At the time, there really was no overwhelming reason to believe the first draft class in the Jerry Reese era would be a classic. There were needs addressed one year ago, safe picks early in cornerback Aaron Ross and receiver Steve Smith and a few later risks with tight end Kevin Boss and running back Ahmad Bradshaw.
Ten months later, the Giants were crowned Super Bowl champions, and they wouldn’t have come close without the contributions of a precocious group of rookies.
All eight 2007 draft picks made the team and the way seven of them added something to the title equation is a stark reminder when taking a look at this weekend’s NFL Draft. Too much of the focus and attention will be centered on the first round and who the Giants select with the 31st overall pick. But it is the entire draft class that is far more important in the long haul and perhaps even more important in the short term.
Ross turned out to be as good as advertised, quickly moving into the starting lineup and instantly upgrading the defensive secondary. Smith made up for an injury-filled regular season by proving his worth with a few huge catches in the postseason. From game to game, the rookie class provided repeated reminders why the Giants were high on them.
Jay Alford and Zak DeOssie adequately shared the long-snapper duties and Alford on a vicious sack nearly decapitated Tom Brady late in Super Bowl XLII. Boss after the expected growing pains moving up from Division II college football used his size and soft hands to such good use that some overzealous fans are clamoring for the trading of incumbent tight end Jeremy Shockey. Michael Johnson at safety got into trouble with some overaggressive play, but his speed and hitting ability gives him a chance for increased playing time this season.
Last but certainly not least, Bradshaw as a seventh-round pick dropped because of supposed character issues based on two previous arrests was a revelation. His combination of speed, power and drive made him a beast for any defense to tackle and throughout the playoff run he was one of the Giants most dangerous weapons.
“You always go into the draft hoping you can get more right than you get wrong,” Reese said. “Last year we were fortunate enough to get more right than we got wrong and again we had some holes coming into the draft, so somebody had to play. It is a little bit overrated. We hit on all of our picks; somebody had to play. The coaches did a tremendous job getting them ready to play, so I think they deserve a lot of credit as well. The scouts identified them and the coaches got them ready to play.”
Reese will be hard-pressed to top his inaugural draft class. The Giants by virtue of their Super Bowl glory pick last in the first round. They have eight picks altogether, including three in the sixth round and none in the seventh. Unless they opt to trade up don’t hold your breath waiting for that the Giants will wait until 30 players are off the board before making their first selection. If that sounds discouraging, consider this: Two years ago, the Giants traded down and with the 32nd-overall pick got Mathias Kiwanuka, a defensive end/outside linebacker who looks to be a future star.
This year’s needs center around the defense, specifically the back seven, and it will be shocking if on Saturday during the first two rounds the Giants do not pick at least one cornerback or linebacker. Antoine Cason, a cornerback from Arizona, would fit the mold, as would linebacker Jerod Mayo, a junior from Tennessee, or perhaps Penn State’s Dan Connor.
Before the two-day draft is complete, expect the Giants will try to load up on defense. They lost Gibril Wilson in free agency and added veteran Sammy Knight, but a safety is a consideration. Look for the Giants to also add a speed receiver, an offensive tackle and a defensive tackle.
Reese said the Giants will not focus solely on defense early in the draft.
“I want to hone-in on good players that can help us contribute to winning football games,” Reese said. “Not necessarily defense, not necessarily offense, not necessarily special teams. We are always looking for good football players who we can add to this football team and try to stay at a high level.”
THREE WHO COULD BE GIANTS
S Kenny Phillips / Miami, 6-2, 212:
Reputed to be the top safety in this year’s draft, albeit in a weak crop at that position. He has desirable size and speed and can cover tight ends. Extremely competitive but not a huge hitter and is not considered as high a prospect as former first-round safeties Sean Taylor, Ed Reed and Brandon Meriweather.
CB Antoine Cason / Arizona, 6-0, 191:
Great NFL bloodlines. Father (Wendell) played for Falcons and two cousins (Aveion Cason and Ken-Yon Rambo) also played in NFL. Great ball skills and hands (15 career INTs) but not very physical. Won Jim Thorpe Award as nation’s top defensive back in 2007.
LB Jerod Mayo / Tennessee, 6-1, 242:
Mayo is a three-year starter who is leaving college after his junior year. He’s a versatile player, who can play inside and out. He is strong and productive, but has had knee problems. He also has had some character issues in his past. He was arrested in April, 2005 and charged with felony aggravated assault. Charges eventually were dropped.