19. New York Giants – Bjorn Werner DE, FSU
We all know the Giants love to have pass rushers. They lost Osi Umenyiora this offseason and would love to replace him. They could really use a LB but with a talent like Werner on the board, I can’t see them passing him up.

I agree with Sayre that the Giants always seem to get a good value from their picks. It’s a staple for a solid franchise and the N.Y. Giants are just that. Werner brings a tenacious work ethic, and truly superior natural athletic ability. As i have mentioned in previous posts about Werner, he only picked up the game in high school. With some professional coaching, Werner could emerge as one of the better players available in the 2013 draft.

Luke Batton, LB, Kent State
DeWayne Cherrington, DL, Mississippi State
Lamar Mady, OL, Youngstown State
Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook
Brendan Melanophy, DB, Fordham
Trent Steelman, WR, Army
Brian Winters, OL, Kent State

With less than a month till the draft, the entire organization is busy evaluating and ranking players.

Hakeem Nicks: Hopefully healthy and returning to the upper echelon of wide outs in the league.  Giants will look to sign him to a long term deal this year.

Rueben Randle: Showed his athleticism, strength, height, and speed last year.  A solid pick for the Giants in last years draft.  Will look good across from Hakeem all year.

Jerrel Jernigan: Jerrell will fight for time with Louis Murphy in the 4th spot, assuming Victor Cruz is signed, and also in the return game.  Jerrel actually got a boost when the Giants released Ahmad Bradshaw making David Wilson the feature back.  Wilson will most likely not be returning kicks this season.

Louis Murphy: It’s been a while since the Giants have had a player with this much pure speed.  Murphy will be in on 4 and 5 wide sets, and could return punts and kicks as well.

Victor Cruz: Victor should sign his tender or an extension shortly.  He really should look around and see what the top slot receivers are being offered and stay with the QB and system that made him good.

Kris Adams, Brandon Collins, and  Kevin Hardy are all currently listed on the roster.  Look for Ramses Barden and or Domenik Hixon to leave the team through free agency.  This is a solid group of talented receivers.  The Giants have done well to surround Eli with weapons, and for a tean that is known as old fashioned and run happy at times….this group says otherwise.

The questions that remain are can All Time Great Tight Ends Coach Mike Pope turn “The JPP of Tight Ends” Adrien Robinson into a starter and every down player?  Does Bear Pascoe give you enough versatility and talent to hold you over through injuries and changes in formations?  Will Travis Beckum ever get healthy enough to contribute the big play ability we have been told about, and seen on one play?  Will Larry Donnell at 6’6″ and 269 out of Grambling be the next guy to step in and perform?

Theses are the questions facing the Giants, along with at what price they can retain Martellus Bennett who is currently a free agent?  The team and Bennett have expressed interest in working out a new deal….but if that can be done remains to be seen.

The tight ends position has been a strong one in recent drafts, and this one is no exception.  The issue is do you spend the pick at 19 on a tight end, or hope someone lasts to pick 51?  Tough decisions ahead for Jerry Reese and the Giants.

“His 40-yard dash time was faster than Anquan Boldin,” NFL Network Analyst Mike Mayock said of Johnson. “His vertical at 34 inches was the same as A.J. Green – think about this, this is an offensive tackle at 300-plus pounds. He ran faster than Anquan Boldin, he jumped the same as A.J. Green and his broad jump at nine feet, 10 inches was the same as Steven Ridley. Think about those three things for a 300-pound offensive tackle and put that in perspective of what he can be.

Now, just like Hanna, who was drafted by the Cowboys last year in the 6th round Johnson has a lot to prove.  Winning the Combine is not an automatic bid to stardom, it is a view into the young mans potential.  He is a former Qb and TE which should serve him well when learning a new offense, and shows his ability to be coached.  This a a young man with a ton of potential.

2000: DE Courtney Brown, LB LaVar Arrington, T Chris Samuels, WR Peter Warrick, RB Jamal Lewis, DT Corey Simon, RB Thomas Jones, WR Plaxico Burress, LB Brian Urlacher, WR Travis Taylor.  While Courtney Brown, Peter Warrick, and Travis Taylor didn’t amount to much the rest of the class is solid. Ron Dayne was taken at 11 by the Giants.

2001: QB Michael Vick, T Leonard Davis, DT Gerard Warren, DE Justin Smith, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, DT Richard Seymour, DE Andre Carter, WR David Terrell, WR Koren Ronbinson, DE Jamal Reynolds. The Giants got DB Will Allen at #22

2002: QB David Carr, DE Julius Peppers, QB Joey Harrington, T Mike Williams, DB Quentin Jammer, DT Ryan Sims, T Bryant McKinnie, DB Roy Williams, DT John Henderson, T Levi Jones.  The Giants took Jeremy Shockey at #14.

2003: QB Carson Palmer, WR Charles Rogers, WR Andre Johnson, DT DeWayne Robertson, Db Terence Newman, DT Johnathn Sullivan, QB Byron Leftwich, T Jordan Gross, DE Kevin Williams, LB Terell Suggs.  The Giants took William Joseph at #25

2004: QB Eli Manning, T Robert Gallery, WR Larry Fitzgerald, QB Phillip Rivers, DB Sean Taylor, TE Kellen Winslow, WR Roy Williams, DB De Angelo Hall, WR Reggie Williams, Db Dunta Robinson.  Roethlisberger was picked at #11 by Pittsburgh.  Except for the receivers in this group…a great draft class.

2005: QB Alex Smith, RB Ronnie Brown, WR Braylon Edwards, RB Cedric Benson, RB Cadillac Williams, DB Adam Jones, WR Troy Williamson, DB Antrel Rolle, DB Carlos Rogers, WR Mike Williams.  The Giants took Corey Webster at #43.

2006: DE Mario Williams, RB Reggie Bush, QB Vince Young, T D’Brickashaw Ferguson, LB A. J. Hawk, TE Vernon Davis, DB Michael Huff, DB Donte Whitner, LB Ernie Sims, QB Matt Leinart.  The Giants took Mathias Kiwanuka at #32

2007: QB JaMarcus Russell, WR Calvin Johnson, T Joe Thomas, DE Gaines Adams, T Levi Brown, S LaRon Landry, RB Adrian Peterson, DE Jamaal Anderson, WR Ted Ginn, DT Amobi Okoye…Patrick Willis was taken at #11.  The Giants took Aaron Ross at #20.

2008: T Jake Long, DE Chris Long, QB Matt Ryan, RB Darren McFadden, DT Glenn Dorsey, DE Vernon Gholston, DT Sedrick Ellis, DE Derrick Harvey, LB Keith Rivers, LB Jerod Mayo.  The Giants selected S Kenny Phillips at #32

2009: QB Matthew Stafford, T Jason Smith, DE Tyson Jackson, LB Aaron Curry, QB Mark Sanchez, T Andre Smith, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, T Eugene Monroe, DT B.J.Raji, WR Michael Crabtree.  The Giants took WR Hakeem Nicks at #29

2010: QB Sam Bradford, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Gerald McCoy, T Trent Williams, S Eric Berry, T Russell Okung, CB Joe Haden, LB ROlando McClain, RB C.J. Spiller, DT Tyson Alualu.  The Giants took J.P.P. at #15.

2011: QB Cam Newton, LB Von Miller, DE Marcell Dareus, WR A.J. Green, CB Patrick Peterson, WR Julio Jones, LB Aldon Smith, QB Jake Locker, T Tyron Smith, QB Blaine Gabbert, J.J Watt was #11.  The Giants selected Prince Amukamara at #19

2012: QB Andrew Luck, QB Robert Griffin, RB Trent Richardson, T Matt Kalil, WR Justin Blackmon, CB Morris Claiborne, S Mark Barron, QB Ryan Tannehill, LB Luke Kuechly, CB Stephone Gilmore.  The Giants of course selected RB David Wilson at #32.

How many complete busts can you find?  How would you have selected these same players in a different order?

Here are the players lost by teams to Free Agency:

Based upon these movements, it is projected that the Giants will receive a 6th round pick.  As Giants fans we all know how important draft picks are and the great track record of our current GM.  Last year he was able to trade a 4th round pick for LB Keith Rivers, he used their compensatory pick for the trade, and therefore still had a 4th round pick in the draft.  Look to see of Jerry Reese uses this pick again during this years off season.

Here is the Full Article: 2013 Compensatory Picks

However, if they Giants do not improve their record and stay in a similar spot in the draft, who might they take?  Here is the entire FanSided NFL Mock Draft.  The Giants selection is highlighted below:

 23. New York Giants – Ezekial Ansah, Defensive End, BYU

Osi Umenyiora could be gone through free agency and it’s no surprise that the Giants like to stockpile on talented defensive lineman. Ansah is a prospect that draws comparison to Jason Pierre-Paul, so it doesn’t take much to understand why the team would be excited to add a player with this kind of potential.

While this is certainly a possibility, many fans would like to see the Giants land an offensive lineman who could walk in and start at one of the tackle positions.

The Giants are projected in this mock draft to pick #24….but everyone knows they still have a great chance to be picking #32 again!

 24. New York Giants – Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame

Martellus Bennett provides the Giants a nice receiving threat at tight end and he is an underwhelming blocker, but the Giants tend to roll with the best player available and Eifert fits the description here. Eifert is a well-rounded tight end that has the skill set to do it all at the next level.

Here we go with the tight end talk again….Last year it was Coby Fleener, and now it’s Tyler Eifert.  Martellus Bennett is on a one year deal to see what he can prove to the Giants, and that experiment won’t end for a while.  I also don’t believe a tight end warrants a first round grade especially when picking in the mid 20′s, but that’s my opinion….what’s yours?

Take a minute and go to the Fansided Mock Draft and see where all the young college studs are slated to go in next April’s draft, and stay tuned to GMenHQ for weekly updates!

1. Atlanta: I don’t believe this will last.  I think they were pushed around by Oakland and Carolina, but they did find a way to win.  Three desperate teams await them and will decide if they deserve this spot. Philly, Dallas and New Orleans.

2. Giants: This team amazes everyone at times.  If the defense played like that every week, they would easily be the most complete team. Home to a pesky Washington, Dallas, Pittsburgh and Cincy next.

3. Chicago: This team has three weeks to solidify it’s position.  Detroit, Carolina and Tennessee up next.

4. San Francisco: Not sure why they tried to change who they are last week.  Alex Smith is not the QB you want when trailing by 10 or more in a game.  The Wildcat only works against that other New York team.  Seahawks on short rest this Thursday.

5. Houston: Is the loss of Brian Cushing this big or did they just have a bad night against the wrong team? Baltimore and the bye next.

6. New England: I know they lost but I still think they will find the proper identity and move on. Jets and Rams next.

7. Green Bay: Rogers and the offense showed how good they are.  St. Louis, Jacksonville and Arizona next.

8. Baltimore: I think the loss of Lewis, Webb, and the limiting of Ngata will be too much to overcome.  A very upset Houston up next.

9. Seattle: This QB is for real right now, and the D is very good.  A good showing against San Fran will go a long way.

10. Pittsburgh: Which way will they go? Cincy and Washington to decide their top ten fate.

11. Minnesota: Bad loss to Washington.  Arizona and Tampa up next.

12. Denver: Peyton just needs time to throw.  Saints and Bengals up next.

13. Arizona: Two bad losses in a row with Minnesota and San Fran up next.  Need to right the ship quick.

14. Miami: Big mover of the week is Miami.  Bye week and a re-match with the Jets to come.  Well coached team.

15. Washington: I hate to move them up after a one man show beats a poorly coached team, but no one else looked all that good last week.  Let’s see if they play well against the Giants this week, as they always do!

16. Cincinnati: Terrible loss to Cleveland, who was due for a win after some hard fought games. Pittsburgh next.

17. Buffalo: They seem to have figured it out after opening night. Defense finally showed up a little.  Tennessee, Houston, New England and Miami. In other words, a tough road.

18. Detroit:  Showed well after the bye but they need to start playing complete games soon.

19. St. Louis: Green Bay, New England and San Fran will probably bury this team for a while.

20. Philadelphia: Coaching changes already.  Reid and Vick in trouble. Atlanta and New Orleans after the bye week.

The Rest: San Diego, Dallas, The Jets, Tampa, New Orleans, Tennessee, Oakland, Indy, Carolina, Cleveland, K.C. and Jacksonville

But the bigger question to me is where is the players union?  They sent a letter to the NFL and made a big show a few weeks back stating that the NFL regular officials need to be brought back for the safety of the players.  They talk about why practices should be shorter, while pads should only be worn on certain days in practice, and that the safety of the players is their sole responsibility and reason for their actions.

They support the players in their lawsuit against the NFL involving the Saints bounty program.  Where is De. Smith today?  Wouldn’t a statement saying it doesn’t want coaches putting their players at risk, no matter which team they play for, and that this action by coaches is at the heart of the safety issue.  That the players are still put into this situation after the bounty program was exposed, and the union says nothing speaks volumes to the hypocrisy of DeMaurice Smith and the players union.  Be consistent, stand up for the rights of your players, and then someone might start to take you seriously.

“It’s been a high priority,” Coughlin said. “It hasn’t been accomplished very well, but we certainly have tried it. We rushed it 32 times the other night for 1.8 yards per rush (in a victory over the Jets).  Obviously, it hasn’t been very successful, but we will continue to try to develop the run in all capacities. Whatever the personnel combination is on the field, we’ll continue to try to rush it.”

The difference tonight might be rookie David Wilson.  Wilson got some first team snaps this week, and we will see him with the starting O-line tonight.  He will be given his chance to step into the 2nd spot behind Bradhsaw, let’s see what he can do.  Wilson has had a great attitude this off-season.  At first he was being a bit over confident when he stated he was ready to go at this level, but after his coach Jerald Ingram stated “We’ll let David know when he’s ready” he seems to have taken a huge step forward in maturity.  Last week he admitted to being nervous playing with the starters in practice, and when questioned by a reporter after the Jets game, he said I think I did all my assignments, but we need to watch the film to make sure.  Sounds like someone who learned it’s the details that matter at this level.

Tonight is still just s dress rehearsal and with starters like Hakeem Nicks, JPP, Michael Boley, and Will Beatty out, it is still about building depth and seeing who can step in and contribute.

Jan 19, 2012; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese before practice at the Giants practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger via US PRESSWIRE

The New York Football Giants are now less than 5 weeks or 41 days from kickoff of their 2012 NFL season. Some people have been tweeting and e-mailing asking for the GIANTS  current roster. Well here it is. The Giants will have to cut their current roster down to 80 players on August 28 and then down to the final 53 on Sept. 2. Similar to last-year Gmenhq.com will be identifying key position battles and the last five players that may get cut on the final cut down day. As always follow on twitter @gmenhq and @tom_brant

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Travis Beckum, who also was hurt in the Super Bowl, will probably be like Jake Ballard, and not be ready to start the season next year.  Travis showed a little light at the end of the tunnel this year, but not enough to secure him a spot on the roster, or to excite too many fans about the promise he supposedly possesses.

Bear Pascoe will now move to at or near the head of the line.  Bear was always held back because he was used as a fullback at times, and is not a prototypical Tight End.  He struggles with his blocking, a key to being a Giants Tight End, and has yet to show his true potential either.  The Bear did show a bit more in the post season, but in this era of Jimmy Graham (N.O.), Jermichael Finley (G.B.), and Antonio Gates (S.D.) the Giants could use a big play guy at this position.

Christian Hopkins 6’5″ 277 a second year man out of Toledo is the new project if you will.  Jerry Reese says he has the tools, the hands, the size, to be a good Tight End.  This we will have to see.

In free agency the Giants signed TE Martellus Bennett away from the Cowboys.  They re-structured his contract to give him a one year try-out with the Giants.  He stepping out of the shadow of one of the most productive tight ends of the last 10 years in Jason Witten.  He says he is ready, we will see.

The Giants also took a young man on draft day in Adrien Robinson who is 6’4″ and 264 pounds.  He is another raw talent for Mike Pope the tight ends coach to mold into a player.  He fits the model of the new bigger athletic tight end in the NFL and it will be fun to watch him develop.

Also on the team and competing for a spot are: LArry Donnell 6’6″ 269 from Grambling, and Ryan Purvis at 6’4″ and 264, a four year man out of Boston College.

One thing most fans seem to forget is no one knew who Jake Ballard was before the season began.  He made some nice strides and became a fast fan favorite.  We didn’t lose a hall of fame tight end, and the position is not the most important the Giants need to fill for another run.  I believe they have set themselves up well for the immediate future, and for the long term, as Jerry Reese often does.

Chase Blackburn was the last man cut in camp, and wound up being a key figure in the run to the Championship.  Chase is intelligent, a leader, and more athletic than he appears.  Chase is a natural at the position.  He has been re-signed and is the leader at MLB going into camp.

Michael Boley was a free agent signing before the 2009 season.  He really stepped up this season and contributed in many ways.  He became a leader on defense this year, and should thrive even more in this system once they move him back to his natural outside position.

Mark Herzlich is the young man from Boston College recovering from cancer.  He has made great strides in returning to his old form.  Mark will be given the chance to compete on camp for the middle position as well.

Greg Jones is another young man the Giants need to see for an entire camp.  He is a tough, but smallish linebacker, and might struggle to find the right fit here.

Mathias Kiwanuka is a Linebacker, Defensive End that has a ton of talent and natural ability.  Kiwi had an untimely injury a few years back, and now seems out of place.  He is a very intelligent young man, and very athletic, I hope they can find a way to maximize his usefullness.

Spencer Paysinger will benefit from a full off season program, like most of the young players drafted last year.

Adrian Tracy played a few snaps this year, and will return to the practice squad this season.

Jacquian Williams had the most impact of the young linebackers brought to this team last year.  He is fast, smart, athletic and best of all young.

The biggest acquisition of course was Keith Rivers.  He will hopefully return to form as a Giant after suffering a broken wrist in Cincinnati.  I picture a Boley-Blackburn-Rivers base group to start camp.

Also brought in for a look are Jake Mausau, a rookie from Georgia State.  He will need to show he can contribute along with 5th year man Clint Sintim.  This might be Sintim’s last chance to win a job on the Giants.  With the youth and pure numbers in place, linebacker and special teams should be another great competition in camp this year.

The Giants drafted many linebackers last year simply for their athleticism.  This group was the core of the Special Teams last year, a unit that improved as the year progressed.  They will all benefit from a full off season of conditioning and training.  The linebacking corp must have depth, athleticism, and Perry Fewell will employ many variations depending on down and distance.

Prince Amukamara was the number one draft pick of the Giants last year and unfortunately missed training camp and the first 10 weeks of the season.  He showed flashes of his athleticism, but like most of his colleagues was playing out of position for most of his games.  ”The Prince” will benefit from a full off season.

Brandon Bing was a rookie from Rutgers.  He will be evaluated again this off season. Mainly a depth guy at this point, but he did turn a few heads in Mini camp this year.

The Giants have added Steve Brown a third year safety out of Michigan to compete in camp along with Will Hill from Florida.  Chris Horton a 5 year veteran out of UVLA will also get a chance to compete for a safety position.

Michael Coe was among the many injured players in the secondary for the Giants.  Michael possesses some great speed and could be a valuable member of this team if healthy.

Kenny Phillips looked more like the guy we drafted a few years back.  His health is imperative, and hopefully he can make it through camp unscathed and continue to get back to his true form.

Antrel Rolle deserves a lot of credit for playing basically out of position since he arrived here.  He should be the strong safety complimenting Kenny Phillips.

Tyler Sash was another of the rookies that contributed greatly on Special Teams and should again benefit from the off season training and preparation.

Corey Webster had a pro bowl season.  He is a top corner in this league and should be even better next season as the Giants and Perry Fewell tweak their defensive system.

Terrell Thomas is a free agent coming off a second knee surgery.  The Giants have met with Terrell and they say they are on the same page moving forward.  Hopefully Terrell can recover fully, he is very talented, has speed, size and is a real fan favorite.

The Giants drafted Jayron Hosley  from Virginia Tech.  A 5’10″ 178 athletic corner.  He should get a very serious look in training camp.

Filling out the roster are new additions and old friends like Dante Hughes (CB), Janzen Jackson (S), Bruce Johnson(CB), Antwaun Molden(CB), Jojo Nicolas (S), Justin Tryon (CB), and Brian Witherspoon (CB).

The Giants will need to add depth to this area again.  The injuries that the Giants suffered, placing 7 DB’s on IR throughout the year was devastating.  Hopefully some of those guys can return, and then be complimented by others.  This is another area of great competition to look for in Training Camp this year.

Justin Tuck was hurt for the first time in his career this season and still was healthy enough to dominate some teams.  Hopefully he will be able to get his neck and other issues under control and return to being the pillar of strength and the consistent player he has become.  He will be wearing a new facemask this year to help keep offensive lineman from twisting his neck and head.

Marvin Austin was drafted last year and suffered an early injury.  At 6’2″ 312 pounds he is a natural defensive tackle that should provide run stopping ability and pressure up the middle of the field.  We will see.

Rocky Bernard played in all 16 games this season and had 15 solo tackles, 15 assisits, 3 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble and recovery.  He is the veteran in the middle, holding the place until Joseph and Austin are ready to dominate.

Linval Joseph had a nice season starting 15 of the 16 games and recording 49 tackles and 2 sacks.  He is set to play the middle for a while here in New York.

Chris Canty signed away from the Dallas Cowboys after the 2008 season played in all 16 games and showed why the Giants and Jerry Reese wanted him so badly.  47 tackles, 4 sacks, one for a safety.  Canty is another very valuable asset up the middle for the Giants.

Dwayne Hendricks did play in one game this year.  At 6’3″ and 305 pounds, he is another young player for the Giants to develop.

Jason Pierre-Paul is now the media star of this team.  He is the Victor Cruz of the defense.  The great thing about JPP is he defers to Tuck and Osi and the true leaders of this team, he is not too big for his britches as they say, and will be a star in the NFL for a long time to come.

Justin Trattou is entering his second year with the Giants and will benefit greatly from all the off season training he missed last year.

OSI….He has reached one name status.  Osi missed a number of games last year with a knee issue and some say a bad attitude.  Since Osi came back full force, he proved his worth as a pass rusher.  He still gives up the edge too quickly on running plays and can be schemed against when he is in the game.  As a pass rusher he is relentless and adds a dimension to this line that would be missed if he didn’t stay with the team.  Having the luxury of moving JPP to the opposite side, add Justin Tuck and Canty up the middle, and third and long becomes impossible for the opposing teams.  Osi is a free agent at the end of the season, and will want to show exactly what he con offer to teams in the future.

Also in the mix here are Matt Broha a Defesnsive End drafted out of Louisiana Tech, Dwayne Hendricks, Defensive Tackle from Miami, Markus Kuhn Defensive Tackle out of N.C. State, Craig Marshall Defensive End from South Florida, Adewale Ojomo Defensive End also from Miami, and Martin Parker out of Richmond.  These are all young players that the Giants will look to develop through the system and hopefully fond some hidden gems.

Shaun Rogers was also signed this offseason from the Detroit Lions, but he is having a lingering issue and it still needs to be proven that he can contribute to this team.

This group is in good hands and has plenty of depth to withstand some minor injuries throughout the year.  This unit should continue to dominate most games.

Ahmad Bradshaw is obviously the leader of this group.  Drafted in 2007 and now the owner of two Super Bowl Rings, he is clearly the energy the Giants running game needs.  The problem with Bradshaw is can he stay healthy.  He has missed stretches in the past two years that have hurt the team.  His inability to practice has not hurt his effectiveness on game day, and actually might keep him fresher and healthier throughout the year.  Let’s hope he remains relatively healthy as he is the leader of this group.

D.J. Ware is now entering his 6th year in the NFL out of Georgia all with the New York Giants.  D.J. has found it hard to break into the starting line up, but might get more of a chance this year behind Bradshaw.  This is the guy that could make losing Brandon Jacobs no big deal.  At 6’0″ 225 he is a strong inside runner and could spell Bradshaw when necessary.

Da’rel Scott was a rookie last year that had the misfortune of coming into the league after the lock out.  He had a nice pre-season, but we all know that doesn’t always translate into the regular season.  Scott showed a lot of speed, and could be the natural late game back to take advantage of a tired defense.  They will need to integrate him into the passing game this off season, and see what he can do in space.  Scott is 5’11″ 210 and like we said possesses plenty of speed.

Andre Brown was originally a fourth round pick of the New York Giants in 2009.  He was waived by the team due to injury and knocked around the league.  The Giants re-signed him last year but did not play in any games.  He will need to show some strengths to separate himself in training camp.  Brown is listed at 6’0″ 227 and did not play in any gams this past season.

Joining this group is the impressive rookie out of Virginia Tech David Wilson.  Wilson is 5’9″ and weighs in at 205.  He has great strength and an uncanny ability to cut and spin away from tacklers.  He would be a combination of Tiki and Dave Meggett, but with a little more athleticism and speed than either one.  Adding him to the mix will be exciting this training camp.  Eli just might have that new weapon he needs.

Also on the team is Joe Martinek, a rookie from Rutgers at 6’0″ and 225.  Martinek might find a home at Special Teams first before getting too many carries on a game.

The Giants let Brandon Jacobs walk and that seems to sit fine with most people in the organization.  It’s time to make Bradshaw the leader and integrate the youngsters into this team.  Who will step up?  Training Camp is going to be fun for the Giants and their fans this year with plenty of competition and many positions.

Center David Baas was signed in Free Agency last year.  He was hurt on and off during the season and missed some valuable games.  He struggled throughout most of the regular season, but it can be said without argument that he had his best game of the year in the Super Bowl.  His play that day against NT Vince Wilfork and LB Brandon Spikes was solid, steady, and contributed to the win in a big way.

Tackle Will Beatty started at Left Tackle last year and was uneven at best.  He also had some health issues including a detached retina that cost him the end of the season and post season run.  The Giants must wait on the doctors evaluation to determine his health, but it seems Will can be ready to compete for a job once training camp begins

Guard Kevin Boothe could be voted MVP of this team. while not always doing an outstanding job, Kevin was able to fill in at center, guard, and tackle, sometimes on a moments notice, and do a good job.  Kevin will be back simply because of his versatility.

Tackle James Brewer was drafted in the 4th round last year.  We will see where his development takes him this season.  Another guy who didn’t get the experience of off season workouts, training sessions, and mini camps.

Tackle Selvish Capers is a young player that the Giants have re-signed to their practice squad.  Another young man that needs some work this off season.

Tackle David Diehl moved to guard originally last season, but then went back to tackle when Will Beatty went down. Diehl is a valued part of this line and will be part of it in some capacity this coming year. He took most of his snaps in OTA’s at right tackle, but that doesn’t mean it’s set in stone.

For anyone who saw this video of Guard Mitch Petrus, how could you not love this guy?  Mitch brings a tremendous amount of energy to the building, let alone the offensive line.  Mitch is happy to play, and would run through a brick wall for this team.  He is the kind of underdog guy everyone roots for, and hopefully can develop into a valuable part of the line.  I was at Mitch’s first game for the Giants as he was called on to replace an injured player.  He sprinted from the sideline to the huddle, and has been a fan favorite ever since.

Guard Chris Snee is the mainstay of this group along with David Diehl.  He is the rock they like to run behind, and has built himself a nice career in New York.  Chris had a few more penalties than usual this year, but he will get that cleaned up and remain a starter for this team.

Removed from the equation are names like Tony Ugoh, Kareem McKenzie and Stacy Andrews.  Decent players and contributors all, but it is certainly time to have a look at some new faces.

Welcome into the competition rookies Stephan Goodin at 6′-6″ 310, Brandon Mosley at 6′-5″ 318, and Matthew McCants at 6′-5″ and 309.  Also joining the competition will be Sean Locklear, a 9 year veteran, Chris White with 8 years experience, Jim Cordle entering his third year, and finally Joel Reinders entering his second season in the NFL.

This position is the part of the Offense that could use the most upgrading.  With the Giants having an explosive offense now, the strength of the receiving corps, and one of the top QB’s in the league, this unit is imperative.  Eli must be protected and given time to execute, the play action pass must mean something, which translates into the Giants must be able to run the ball when they want.  Look for this position to be first and foremost on the minds of the Giants fans and coaching staff throughout training camp.  These are the names on the current roster as of today.