk for the starting job…
Woodson- A…value pick and trade chip some team is going to want a QB let him show off in preseason and we may have ourselves a taker giving up a player or pick for next year..
Henderson- F, i wish it was the other henderson, erin.. but what are we gonna do? o well hell be a practice squad hero..
DJ HALL—– A+++++++++++++
once considered a top 5 pick..go watch film on this guy and he said he is gonna give it his all to make the team… good job JR
If i were JR and the draft fell like it did…
Philips
Thomas
Manningham
Adibi
Goff
Woodson
Henderson
you just improved the future LB core and safety issue for years to come…but we went with kehl, and henderson instead of ERIN henderson and xavier adibi, who can cover fast RBs out of the backfield(westbrook, cooley, witten)…..
overall grade A…itll pan out better than last years we have 4 potential probowlers in philips, thomas, mannigham and goff
May 1st, 2008 at 11:51 am
Big UP’S to:”Giants 101 Writers”!!!!!!!!
Hazem Kiswani
Sean Carroll
David Syversten
Dan Benton
And when it’s all said & done…i still Believe, it will be Eli -vs- Peyton in SuperBowl 43!!!!!!!
NY.Giants ain’t done just yet, or no time soon!
You know what they say…as soon a you get that first taste of Victory, you want more!
It’s like a PittBull when he get’s that first taste of (Blood)…or like, you was out there just chilling…and all of the sudden Bam! (your in a streetfight) and the person your fightting (He split’s your sh*t above your eye…) then you turn around and tell your friend, get me a stick of Butter at the coner Bodega
and your friend say’s…what’s the Butter for????
And you tell him…so i can put some on top of my eye,(you know)…round 2 son!
Anyway Go Giants…the GGGGGGGGG-Men!!!!!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 11:59 am
My bad…Big UP’S to: Sean O’Sullivan!!!!!
Go NY.Giants, The GGGGGGGGGGGGGG-Men!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
It’s like a PittBull when he get’s that first taste of (Blood)…or like, you was out there just chilling…and all of the sudden Bam! (your in a streetfight) and the person your fightting (He split’s your sh*t above your eye…) then you turn around and tell your friend, get me a stick of Butter at the coner Bodega
wow you sound intelligent
May 1st, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I think Matt L. is right on. We should have taken a flier on Erin henderson in sixth round. Big upside with little downside since the other henderson most likely won’t make the team. i agree with jho that we still need OL depth.
i am surprised about Dan Connor. All mocks had him as late first or early second rounder. I would have thought he would be a valuable pick at the end of second round but everyone passed.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
angel-did you take your Meds??
I think youre gonna be sent to principles office for complamenting the wrong site:)
I
May 1st, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Matt L wrote:
wow you sound intelligent
Nah Son, just R.A.W. & GRIMEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I hate grading drafts this early but I think these guys will at least provide improved depth. Depth made the D line outstanding last year. Now it looks like there is enough talent now to do the same with LB’s and DB’s.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Angel I guess Matt L is taking his frustations out
on you. What is wrong Matt L? Are you upset
since you were not drafted this yr? DIV 1 College
Football? I smell bullshit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
We should have taken Adrian Arrington instead of Robert Henderson.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
ha ha ok i wanna bullshit you, people i dont know…. i wasnt eligable for the draft nor was i invited to a combine…. i graduated in 05… im in law school now, i wont lie i wasnt good enough for the nfl.. no need to call bullshit.. id beat your face in if you came out from behind the computer
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 am
Living down here in South Florida, I have watched Phillips. I think he is a good player. If the safety class was not weak, he would have been a second round pick. He is not a playmaker like the late Sean Taylor or Laron Landry. I can only hope with his role defined with Spags scheme, he can excel.
Look for him to cover TE’s.
Thomas is like Corey Webster. Just like Webster, he has a long arm span. He is tall, strong and will be able to cover tall receivers in this league notably Owens.
Kehl and Goff were selected to add depth. The Giants have linebackers. Look for Zak DeOssie to impress at camp this season.
Hopefully, with the Manningham selection, this will light a fire under Sinorice Moss. If Moss can get his act together, I think he is better than Manningham.
I know the Giants defensive line is their strength. Please look at their roster. We are thin at the defensive tackle position. Henderson will have to perform well in camp to make this team. If he performs well, he can play tackle and end. He was selected for depth.
Glenn Warciski
New York Football Giants
www.nygmennfl.blogspot.com
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 am
best review sean
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Matt L, I would think law school would teach you that beating people’s faces in is frowned upon from both a criminal and liability standpoint.
Let’s hope most of these rookies aren’t big contributors like they were last year. Usually that is a result of your top guys getting hurt (Boss, Bradshaw, and Smith for example). They came up huge, but ideally your veterans will stay healthy and produce and these guys can spend a year or two learning. Phillips may be the only exception.
I agree with Glenn, though, that DeOssie was not drafted as merely a long snapper. I bet he steps up into the LB rotation this year.
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Eeeasy, eeeasy Matt L. Place the stick of butter (from the corner Bodega of course)
down on the ground and SLOWLY back away.
Are you on the juice bro? A few zingers and your
ready to assault me. Relax…. you will live longer.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Matt L, I am not sure what law school you are attending, but unless its the Tennessee YMCA night law school, you really need to improve your writing abilities. I would hate to see that grade on your first closed memo…
I am not so sure about this draft. Phillips is certainly going to help the Giants, and may well start this year. I know he can’t be worse than Butler. I think they picked Thomas to groom as a safety also. He has the size and physicality, and just average speed. That means safety, not corner, unless you can quickly learn technique. I don’t like the fact that they dedicated their first two picks this year and first last year to the secondary. The other problem is the Giants found depth at essentially two positions-DB and LB. Depending on where injuries hit, we could be in trouble.
I do not like the Manningham pick at all. There is a reason he dropped to the end of the third round. The guy is going to have a hard time understanding the Giants’ playbook, and for a guy who gets a 6 on the Wunderlic, he shouldn’t be killing the few precious brain cells he has smoking dope. He is isn’t that tall and he is skinny, and his speed isn’t great. He drops balls. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him struggle as a professional, and see a poor man’s Peter Warrick. I think the Giants need a receiver to groom, but wished they had picked one earlier.
As for the Linebackers, we always seem to draft linebackers in the later rounds and none have been impressive. The only best ones we have are a free agent from the Redskins, and our first round converted DE. (Wilkinson was a third rounder who was not able to beat out a journeyman FA from the Chiefs). It seems the Giants are content with quantity instead of quality in the LB corps. And I’m not even going to get into the later round picks because there is no Ahmad Bradshaw down there.
The Giants made the mistake of picking for need instead of BPA this year. I think JR’s success last year would have been hard to duplicate again anyway, but now it becomes something of a curse because we will compare future drafts to it. Regardless of last year, this was an average draft, at best, and maybe we get a starter or two, and slightly better special teams. Overall, I give us a C.
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:27 am
you wrote: There were other, perhaps better, CBs available when Thomas was selected. Interesting OLBs also. The draft was solid but Thomas was no “A” pick. Hope he stays healthy and is perfect for Spag’s scheme and proves me wrong. ”
Oh, he will prove you wrong all right. Thomas injuries were not serious at all…why do people keep talking about that? This guy is tough, a hitter, good coverage…and I feel will prove to be the best possible 2nd round pick among CB’s after he gets a season or 2 under his belt. Great pick .
Manningham was a no brainer. Reminds me of Torry holt but probably faster. Runs great wroutes.
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Really exaggerated. Anyone else notice that his grades steadily decreased through each selection (with the exception of Manningham)? Let’s be serious, Woodson in the 6th round?!?! Come on! Great value pick for the Giants. Just because Woodson was picked in the 6th round and is going to be groomed as a backup doesn’t garner him a B. Lastly, HOW CAN YOU GRADE A DRAFT JUST DAYS AFTER IT TOOK PLACE?
I can’t believe I wasted five minutes of my life reading this paraphrased, reiterated garbage.
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