Reading Jerry Reese’s Mind

This is my first post here, and I’m excited to be a part of GMENHQ.com staff.

The biggest question every NFL fan has about the upcoming draft, who’s my team going to draft? Some teams have their players all but decided or have such a glaring need they need to address. After months of scouting, player interviews and evaluations; the decision is now in general manager’s hands, impacting the franchise for years to come.

Ever since Jerry Reese took over (Jan of 07), one thing you could count on is unpredictability. Jerry believes in his board and will take the best player available, even if that position is one of strength (Jason Pierre-Paul 2010). Also, don’t read too deep into who the Giants workouts/ meetings with as often the actual picks weren’t even brought in. Jerry has hit some homeruns (entire 2007 class, Hakeem Nicks) and the jury is still out on other picks, due to being injured, (Kenny Phillips, Chad Jones) or underperforming (Clint Sintim, Ramses Barden).

This offseason has been completely different than any other year so with no free agency or trades, so we have no clue where the team is leaning on picking based on player movement. In majority of the “expert’s” mock drafts; they have the Giants taking an offensive lineman, such as Mike Pouncey, Anthony Castanzo, or Nate Solder. The last time the Giants took an offensive lineman in round 1 was 1999 was Luke Petitgout. I have a gut feeling that the streak will continue.  I don’t buy into the thoughts of Mark Ingram coming to his papa’s old team, even if his knee is completely healthy. I think Jerry Reese along with the rest of the NFL have a feeling a back no longer deserve a 1st round pick consideration. The lifespan of a running back is just too short to waste a high pick on, especially with quality later in this deep draft. Unless the Giants trade back I don’t see them considering Jimmy Smith or Kyle Rudolph. However, if Nick Fairly is falling past 15, I see the Giants trying to move up to get him.

THE PICK– Corey Liuget DT, Illinois 6’2, 298lbs. The Giants believe in having strong line play, DT needs upgrading and Liuget would be a beast with Tuck, Osi and company. Ideally, you’d love to bring Barry Cofield back, but both sides know a divorce is coming as Cofield is looking for his big pay day and will be too expensive. Who else can the Giants depend on at DT? Rocky Bernard is likely gone, Linval Joseph is unproven and Chris Canty has been all but a bust. Liuget can step in day one and grab a starting spot, instantly strengthening the middle of the defensive line. Perry Fewell will have more flexibility with his playcalling with the NASCAR package, exotic blitzes and improvement in the run defense. Corey Luiget will be depended upon being at least a 2 down player in year one while getting acclimated to the NFL.