The New York Giants have done a superb job on draft day the past five seasons, laying the blue print for last season's Super Bowl title. Sportsbook.com has the defending Super Bowl Champions at 15 to 1 odds to repeat in 2009.
Back in 2003, New York selected Osi Umenyiora in the second round, and now he is among the best pass rushers in football. And while the sports media was chomping at the bit to call Eli Manning a bust, New York's 2004 blockbuster deal to bring him in from San Diego now looks to be genius. Find out what the Super Bowl champs can add to be even better in NFL Picks Expert Jimmy Boyd 's 2008 New York Giants NFL Draft needs preview for Point-Spreads.com.
#1 Safety – New York needs a bone-crunching hitter patrolling the secondary and making plays. Getting a guy like Indy's Bobby Sanders would really do wonders for a defense which wasn't really known for its big play ability. N.C. State's DaJuan Morgan could be available at pick 31 and he has definitely shown that he can lay the wood.
#2 Cornerback – The Giants have some depth here, but it isn't real strong depth. None of the youngsters look to be long term guys. R.W. McQuarters and Sam Madison are solid vets , but the Giants could benefit from a player like LSU's Chevis Jackson.
#3 Outside Linebacker – With free agent Kawika Mitchell getting picked up by Buffalo, the Giants now have a glaring need at this spot. Oklahoma's Curtis Lofton or Penn State's Dan Conner are the cream of the crop, but I'm not sure if the Giants will be able to get their hands on either.
#4 Wide Receiver – This need doesn't jump out at you right away with Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, and Steve Smith filling the first three wide receiver slots. Sinorice Moss and David Tyree have shown flashes of greatness, but if the Giants could land a guy that can flat out fly to be that quick strike threat, the puzzle will be complete.
#5 Defensive Tackle – Starters Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield had brilliant seasons while anchoring the line last season, but depth is needed. A run-stuffing tackle would be ideal.
#6 Offensive Tackle – If the Giants want to turn its success in 2007-08 into a dynasty, they must draft solid depth at the appropriate spots and this is one of them. David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie started every game last season and all the Giants have in the reserve tank is Guy Whimper and an unproven Adam Koets. The G-Men must add depth here.
#7 Return Man – R.W. McQuarters is as sure-handed return man as there is, but he doesn't pose much of a threat to take one the distance. A speed demon could add yet another weapon to this team and improve field position. The Giants could kill two birds with one stone here, filling the wide receiver hole also.
Sportsbook.com has posted NFL betting odds on various New York Giants Bets:
NFC Champions: 7 to 1
Super Bowl: 15 to 1
