Talking Giant Additions on a Friday

Happy Friday to all, we are moving ever so closer to draft time, less than three weeks ago, and we have news on Giant additions today.

After Jerry Reese tendered restricted free agent C.C. Brown, it was widely reported that the health department was inundated with injuries relating to “head-scratching.” How could Jerry Reese bring Brown back into the fold after being repeatedly exposed in coverage (C.C. came to stand for “Can’t Cover” by many Giants fans)?

Well, the picture just became a bit clearer after the G-men hosted and signed free agent Deon Grant, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks (Grant was released after 3 years with the team, heading into the 2010 season Grant was owed a whopping $11million or so for the next two years, so his release was not exactly a shocker).

On the surface, this may seem like another year in which the Giants bring in an aging safety (see Sammy Knight in 2008), but the difference here is Seattle liked Grant, but were not in love with Grant at the price of the rest of his contract for the next two years). Another difference would also be that Grant is not a complete cupcake in coverage (something we can not say about Sammy Knight or obviously, C.C. Brown).

Let’s give Reese a little credit here, while Grant is not to be confused with Ed Reed, by any stretch, he is a huge upgrade over C.C. Brown and could hold down the starting role opposite Antrel Rolle if Kenny Philips is not ready for the start of the season. Jerry had to hedge his bet on Philips’ health, which is a Giant question mark, though most reports remain cautiously optimistic on that front. One more reason to welcome Grant: durability (Grant has started 48 consecutive games and does not carry the dreaded “injury prone” label, nice addition.

Still, Grant is on a one year deal, so I don’t think the G-men are precluded from adding to the secondary in the draft; the draft is all about value and versatility, so continue to keep your eye on Earl Thomas out of Texas, who can play both free safety and cornerback. Thomas is a guy who is not getting enough attention considering his stellar combine and his in-game track record.

My current Giant wish-list for the G-men in Round 1:

Rolando McClain: If he falls into Jerry’s lap (come to poppa big fella), we have an anchor for our defense; if not, the Giants may look to the best pass rusher on the board (think Derrick Morgan who will be long gone but the Giants may fall victim to Pierre-Paul’s upside) or think C.J. Spiller if he drops; I believe the rumors and I also believe the hype on Spiller.

I see Jerry bolstering the trenches, but waiting on a defensive tackle until rounds 3 or 4 (think a Barry Cofield type, I have my eye on Mike Neal from Purdue or little known D’Anthony Smith), so offensive line is fair game and Anthony Davis, Trent Williams, or Bryan Buluga would look nice in blue. Otherwise, trade down Jerry, trade down, grab an extra pick or two (if Jerry moves down a few spots, I have lots of love to give (it is Friday) to versatile offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey (who could immediately step in at guard and also serve as the heir apparent to O’Hara at center; Pouncey is also intriguing because he might even be able to slide over to right tackle) and I would be pleased with Earl Thomas as well.

Stay blue!