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Posted by: Craig J. Santucci | Managing Editor

This week the national media has been bombing Jerry Reese and Marc Ross(head of college scouting) on their inadequacy to build through the NFL draft.

The belief that this team does not have any gritty home-grown players needs to be explored a bit further.  Outside of Eli Manning, who are the cornerstone players the Giants can expect to build a team around?

Who are the players the New York Giants can hang its hat upon?   Who are the players brought up through the system that will say the right thing at the right time…or for that matter, not say anything at all.

Since 2007 the Giants have had a great core of players. Those players have either left via free agency or retired: Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Jermey Shockey, Ahmad Bradshaw, Chase Blackburn, Barry Cofield, David Diehl, and Justin Tuck.

While there have been a handful of very successful free agent signings such as Antrel Rolle, Jon Beason, Cullen Jenkins, and Peyton Hillis, the Giants need to receive contributions from players that have been drafted, allowing the team to grow and alleviate pressure upon the salary cap in future years.

Building the team through free agency just does not work on an economic level or a player personnel “chemistry” level.  So, it is very easy to see why the national media is doubting how this team has been constructed.    I do believe the new Offensive Coordinator, Ben McAdoo will breath new life into this team, but it does take time to gel.

While Chris Snee and Mathias Kiwanuka are still on the roster, and Prince Amukamara and JPP are now thrust into the limelight as team leaders, the Giants need adequate impact from players like Justin Pugh, Jacquian Williams, James Brewer, Jerrel Jernigan, Markus Kuhn, Cooper Taylor, Adrien Robinson and Brandon Mosley.

Over 7 years (2008-20014) and 49 players drafted, 29 players are now longer on the roster.  From 2004 to 2007, Jerry Reese was Director of Player Personnel.   The 2007 draft was one of the best draft classes in New York Giants history and most likely scouted and supervised by Jerry Reese before being promoted to General Manager.   This may fall on the shoulders of Marc Ross.

Ross came to the Giants from the Buffalo Bills, for whom he spent three seasons as a national college scout.  I don’t think anyone can say that Buffalo has had many complete drafts either. 

@CraigSantucci

@NYGiantsRush