Tuesday, March 9, 2010

FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

The GIANTS made a nice splash on the opening day of free agency signing Safety Antrel Rolle from the Arizona Cardinals.  The 27 year old, 6 foot, 208 pound Safety, who made the Pro Bowl last year will help strengthen a pass defense that was awful last year.
Pairing Rolle with young Kenny Phillips, both former Miami Hurricanes, will give the GIANTS what some are already calling "the Dynamic Duo"at safety.  They both can play either free safety or strong safety in our system.  They are both good at run support, are both ball hawks, and are not afraid to come up and lay someone out.  Rolle will make for a great mentor to Phillips.  They both have the same idol in Sean Taylor, the Miami Hurricane and Redskin player that was killed in a burglary 2 years ago.  They both wear Taylor's number in honor of the hard hitting former safety.  Rolle, who will wear #26 (Taylor's college number) has stated that he is looking forward to pairing with Phillips and having them push each other to be their best.  The Cardinals were willing to match any monetary offer the GIANTS made to Rolle, but he stated once he stepped into the new training facility, saw the new stadium, and met the GIANTS family, he knew he had found a home.  This is the first player step in rebuilding the GIANTS defense, and it is a significant one.  Rolle is such a good athlete he even plays a little offense at times.  You will notice his speed, range, and athletic ability immediately.

As for the draft, coming your way on Thursday April 22nd, the GIANTS face a few needs in what might be a bit of a slim draft.  The draft itself will have primetime (7:30 EST) first round coverage this year, then finish on Saturday April 24th.
The most obvious need is at linebacker, and middle linebacker to be specific.  Unless the GIANTS can move up a few spots, they probably have no shot at Rolando McLain from Alabama, the top rated inside linebacker in the draft.  The next best ILB is Brandon Spikes from Florida, who many don't think is worthy of a top 15 pick...the GIANTS pick at #15.  The dilemma becomes, as always, do you draft best athlete, or best athlete at a need position.  My opinion is you take best athlete.  The GIANTS would not be hurt if a running back or TE that could be a top ten 10 pick fell to them at #15.  Maybe another defensive lineman with some pass rushing abilities.  The GIANTS have always had the philosophy that you can't have too many pass rushers or quarterbacks.  They may have to rely on this philosophy again.
Updates as more things take shape.  Full schedule announced in April.