Courtesy Of: NYDailyNews.com
By Ralph Vacchiano
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
A year ago it seemed so obvious. The Giants, after cutting Plaxico Burress, were desperate for receiving help. But Giants GM Jerry Reese insisted he wasn't, scoffing at the outside "panic."
Then he took receivers in the first and third rounds.
One year later, it seems so obvious again. The Giants, after cutting Antonio Pierce, are desperate for help at middle linebacker. But Reese is insisting that he isn't. He believes people are overreacting again.
"I think we could improve our team at every position probably; so not just linebacker," Reese insisted. "We're looking for good players who can give us depth or maybe be a starter at any position — not necessarily linebacker."
No wonder so many people are penciling in the Giants to select Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain.
They might do just that when they make the 15th pick of the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night. But despite the glaring hole in the middle of their sagging defense, McClain might not be the no-brainer pick.
But Reese has insisted several times this offseason that middle linebacker is not as big a problem as some people thing.
"I think there are some linebackers on our team that just need to prove that they can do it," Reese said. "Just like last year, when I thought there were some receivers (on the roster). I do have some confidence in some guys on our roster that haven't played a lot. I want them to step out of the shadows and show us what they have."
Reese specifically mentioned three players who could battle for that starting job — Jonathan Goff, who started four games last season after Pierce injured his neck; Bryan Kehl, a converted outside linebacker; and Gerris Wilkinson, who played middle linebacker in college. He also has veteran Chase Blackburn, who has been the Giants' backup at that spot for the last five years.
None of them appear to have the inside track on the job, but the presence of so much competition could convince Reese to wait until the second round to draft someone at that position (perhaps Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon, Florida's Brandon Spikes or Penn State's Sean Lee). That would free him up to address another position at 15 — like running back or the offensive line.
If McClain is there, though, it could be hard for the Giants to pass him up. Despite suffering from Crohn's disease, McClain is considered a smart, NFL-ready player with terrific speed and instincts. And he could be the perfect replacement for Pierce — assuming the Giants really are looking for a replacement.
Brandon Jacobs is coming off knee surgery. Ahmad Bradshaw had surgery to fix problems in both his feet and his right ankle. Andre Brown missed his entire rookie season after tearing his Achilles. And because of all that it's impossible for Reese to know whether running back is a position of strength or weakness heading into the draft.
So it's no wonder some in the Giants organization have fallen in love with the idea of trading up for Clemson running back C.J. Spiller. Nicknamed "Lightning," — most scouts consider Spiller the most explosive offensive player in the draft.
But he's unlikely to last until Pick 15.
NEVER ENOUGH RUSH
In 2006 the Giants had Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck on their roster, so there was no way — absolutely no way — that they were going to draft a defensive end in the first round. It was the last thing they appeared to need.
Then they drafted Mathias Kiwanuka in the first round and their favorite phrase — "You can never have enough pass rushers" — was born.
Could they do it again, even though there are already questions about whether Tuck, Umenyiora and Kiwanuka are going to be able to happily coexist? They seem intrigued by South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Tom Coughlin even made a rare personal appearance at his Pro Day and they brought him in for a pre-draft visit.
"Even if we have depth at a position," Reese said, "if (the player) is the best guy up there, it is going to be hard for us to pass him up."
THIRD-DAY STORIES
Despite spending $121 million on defensive players in the last 14 months, the Giants still need lots of help. They will likely draft a defensive tackle, probably on Day 3 during Rounds 3 through 7. There'll be some late-round defensive backs, too, given the questionable health of safety Kenny Phillips (knee) and cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring).
They will also have to keep their eye on offensive linemen since center Shaun O'Hara will soon turn 33 and guard Rich Seubert just turned 31.
Three players the Giants could select with the 15th pick in the first round of the draft:
MLB Rolando McClain, Alabama
Height: 6-3, Weight: 254
KEY NUMBERS: Ran a 4.52 in the 40 at his Pro Day. … Had 14 1/2 tackles for loss and four sacks as a junior.
BIG CONCERN: Played in a 3-4 defense in college and must transition to 4-3. … Has Crohn's Disease, an intestinal disorder he manages with medication, but he admits can be painful and sometimes sap his strength.
WHY HIM? Since cutting Antonio Pierce, the Giants are in desperate need of a middle linebacker and he's the best of the bunch. Has good football instincts and comes from an NFL-type coach (Nick Saban).
RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Height: 5-11, Weight: 196
KEY NUMBERS: Ran a 4.27 in the 40 at the combine, but showed incredible burst with a combine record 2.31 in the first 20 yards. Had 1,715 yards and 21 TDs rushing and receiving last year.
BIG CONCERN: His smallish frame makes some wonder how much of an NFL pounding he can take.
WHY HIM? He's the most dynamic offensive player in the draft and has many NFL offensive coaches drooling over the many ways to use him. The Giants have big injury issues at RB and could use his explosiveness out of the backfield.
DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
Height: 6-5, Weight: 266
KEY NUMBERS: 13. That's the number of standing backflips he does in a viral Internet video, proving what a sensational athlete he is. He had 6 1/2 sacks in his only season in Division I.
BIG CONCERN: No experience. Before his one season at South Florida he had one season at junior college and another at a community college. Has a huge upside, but is very raw.
WHY HIM? The Giants' motto is "You can never have enough pass rushers." Pierre-Paul has declared himself the best pass rusher in the draft, and many scouts believe that (eventually) he could be right.
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