The Giants first trade of the draft just came.  The Gmen traded their first компютри втора употребаfurniture Bulgaria6th round pick (194th overall) to the Steelers to move up a few spots in the 4th round to nab Outside Linebacker, Bryan Kehl, out of BYU.

Kehl is a very smart kid.  A bit of an older rookie at 24.  He has a greater motor and never gives up on the practice field or on a play.  He has pretty good size at 6′2, 242 lbs.

Kehl had 4 sacks and 3 interceptions as a starter last year for BYU.

This is a pick with major character concerns, however, if he manages to stay away from off the field problems this is a tremendous pick up. Many considered Manningham to have first round talent, but concerns about his character, and a poor combine performance scared teams away. Manningham was arrested last April after Vicodin and marijuana was found in his car. Those charges were dropped, however, Manningham apparently lied about his drug use to NFL teams at the combine, and as a result he was forced to write an apology letter to all 32 NFL teams.

As far as football goes there is no denying Manningham’s talent. Last year he caught 72 passes for 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns. Manningham is considered a true deep threat who can stretch the field vertically, however, he only ran a 4.60 40 at the combine. Don’t put too much stock into that combine time - watch the guy on film, he has good break away speed. He makes acrobatic catches, but sometimes drops the routine ones.

Manningham is just under 6′0 tall, so he is not that tall Plaixco Burress type receiver. He will make a good replacement for Amani Toomer one day, and along with Burress and Steve Smith the Giants have a formidable receiving corp.

If I was Sinorice Moss I would be worried. The Giants took Steve Smith last year, and he proved to be a valuable pick for the Giants. Manningham has tremendous upside, and Moss has done nothing since joining the Giants as a second round pick in the 2006 draft. Moss better come to camp ready to impress if he wants to stay on this team.

Ralph Vacchiano reported on his blog that Manninham doesn’t thing he’s a “risk pick” at all. Apparently Manningham also scored a 6 out of 50 on the Wonderlic test. Yikes, that a surprise coming from a Michigan guy.

With their second round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Giants selected CB Terrell Thomas from the University of Southern California.

This selection was a bit of a surprise, especially with LB Dan Connor still on the board.  Connor was projected by some as a late first round / early second round pick, so when he was still on the board when the Giants were on the clock with the last pick in the second round I was sure the Gmen would nab him.  They have signed Danny Clark, and Gerris Wilkinson has talent and the coaching staff thinks he can start on the outside for the Giants, but there is still a lack of depth at the linebacker spot.  Michael Strahan MIGHT play one more season, and when he leaves Mathias Kiwanuka will almost surely return to the defensive line.  Initially, a linebacker with the potential of Connor seemed like the way to go with that pick.

With that being said - I like the Terrell Thomas pick.  Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters are old.  Aaron Ross just finished his rookie season, but he looks like a mainstay at corner for the Giants.  Finally, we all liked how Corey Webster played in the playoffs, however, none of us were thrilled with Webster before that since the Giants took him in the second round of the 2005 draft.  Suffice it to say, cornerback was just as much a need as linebacker, if not more.

At 6′1, 202 lbs, Terrell Thomas has the size you love to see at corner.  In addition to his phenomenal height for a corner he has very long arms that he is able to use to his advantage.   Thomas is a very physical tackler, and lays some big hits.  He comes up to play the run very well, and nobody will ever knock his work ethic.

There are some negatives, however.  Thomas has had surgery on both of his shoulders, and missed the 2005 season after tearing his ACL - so he does have some major durability concerns.  He ran a solid 4.45 40 at the combine, however, he really only has average speed, and lacks burst.  This makes him somewhat of a liability in man coverage.  He may not much up well against elite receivers.

I see Thomas as kind of a boom or bust type prospect, but I like the chances of a boom.  For all of you that wanted Connor when he was still on the board - don’t fret, and have faith in the man who brought in a slew of prospects in last years draft - Jerry Reese.  This was a good pick.

With their first selection in the 2008 NFL Draft the Giants selected S Kenny Phillips from the University of Miami.

Not a surprising pick here by the Giants, but a good one.  Phillips is a big hitting play maker.  He’s an excellent tackler with the mentality of a linebacker.  I love that tenacity, but it needs to be controlled just a bit.  Roy Williams plays with a linebacker’s mentality, and while he makes big hits, he also gets burned often.   His 2006 season was better than his 2007 season, but there is no doubt that he is a talented player.  We all liked Gibril Wilson - especially after his rookie season a few years ago.  Wilson played well after that rookie season, but never quite lived up to that season.  Kenny Phillips should be that type of player throughout his career.

The Hurricanes have an excellent track record of producting top notch NFL safeties - I think Phillips will live up to that track record, and he’ll be a fan favorite in New York.

Welcome to New York Kenny!

With the NFL Draft taking place next Saturday, lets take a look at some of the Giants options.Obviously the Giants took a big hit at outside linebacker in free agency this year with Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell. However, I’m tired of hearing the sports media say, “the Giants lost two starters at linebacker.” Lets get a couple of things straight - the Giants lost a back up outside linebacker in Reggie Torbor. Had Mathias Kawianuka not broke his leg against the Detroit Lions Torbor would not have been on the field at outside linebacker. Torbor did a fine job filling in for Mathias, but he is not the starter - the Giants are getting their starter back. As it pertains to Kawika Mitchell - he did a very good job with the Giants this year. He probably didn’t deserve the money the Bills gave him, but thats what happens when you win a Super Bowl. However, let me take you back to this time last season - after Mitchell signed with the Giants - it was not a forgone conclusion that he was the new starter! Gerris Wilkinson pushed him hard in training camp, and Wilkinson could have easily come out the starter. In fact at this time last year Antonio Pierce said Wilkinson would be the starter. Obviously Pierce is not the one who makes those decisions, but it just goes to show that Mitchell was not a lock to be starting at outside linebacker.The big loss for the Giants was at safety with the departure of Gibril Wilson to the Raiders. Wilson has been a very good safety for the Giants since he came out of the University of Tennessee, but he was never an elite safety, and thats the type of money Al Davis of the Raiders gave him. I don’t blame Wilson for leave, but I’m glad the Giants didn’t break the bank to keep him - frankly he’s not worth it. The Giants signed veteran Sammy Knight after Wilson defected, but Knight will merely be a stop gap. It seems like the most likely option for the Giants to make with their 31st pick in the first round will be at safety. If Kenny Phillips is not there the Giants will not go safety. The next obvious options are Linebacker and Cornerback. The less obvious option would be Wide Receiver (though highly doubtful).

S Kenny Phillips, Miami (Fla)
Ht: 6′2, Wt: 212 lbs , 40 time: 4.48

Phillips is far and away the best safety in this years draft. In fact, safety is a very weak position this year, and Phillips is the only safety worthy of a first round pick, but will he be there when the Giants pick? I think there is a chance he will be, but there is a good chance he won’t. With such little value at the safety spot this season, another team may jump ahead of the Giants, and nap Phillips. Safety is a big play / big hitting safety. Phillips needs to learn to blitz better when he makes the jump to the NFL, but if Phillips is sitting there when the Giants are on the board in the first round, I think they have to take him - there are just to many long term question marks at safety not to.

LB Dan Conner, Penn State
Ht: 6-2, Wt: 231 lbs, 40 time: 4.67

Keith Rivers of the University of Southern California is the best linebacker in this class, but he will be gone by the time the Giants are on the board. Dan Conner may be the next option for the Giants. I think the Giants would want a faster LB than Conner to fit their scheme, but there’s no denying Conner’s ability. Conner is also a middle linebacker, and with Antonio Pierce holding that spot down for the Giants he would either have to start on the outside for a little while or play behind Pierce. Conner isn’t a big hitter, but he knows how to tackle - don’t expect him to miss many tackles.

LB Quentin Groves, Auburn
Ht: 6-3, Wt: 259 lbs, 40 time: 4.57

If the Giants were to go linebacker in the first round this could likely be their pick - its the way I would like to see them go if they take a linebacker. Groves is a former defensive end that combines speed, agility and great explosiveness. He knows how to rush the passer and would fit well in Steve Spagnuolo’s pass rushing scheme. Think Demarcus Ware - I’m not saying he’s as good as Ware, but he’s of that mold, and he has the potential to be a stud in the NFL. The only downfall is he would probably fit in better with a 3-4 scheme, and obviously the Giants don’t run a 3-4, but he can play the 4-3 as well.

LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
Ht: 6-1, Wt: 242 lbs, 40 time: 4.54

It is unlikely that the Giants take Mayo with their first pick, but he has been rising up a lot of people’s draft boards, and the Giants like him a lot. He was moved to the inside this year for Tennessee, but he has always been an outside linebacker, and thats likely where he’ll play in the NFL thanks to his size and speed. He is an outstanding tackler - particularly in the open field. He has had some knee problems, which could scare some teams off. The Giants will probably take a look at him with their pick, but he’s most likely a second round pick.

CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
Ht: 6-0, Wt: 191, 40 time: 4.45

Leodis McKelvin, Mike Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will all probably be gone by the Giants are on the board. Cason may be there, and could be their choice. With Corey Webster stepping up in a big way at the end of last season, and the potential that Aaron Ross showed through out the season, this is not as glaring of a need as it once was. However, R.W. McQuarters and Sam Madison are old - so the Giants may consider it. Cason started all 46 games he played in in college. He is a big play threat with the ball after an interception. He has the size you look for in a corner to cover the bigger receivers in the NFL. He ran a good 40 at the combine, but he was never considered a very quick player, which has concerned some scouts.

CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
Ht: 6-1, Wt: 202 lbs, 40 time: 4.44

Talib is a big, physical corner. He take gambles every once and a while, which could be bad a times. He does not have the open field speed to stay with receivers deep - making him better in zone coverage. He was suspended for 2 games in 2006 for disciplinary reasons, and we know the Giants usually don’t take players with character issues, however, they did take Ahmad Bradshaw in the 7th round this year, and that worked out for them.

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WR James Hardy, Indiana
Ht: 6-5, Wt: 217 lbs, 40 time: 4.49

It is unlikely that the Giants take a wide receiver in the first round of this years draft, but if they do it could be Hardy. Sinorice Moss hasn’t done much since he was drafted, and Amani Toomer is getting old. Steve Smith will be a Giant for a while, and Plaxico will be here for a few years. Hardy is a clone of Plaxico Burress. He has phenomenal size, and good speed. He has a great vertical leap, and long arms to beat out corner backs on jump balls like Plaxico does now. Hardy needs to bulk up to be more of a physical receiver in the NFL, and he is a bit raw. He’s also had some of his own off the field issues.

Last night the NFL released the 2008 schedule for all NFL teams. Here is how the Giants Schedule looks:

Thursday, Sept. 4 vs. REDSKINS, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 14 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 21 vs. BENGALS, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28 BYE WEEK
Sunday, Oct. 5 vs. SEAHAWKS, 1 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 13 at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. 49ERS, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2 vs. COWBOYS, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9 at Philadelphia, 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16 vs. RAVENS, 1 p.m.*
Sunday, Nov. 23 at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.*
Sunday, Nov. 30 at Washington, 1 p.m.*
Sunday, Dec. 7 vs.EAGLES, 1 p.m.*
Sunday, Dec. 14 at Dallas, 8:15 p.m.*
Sunday, Dec. 21 vs. PANTHERS, 1 p.m.*
Sunday, Dec. 28 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

* Game time subject to change due to flex scheduling

The first thing I notice, which I don’t like is the week 4 bye. Early byes are rarely good. Most of the time - in week 4 - the players are still relatively fresh and ready to play. In comparison, last season the Giants bye was in week 8. Plaxico Burress in particular was hurting at that point in the season, and it was good to get him a 2 week break to get refreshed. By week 12 or 13 this year - with no break in sight - this team could be tired.

The Giants play four prime time games this season with one of those being a Monday Night game. The first game of the season will be the NFL Thursday Night Kickoff against the Washington Redskins. This is a game usually designated for the Super Bowl Champs. The other 3 prime time games will be on the road due to the parking situation with the new stadium being built.

The Gmen play 3 of their first 4 games at home. Normally I would say that this is the easiest stretch of their schedule, but given their 3-5 home record last season - I won’t go that far.

In week 3 the Bengals will be in the Meadowlands, but will Ocho Cinco - Chad Johnson be there? If he’s not that game loses a little bit of its excitement.

The toughest stretch of the season has to be at Pittsburgh, then home against the Cowboys, and then on the road against the Eagles. Before those three games the Giants play the 49ers. Don’t expect the Giants to “look past” a team this season, but if they do it could be the niners.

The final particularly notable date is November 23 at Arizona. The Giants will be headed back to the University of Phoenix Stadium to take on the Cardinals - the scene of their thrilling Super Bowl XLII upset.

At this moment in time the Giants schedule doesn’t seem overly difficult. Of course it is way to early to come to that determination in the NFL, however, if you look at last years teams and records the Giants should be able to pull out another solid 10-6 record from this schedule, and go back to the Playoffs. The Gmen could certainly start the season out 4-0, and should be able to be 3-1 at the very least. The most difficult games I see are on the road against Pittsburgh, on the road against Dallas, on the road against Philadelphia, and on the road against Cleveland. This leads us to the OBVIOUS conclusion - Lets hope the Giants are road warriors next season too.

Giants bits has been soaking up the Super Bowl victory over the past month, but its good to be back. We’ll be blogging right up until the draft and beyond so enjoy.The Giants released a picture of the team’s Superbowl rings. The team chose white gold with 3 Lombardi Trophy’s on the front indicating the number of Superbowl’s the franchise has won. Michael Strahan had some input in the design of the ring - he said he wants the ring to be a “10 table” ring - meaning he wants it big enough to see from ten tables away. Take a look at the final product courtesy of giants.com:

The beautiful ring is designed by Tiffany and Co.

One side of the ring has the final score of the game, the date of the game, and the Superbowl XLII logo in the middle. The other side of the ring has the players name, “Eleven Straight on the Road”, the NFL logo, and the player’s number.

The Giants have officially signed former Jaguars safety Sammy Knight. The Giants gave Knight a 3-year contract worth $5.15 million, and a signing bonus of $1.25 million.

I like this signing as a stop gap for the Giants in the safety position. The Gmen like what they saw from young Michael Johnson last year, but Johnson is still raw, and Jerry Reese is not comfortable going into the season with Johnson and James Butler - both youngster - starting in the secondary. Its not clear yet if Knight will start at free safety or strong safety, but he can handle either spot. Knight, a former pro-bowler in 2002 with the Saints, provides the Giants the opportunity to groom the raw Johnson, while perhaps drafting another safety in the upcoming NFL Draft. The sure handed Knight had 4 interceptions last year for the Jaguars, while also notching 93 tackles.

In other free agent news - the Oakland Raiders are at it again. The Raiders just signed WR Javon Walker to a 6-year, $55 million contract that includes $16 million in guarantees, and pays him about $27 million during the first 3 years of the contract. Thats an awful lot of money for a guy who has already had 3 knee surgery’s. This coming after the Raiders signed Gibril Wilson to a 6-year deal that pays him $6.5 million per year and a $16 million signing bonus. Typical Raider moves.

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Now, Gibril Wilson is a good young safety. Is he an outstanding young safety or even a VERY good young safety? I personally don’t think so, but the Oakland Raiders are going to pay him like he is.

The Raiders gave Gibril a 6-year, $39 million contract. That breaks down to $6.5 million  per year, and the Raiders topped it off with a $16 million signing bonus! I’m sorry to see Gibril go, but that is ridiculous money. Gibril’s agent called the Giants - essentially giving them the “right of first refusal,” but the Giants (rightfully) wouldn’t go near that kind of money. Is it any wonder that the Raiders are such a joke?

Safety wasn’t exactly a shutdown position this past season for the Gmen. Now the only experienced safety’s currently on the roster are James Butler, and Michael Johnson. The Giants will take a long hard look at free agent’s Eugene Wilson and Sammy Knight - as well as probably taking a young safety early in April’s NFL draft.

Outside Linebacker’s Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor are now officially ex-giants.

Torbor signed a contract earlier today with the Miami Dolphins as previously speculated. As of now I’m not sure what the exact numbers of that contract are.

In somewhat of a surprise to me Kawika Mitchell signed a contract with the Buffalo Bills. I knew there was a chance Mitchell would sign somewhere else, but I was somewhat shocked when it happened - especially when I saw the numbers on his contract. Kawika got a 5-year, $17.5 million deal from the Bills, including a $3.5 million signing bonus. Mitchell had a good year for the Giants, but I feel like the Bills overpaid for him. I can’t blame Mitchell for taking this contract - considering the 1-year, $1 million deal he signed with the Giants last offseason. The Giants just weren’t going to pay this much for Mitchell. Good luck in Buffalo Kawika - thanks for the good season, and a great Super Bowl. With Mitchell gone look for Gerris Wilkinson to start at outside linebacker in 2008. I’ve liked Wilkinson’s talented ever since he was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL draft out of Georgia Tech. He suffered a knee injury early on, which was a set back, but I think he’ll be a player for the Giants. Actually, I think Wilkinson has much more talent than Mitchell, and will be a better player for the Giants than Mitchell would have been as the years rolled on.

I fully expect the Gibril Wilson to sign a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. I understand this is a business, and I would not blame Wilson for taking the money when he can - especially considering the fragile career of an NFL player, however, I may puke when I see Gibril in Eagle green. The next time he comes to Giants Stadium I will give him a strong hearty cheer when his name is first called - after that its nothing but boo’s for Mr. Wilson (yes, I am that petty). I just can’t cheer for an Eagle in any way. If he signs with the Raiders he will be in NFL purgatory, and I’ll actually feel bad for him.

With Wilson probably leaving the Giants are looking at Patriots safety Eugene Wilson and Jaguars safety Sammy Knight. Knight is 31, and past his prime. If the Giants sign him it will just be a stop gap for a year or two. Wilson is a 5-year veteran who started in two Super Bowl’s for the Patriots. He lost his starting job this year, and then suffered a high ankle sprain. He’s talented, but he had a poor 2007, and may be on the decline.

The NFC East got a little more difficult. The Philadelphia Eagles have signed CB Asante Samuel to a 6-year deal.

Don’t be upset that the Giants haven’t made any big signings yet, and don’t expect them to make many - if any this free agent season.  As was the case last season Jerry Reese is looking to get younger through the draft - and judging by last years draft class and a Super Bowl victory - I’ll put my trust in Reese.  Remember the Patriots didn’t win all of those Super Bowls by being big players in the free agent market.

Look for the Giants to draft either an outside linebacker or a cornerback early in the draft.  Unless they trade their first pick for DeAngelo Hall, I think they’ll definitely use their first pick to take one of those two positions.  However, anything can happen in the draft.  In the first round you shouldn’t necessarily draft for need.  Many GM’s think the best strategy in the first round is to draft the best player available - unless it totally doesn’t make sense.  I tend to agree with this strategy.  How many of us thought the Giants would draft Mathias Kiwanuka in the first round 2 years ago?  Even though Mathias missed most of this season with an injury - I’m glad Ernie Accorsi used that pick on him.