Loading ...Draft talk has been the main focus amongst New York Giants fans for the better part of the last two months and I figured it might finally be time for me to chime in.
Looking ahead to the NFL Draft and taking into account the needs New York has, it’s obvious General Manager Jerry Reese will be looking for a linebacker, a defensive tackle, offensive line depth and quite possibly another body for our secondary. What isn’t as obvious, however, is the need to add another running back to the depth chart.
A common misconception so far this offseason has been that the Giants are content with their current crop of running backs. In reality, that’s just not true. Not only was New York interested in Darren Sproles at the beginning of free agency, the team also had plans of looking into Chester Taylor before he signed with the Chicago Bears.
On the surface, the group of Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and D.J. Ware seem to be as talented as any other in the NFL. Unfortunately, Jacobs has proven time and time again that he can’t make it through a full season without injury, and Bradshaw himself is coming off an injury-riddled season. And with Andre Brown (Achilles) also coming off a major injury of his own, that leaves Big Blue with a lot of questions and concerns at the running back position.
If you take into account the teams interest in Sproles and Taylor, it’s pretty obvious they’re not just looking for a fourth or fifth string running back; they’re looking for someone who can contribute both in the rotation and on special teams.
And who better than Clemson running back C.J. Spiller?
Spiller, who many consider the best running back in the draft, could most likely be had at number 15. And with Reese’s history of drafting the best player available, Spiller could become a very legitimate option for the Giants when their number is called on April 22nd.
With great hands and 4.37 40 speed, Spiller is a freak of an athlete. He would give the Giants an additional weapon out of the backfield, another target for quarterback Eli Manning and legitimate kick return specialist. And should either Jacobs or Bradshaw go down, I see no reason why he couldn’t step in and produce right off the bat.
Still, the mentality most fans have is “defense, defense, defense.” And while I tend to agree that several areas are in need of some serious attention on that side of the ball, I also believe the Giants aren’t nearly as concerned about their linebacking corp as some of us make it seem. In fact, I’m starting to get the feelng New York is ready to go into the 2010-11 season with Jonathan Goff as their starting MLB.
Does this mean C.J. Spiller is a target for Jerry Reese? Absolutely not. But would I be at all surprised if his name is called when it’s the Giants turn to draft? No way…and I wouldn’t be disappointed either.
Other Notes:
- According to The National Football Post, Duke linebacker Vincent Rey will workout for the New York Giants on April 8th.
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And who better than Clemson running back C.J. Spiller?
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Jahvid Best!
LoL. I considered adding him to this article as well, but from what I understand, the Giants value Spiller over Best.
This is sure going to be one of the most interesting drafts in a few years. At 15, we have so many options that may or may not be there.
Yesterday we were talking about trading up, today we’re talking about C.J. Spiller, next week we’ll be talking about trading down.
Sintim, Goff, and Boley/Kehl could end up being a really good cover 2 Lb corps. Too bad Fewell won’t get a chance to see them all working in his scheme before the draft…
Great article…I have the same feelings. For some reason I think between Sintim Boley Goff Kehl Wilk – JR and company feel that they are fine at LB. If spiller is the one, at least we automatically improve Special Teams.
Also, We signed Rolle but KP is back so thats basicaly like getting another player in the offseason. 2 real S this yr, a healthy Tuck, a full season with Goff, Canty and Bernard actually playing decent. Could be a different team than we last saw.
It is going to be crazy on April 22nd.
If the Giants are worried about McClain (scheme fit, health) and do not select him, or if he is no longer available, what the heck do they do?
It is such a grey area.
Spiller is a valueable weapon. I love how he shortens the field in the return game alone. He makes opponents think twice about punting. He is a luxury pick, but could end up making a good team great.
I feel like I am talking myself into a different player at #15 every day.
And it looks like Simon hit the nail on the head yesterday. Osi is still very pissed.
I always hate the idea of spending a 1st round pick on a RB. It’s so easy to find talent in the middle rounds with that position. And RB’s get big salaries and have short careers. I think a mid-round pick on Best is a much better pick for the Giants. Even when there’s a can’t-miss prospect– for every Adrian Peterson, there’s 10 Darren McFaddens. I’d much rather see the Giants go McClain, or the BPA from LB, DT, OL in round 1.
Just for the sake of this convo…
Out of the top 32 rushers in the NFL in 2009/10…
16 were 1st rounders
4 were 2nd rounders
3 were 3rd rounders
2 were 2nd rounders
2 were 5th rounders
None were 6th rounders
1 was a 7th rounder
4 were undrafted free agents (Ryan Grant, Pierre Thomas, Fred Jackson & Mike Bell, who ranked 32nd)
Dan, those numbers make a good point, but I’d be interested to see (and wouldn’t expect anyone to put these numbers together) how may yards/TDs these RBs picked up, vs their salary.
Guys like Grant are making nothing compared to the first round picks and are quite effective.
McClosky R3…
TheBlueScreen
RB Ahmad Bradshaw said he feels “10 times better” after offseason surgery on both feet and right ankle. Has screws in both feet now. #nyg
No impact as far as compensatory picks. Naturally we didn’t get any due to our free agent spending spree. But in the NFC East only the Eagles were awarded comp selections… 2 relatively worthless 7th rounders.