The Giants have three main needs that will have to be addressed in this year’s draft, and that’s before they sign or let go the current free agents on their roster.
The obviously need a running back for the future, an offensive lineman, and an outside linebacker, but they could end up needing more if their free agents end up chasing money.
Barry Cofield and Mathias Kiwanuka are both set to hit the market; Cofield had a great season and despite coming off injury, Kiwanuka will command some money.
Ahmad Bradshaw was told that he was a priority for the team to re-sign him and he said he wants to remain in New York, but admits that he doesn’t think the team will be able to support both he and Brandon Jacobs financially.
Either way, there are several paths the Giants can take and for the next few weeks I will be doing scouting profiles of guys I believe the Giants have a realistic chance of getting with the 19th overall pick, as well as some guys they could get in the later rounds.
Mike Pouncey Guard/Center, University of Florida.
Pouncey is a strong inside offensive lineman who anchored one of the best units during the 2009 season along side his brother Maurkice, who played center at the time and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2010 draft.
Pouncey was an All-American selection as a right guard, but elected to stay another year to earn his degree from Florida. I admire players who stay the full four years, it shows maturity, patience, and intelligence.
He started 28 straight games at right guard during his sophomore and junior seasons, as well as all 13 games this season at center, proving that he has longevity to go along with his elite level talent.
His strength is definitely in run blocking as he often displayed a tenacity and mean streak while plowing the way for four different 300+ yard rushers in the 2010 season.
He is a solid pass blocker, but sometimes has a tendency to let his pad level raise up on occasions, allowing opposing players to get inside his hands and move him around with ease. This is a rarity when it happens, and something that is easily coached against.
The Giants have a problem with Rich Seubert and Shaun O’Hara each coming off major surgeries, Seubert more so than O’Hara, so the Giants might have to have a replacement at left guard that is more reliable than current project Mitch Petrus.
Petrus played well in limited action this season, but it’s still unclear whether or not he is ready for the big time.
If they choose to take Pouncey with the No. 19 overall pick, he would potentially have the opportunity to come in a start right away, much like his Pro Bowl twin brother did for the Steelers.
