New York Giants' 2009 Mock Draft Version 2.0

This is a follow-up to my article, NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0 for the NY Giants from a few months earlier. Many transactions have taken place since then, so they will be reflected in this updated mock draft. Here's a brief summary.

Key Additions: OLB Michael Boley, DT Rocky Bernard, DT/DE Chris Canty, SS C.C. Brown

Key Losses: HB Derrick Ward, CB Sam Madison, SS James Butler

With the same front office and coaching staff intact (except for Bill Sheridan's promotion to defensive coordinator), the Giants will look to build through the draft in order to fill their major needs.

Key Needs: WR, S, LB, T, HB, TE

With the 29th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft...

The New York Giants select wide receiver Kenny Britt, Rutgers University.

I agree with many scouts and fans that Britt is a reach at No. 29, but with Michael Crabtree, Darius Heyward-Bey, and Jeremy Maclin off the board, Jerry Reese will select the hometown hero.

The logic with this pick is that another team will take Britt early in the second round so he won't be there at New York's second-round pick (No. 45 overall).

Pros: Tall at 6'4", productive college career (went for 1,232 yards and eight TD's in 2007), physical and can beat jams at the line of scrimmage, leaping ability.

Cons: Selfish attitude may not translate well in NFL, questionable hands, has difficulty getting open consistently, unimpressive 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

NFL Player Comparison: Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Round Two: Pick No. 45

Safety has become a major need for the NY Giants, especially with James Butler bolting to St. Louis with new head coach Steve Spagnuolo.

If Patrick Chung is available at the 45th overall slot, HE WILL BE A GIANT.

Giants fans, get ready for a scary safety tandem of Kenny Phillips and Patrick Chung for the next 10 years.

Yes, CC Brown was signed, but he'll be the third safety rotating into the trips safety package Bill Sheridan will most likely employ to keep the secondary fresh.

Pros: More physical than finesse, plays the run very well, hands are above average for a safety, team leader at Oregon, and has great work ethic.

Cons: Size isn't ideal at around 5'11", 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard was average, can improve on shedding blocks

NFL Player Comparison: Gibril Wilson

Fortifying the Line

The Giants have been successful by winning the battle at the initial point of attack. With the second pick in round two, Phil Loadholt is a massive tackle who can provide quality depth behind Kareem McKenzie and David Diehl.

Loadholt can come in take over for McKenzie at right tackle when he wears down and calls it quits as a Giant.

Pros: A true physical specimen at 6'7" and 330 pounds, has long arms to battle quicker and more elusive pass rushers, diligent blocker, and nasty attitude prized by the Giants offensive line.

Cons: Questionable character concerns, struggles with speed rushers, will jump occasionally, resulting in delay of games, and not very intelligent.

NFL Player Comparison: Damien Woody

The Giants Don't Need Tony Gonzalez

Kevin Boss, at the least, is a viable tight end for this offense. However, I feel like he's a rising star who needs some pressure taken off of him. Darcy Johnson and Michael Matthews are both No. 3 tight ends who cannot do that.

The next best option is to find one in the draft, and that tight end could be James Casey out of Rice University. He would be taken in the third round, with pick No. 91.

Casey has some of the best hands among all tight ends in this draft class and is one of the strongest, putting up 28 repetitions on the bench press at the combine. His major con is his lack of speed, which will cause some issues in the NFL.

As a No. 2 tight end, Casey will have opportunities to shine and has enough versatility to play as an H-Back in this offense.

NFL Player Comparison: A slower but stronger Chris Cooley

'SAM' I Am in Round Four

Jerry Reese went aggressively for his guy, Michael Boley, and the Giants were able to lock up their WLB of the future in free agency. In round four, expect the front office to seek some help at the SLB position.

Enter Zack Follett out of California . He stands at 6'2", 236 pounds and will provide important depth for Danny Clark and Bryan Kehl.

In 2008, Follet enjoyed his finest season with the Golden Bears, piling up 87 tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Bill Sheridan knows that Danny Clark is not the answer at SLB, so he'll use both Bryan Kehl and Zack Follett interchangeably to wreak havoc on offenses.

Realistically speaking, for next season, he'll be an impact player on special teams.

Fifth Round Pick Via New Orleans

Jerry Reese prides versatility and Joe Burnett of Central Florida provides that with his kick return, punt return, and ballhawking abilities as a cornerback.

While he won't be more than a No. 4 cornerback on this roster, Burnett can make an instant impact on kick returns, an area the Giants desperately need help at.

Since Ahmad Bradshaw will be a full-time No. 2 halfback and we all cringe when RW McQuarters goes back for a punt, Burnett makes sense for the Giants' special teams unit.

Yes, he's small at 5'9" and 192 pounds, but he has a knack for the ball, totaling 12 interceptions in his collegiate career.

A cornerback position filled with Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Terrell Thomas, Kevin Dockery, and Joe Burnett looks promising.

NFL Player Comparison: Justin Miller (of the Oakland Raiders)

A Cinderella Story Comes to NY

I really covet Ian Johnson, and now with Derrick Ward gone for Tampa Bay, Jerry Reese may be warming up to the former Boise State Bronco. In the latter of the Giants' fifth round picks, Ian Johnson makes a lot of sense.

He ran a 4.30 at the Combine, so this has elevated his status from seventh round and undrafted up to between the fifth and sixth rounds. Johnson has solid hands, quick feet, and a work ethic you would love in any player.

He's played in big games throughout his career and will find a niche among the Giants' stable at running back. Expect him to get touches behind Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

No, I am not sold on Danny Ware. He's another power back, as opposed to Derrick Ward who could do it all as a halfback.

More Depth for the O-Line in Round Six

Dallas Reynolds has been the starting center for the Brigham Young Cougars for the past thirty-seven games. According to scouts at the combine, he can play up to four positions on the offensive line, including both guard spots, right tackle, and his staple at center. This versatility alone warrants his drafting this late.

With guys like Rich Seubert and Shaun O'Hara getting older and more banged up, the Giants need reliable depth behind their bread and butter on the offense.

Dallas Reynolds will provide depth for now, but can start down the road.

Tynes Time...

It's time for Lawrence Tynes to earn his contract. With John Carney performing admirably for the injured and unreliable Tynes last year, the ageless wonder kicked his way into the Pro Bowl and provided what was an excellent "rent a kicker."

However, Jerry Reese knows that Tynes has to put it all together if he truly wants to kick this team to another Super Bowl. Sam Swank is an interesting prospect out of Wake Forest. He has a strong leg and right now is viewed as the fifth best available kicker.

I think Swank warrants this selection if he can kick it deep and far, so our defense can attack offenses within their own 20-yard lines. Starting field position is an overlooked aspect of the game that the Giants are looking to upgrade with no clear "golden foot" on the roster.

Closing Thoughts

Have no fears, fellow Giants fans. Our franchise is in great hands because of the man pictured above, Jerry Reese. While his title is general manager, he remains a scout at heart and he will prove his ability once again in this year's upcoming draft.

Please leave comments, suggestions, and additional insight if you have.

Thanks for taking time to read my mock draft, version 2.0. I will update this mock draft if there are any major Giants transactions or news released between now and draft day on April 25.