New York Giants
Quarterback
Eli Manning is having one of the better passing years of his career and, barring injury, should still have another 5 to 7 good years left in him. David Carr is the backup and it seems unlikely the Giants will spend a high pick on a quarterback next spring.
Running Back
Ahmad Bradshaw has struggled to stay healthy this season and Brandon Jacobs is only effective when the line is opening holes for him. The running game as a whole has been a disappointment for the Giants. It would not be surprising if this is Jacobs’ last year with the Giants.
Wide Receiver
With Victor Cruz having a breakout season the Giants have three reliable wideouts when everyone is healthy. However this group is rather top heavy as after Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham there is not a lot there.
Tight End
Of the three tight ends Jake Ballard is the only real pass catching threat. Travis Beckum and Bear Pascoe are there for their blocking skills.
Offensive Line
The offensive line play has not been stellar this season. Manning has already been sacked more times in the first ten games this season than he was all of last year and the team has rushed for only 3.2 yards per carry over that time span.
Defensive Line
Jason Pierre-Paul is emerging as the pass rusher they thought they were getting when they drafted him and coupled with Osi Umenyiora form one of the best pass rushing duos in the league. Chris Canty has provided good run support at tackle, but after him there has not been a lot be excited about for the Giants.
Linebacker
Michael Boley is probably the best of the bunch and that is not saying a lot. He is a solid player but does nothing special. Mathias Kiwanuka has been a solid run defender in his first season as a full time LB, however, he tends to get lost in pass coverage. This unit is sorely lacking a play-maker.
Secondary
Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are solid at corner, but neither is considered to be a lockdown corner. Rookie Prince Amukamara missed the first half of the season due to injury and the Giants will probably not see a big return on that pick until the 2012 season. Safeties Antrell Rolle, Kenny Phillips, and Deon Grant are a solid trio but none of them are big time play-makers.
Potential Targets
Midway through the season the Giants biggest needs appear to be at offensive line and linebacker. The Giants offense is much better when they do not have to put the game solely in Eli Manning’s hands. The team could also look to add some quality depth at RB and TE and they could use some depth on the defensive line as well.
The Giants are currently trending to pick in the mid-to-late 20s. Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw or Georgia’s Jarvis Jones could be potential targets at linebacker while Virginia Tech’s David Wilson would be a nice fit at RB. The Giants will likely have to trade up to land one of the offensive lineman who are rating out as first round picks.
