New York Giants Mock Draft, Version 1.0

It's that time of year, folks. The Pro Bowl is being played at 4:30 today, so that means we're inching ever closer to the 2009 NFL Draft.

Of course, the free agency and combine serve as precursors to the second biggest day for NFL fans.

This mock draft is very early in its stages, so obviously the projections can fluctuate (rise and fall) post-combine and free agency.

Here is my 2009 NFL Mock Draft for the New York Giants, Version 1.0

Please leave feedback if you agree, disagree, or have any suggestions.

With the 29th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Giants select...

If James Laurinaitis is available at the bottom of the first round, he's a lock to become a New York Giant.

With Antonio Pierce on the way out (out of shape and has lost a step), it's a safe bet that the Giants have found their MLB of the future.

Bryan Kehl and Mathias Kiwanuka will tag up with Laurinaitis to give the G-Men one of its best linebacking corps in years.

Other Possibilities: Brian Cushing (USC), Clint Sintim (UVA), Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech)

Round 2, Pick 45

Yes, I'm aware of Plaxico Burress' eventful night at Latin Quarters. However, we will take the best safety in this draft for a few reasons.

First, the Cowboys are high on SS Patrick Chung so we can steal him away from our rival. Secondly, Pat Chung has dazzled at the Senior Bowl so there's a chance he may not be available after 45.

My final reason for taking Chung at this spot is because I don't trust James Butler or Michael Johnson playing next to Kenny Phillips.

Phillips and P. Chung will be an impressive tandem at safety for years to come.

Finally...a Wide Receiver

I'm not a Buckeyes fan; I'm actually a Scarlet Knights fan. So you're probably wondering why I haven't lobbied hard for Kenny Britt. He's going to be selected before 45 or 60.

With that said, the Giants select Brian Robiskie out of Ohio State. He has Anthony Gonzalez potential and even more written all over him.

At 6'3, 207 I think he'll be a nice big redzone target for Eli Manning.

A wide receiver set of Robiskie, Smith, and Manningham sounds bad but there's deceptive talent beneath the no-name appearance.

Giants Draft for Depth at DT with Pick No. 91

Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, and Jay Alford are the primary defensive tackles in our current rotation. Robbins is aging, banged up, and looks like he's ready for sumo wrestling.

Jerry Reese has a mantra of injecting youth at key positions, so I can definitely see a DT being selected in the first three rounds.

So who provides good depth? The best available DT, which should be Dorell Scott out of Clemson.

If not, I also like Ziggy Hood from Missouri and Ron Brace out of Boston College who I doubt will be available.

Giants find a 'Bear' in 4th Round

Boss and The Bear: that nickname would be a novelty act in of itself. The choice here is Bear Pascoe; yes his name is Bear. Pascoe is a dangerous tight end from Fresno State who can be an excellent number two TE to Kevin Boss.

Yes, I agree that Boss can become a pro bowl TE but he's going to need help when Eli's options are limited.

Not to mention we don't know if Burress will be back, so this move works in many ways.

Hopefully Gilbridge can utilize both Bear Pascoe and Boss' skill sets (via two-TE sets) so these tight ends can prosper.

5th Round Pick Via New Orleans

Raphael Nguti is probably the first name you haven't heard of at first glance on this list. He's a sleeper, monstrous tackle out of the University of Albany (NY).

He measures 6'7, 330 pounds. Right now he's not ready to start but provides excellent depth behind Kareem McKenzie, who is playing on his last legs.

Other possibilities here include depth at RB, WR, and along the offensive and defensive lines.

Remember Ian Johnson? He's a Giant now.

Derrick Ward will most likely be gone after the free agency period. I doubt Jerry Reese will find his replacement on Day 1.

So this means a guy like Ian Johnson, who many of you probably remember from that memorable game against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl makes sense for a few reasons.

First, he reminds me of Derrick Ward in terms of his vision and ability to cut back. These abilities are compatible with our zone blocking schemes, so he'll plenty of open holes and green grass.

Other reasons why Ian Johnson would contribute to this team come in the form of screen passes that Brandon Jacobs and Bradshaw haven't proven they can handle with consistency.

Johnson is a better runner, but he can definitely get some YAC on short yardage plays.

My last reason the Giants should take Ian Johnson because his personality fits our underdog mentality very well.

He knows what it's like to be disrespected and pretty much written off. Johnson was born to wear blue.

Pass Rush in the Sixth Round

Bobby Greenwood is a smaller DE who can find a niche within the Giants defense. I don't think he'll be in the rotation right away with guys like Justin Tuck, Osi, and Kiwi.

However, he's similar to Dave Tollefson, who I believe is pretty close to being cut.

So in essence, Greenwood can come in and take Tollefson's spot as a capable back-up. Bring on the rush!

He may even see time at linebacker because of his lack of size at the NFL level.

Mr. Irrelevant for the Giants...

Tommy Breaux (who?) out of Towson State University (where?). He's 6'7 and around 200 pounds so I don't see why the Giants don't give this elastic man a chance.

His height alone should garner comparison to Plaxico Burress, but hopefully his character and the off-the-field antics don't.

Breaux is very raw, but it's a seventh round selection. Reese calls the draft a crap shoot and honestly the seventh round is the biggest indicator.

What if Tommy Breaux becomes the next Marquis Colston? One can only wish and of course, "You heard it here first."