New York Giants 2009 Post-Draft Review
Receivers
With the 29th overall selection, New York took one of the receivers that they had their eyes on in Hakeem Nicks, who holds career records for touchdown catches, receptions, and receiving yards at North Carolina. All of which coming in just 3 years as a Tar heel as Nicks opted for the NFL after his junior season. While he is not the big, physical receiver the Giants coveted at just under 6 feet and 212 pounds, he does fulfill a definitive need, with decent speed, great hands, and the ability to make things happen after the catch. Nicks should be a frequent recipient of Eli Manning's passes in this upcoming campaign.
A Biggie
In the third round, New York selected Ramses Barden from Cal Poly. Barden does resemble the departed Plaxico Burress in terms of physicality as the former Mustang is around 230 pounds and 6 feet 6. As a 4-year Division 1-A starting wide out, Barden had 50 touchdowns and over 4200 yards receiving. With his size, great leaping ability and penchant for scoring, he should be a huge red zone target for the Giants.
Round 2s
With their first, second round choice, New York took another ACC athlete in Clint Sintim, a 4 year starting linebacker from Virginia. A ferocious blitzing, pass-rusher and outstanding tackler, Sintim should step right in and fill a weakness at strong-side outside linebacker
New York's second pick in this round was considered an absolute steal by some draftniks as they selected offensive tackle William Beatty from U. Conn. The 6'6", 300+ pounder was rated by many as a first round pick and a top 5 tackle. For the Giants to acquire him with the 60th selection of the draft, it might be the coup of general manager Jerry Reese's selections.Tight End in the Third
After taking the aforementioned Barden in round three, the Giants took former Badger tight end Travis Beckum from Wisconsin as their 2nd third round pick. Beckum has soft hands and great speed and many envision him as an H-Back. He should give New York another pass-catching option as well as a nice 2 tight end lineup when he is on the field with incumbent starter Kevin Boss.
Replacing Yards
Losing a 1000 yard rusher, as New York did with Derrick Ward is never a good thing, but considering the Giants still have Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw in the back field, and added Andre Brown from North Carolina State in round 4, New York should still have a dominant ground game. Brown had over 1000 yards combined rushing and receiving with the Wolf pack in 2008.
Last 3
With their remaining selections, New York picked up a potential backup quarterback and a couple of players for the defensive secondary.
The QB
Rhett Bomar was the #1 recruited quarterback in the country back in 2004 when he signed with Oklahoma. In his first year there, he set the Sooner record for passing yards as a freshman with over 2000 yards passing on a predominantly running team. Shortly thereafter, multiple run-ins with the law and a money-taking scandal lead to his dismissal from the team. 2 years later, he wound up at Sam Houston State where he wound up being the Bearkat all-time passing leader for the team, despite being there only 2 seasons.
Bomar's physical talent is not an issue, however, his maturity and decision-making might be. How he handles this level in arguably one of the toughest media markets in the world will determine whether or not he takes the next step.
Cornerbacks
New York finished their draft by selecting 2 players who will hopefully add depth to their secondary, DeAndre Wright from New Mexico and Stoney Woodson from South Carolina. The Giant defensive backfield could stand some competition and while these two are both lower tier picks, each may surprise; especially Wright, who was a 4-year starter for the Lobos with 10 career interceptions.
Bottom line
Overall, this draft has to be considered a success for Reese and the Giants, as they filled all of their needs while they found great, potential value in the lower rounds.
-Stan Lisowski for AllNY.com
