Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.
The New York Giants were an afterthought in 2007, but made their way to a Super Bowl title. In 2008, the Giants found a way to earn home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs, only to last one game. Their playoff loss to Philadelphia was certainly disappointing, but the fact they earned the top seed after the drama they went through was impressive by itself. Now, it's time for the Giants to re-tool, reload, and get back to the Super Bowl.
Free Agents: CB Kevin Dockery (RFA), S James Butler (UFA), K John Carney (UFA), RB Brandon Jacobs (designated franchise player), DE Jerome McDougle (UFA), CB R.W. McQuarters (UFA), OL Grey Ruegamer (UFA), LB Rich Scanlon (UFA), WR Amani Toomer (UFA), RB Derrick Ward (UFA), QB Anthony Wright (UFA), DE Renaldo Wynn (UFA)
Draft Picks: 1 (29); 2 (45, 60); 3 (91); 4 (127); 5 (158); 6 (189); 7 (220)
Needs
1. Wide receiver. Even if Plaxico Burress is allowed to return, the Giants could use another playmaker at the position. Toomer is not expected back, which leaves a second hole. Steve Smith caught 57 last year, but was never a consistent threat. Same for Domenik Hixon, who is a solid but unspectacular receiver. With Burress gone, Eli Manning looked lost at times, especially in the playoff loss to Philadelphia. Ideally, the Giants find a way to pry Anquan Boldin from the Cardinals, but at the very least, you can expect them to use a high pick on a receiver. The reality is that they can't afford to try getting through another season without more than one reliable target for Manning to throw to. Getting Burress back would be nice, but it might do more harm than good in the locker room.
2. Cornerback. The Giants have some quality players at corner, but they're not getting any younger. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are good, but McQuarters and Sam Madison are both well into their 30s. Unless the Giants find a way to upgrade their cornerbacks, it's going to be increasingly difficult for them to cover teams that have any depth at receiver.
3. Defensive tackle. I am probably being picky here, but the Giants could use a bit more depth up the middle. I keep thinking about how the Panthers abused the defensive front in Week 15, and figuring they could at least add a couple more big bodies to the mix.
