Articles

by Craig J. Santucci | Managing Editor

The biggest wave of free agency has come and gone.  The New York Giants started off with a bang and then pretty much took their ball and went home.  Moving forward this team still needs play makers, especially on the defense.

While no one expected Jerry Reese and the New York Giants brass to do anything over the top, one did expect the Giants to fill the holes from the 2014 season with the free agents of 2015.  Shane Vereen could be a difference maker for Eli Manning, the jury is still out.

A recent friendly debate I had with a few NY Giants Rush readers on Twitter seemed to bring about some delusional thoughts, including the “ultimate confidence” in Jerry Reese and that the Giants roster is a playoff team “if” the talent they have performs at a high level.  Easier said than done.

I’m sorry people, the 20 injures the Giants faced in the 2014 season was devastating, but when relying on starters  like Mark Herzlich, John Jerry, Ruben Randle and Larry Donnell week in and week out you aren’t going to win many games.  These players with a slightly above average NFL skill sets need top-tier talent alongside them to over come their deficiencies.  Outside Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. who do the Giants have that is top-tier NFL player?

A healthy Victor Cruz makes Larry Donnell and Ruben Randle much better players.   On the defense a healthy Prince Amukamara and DRC make Stevie Brown and Zach Bowman better.

The Giants could attempt to fill some holes this week as the pass rush and safety position are still glaringly thin.   Robert Ayers is just starting to work out after tearing his pectoral muscle last season and Mathias Kiwanuka has been let go.   JPP needs to play a whole season with recklessness abandonment and Damontre Moore needs to step up and become an every down player.

The draft might be where the Giants fill there two major needs.  Momentum has picked up that Giants draft Landon Collins, safety from Alabama with their first pick.  This kid can flat out tackle.

Picking #9 in the NFL draft is very intriguing especially with the recent musical chairs amongst teams.  Drafting Collins, Shelton, Beasley, Ray, Scherff, Peat, Cooper, Fowler, or Humpheries will be a huge lift…if the player pans out.