New York Giants Offseason Wishlist: 5 Players the Giants Should Target

Just because the New York Giants are heading to the playoffs doesn't mean they're not thinking about the 2012 NFL Draft.

Many positions on both sides of the ball were exposed during the 2011 season, forcing the Giants to start rookies and surf the free agent pool.

With a solid 2012 draft, the Giants can comeback next season as a lock for the NFC East.

Here are some realistic draft choices for the G-Men in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Just about every linebacker on the Giants' roster saw playing time in 2011.  

Due to so many injuries to the linebacking corps, Perry Fewell was forced to feature four different rookie linebackers at different points during the season.

They clearly need to add depth to the position, specifically someone who can come in and start, and 6'3", 250 lb. Vontaze Burfict is that guy.

Burfict's 2011 campaign saw him record 69 tackles, five sacks and one interception, including a three-sack performance in the first game of the season against UC Davis.

Matt McCants, OT, UAB

I don't think it's necessary to examine the offensive line issues of the Giants.

Again, injuries riddled the offensive line, and the last place Giants' rushing attack could use an upgrade in the run blocking category.

McCants started 11 of 12 games for the Blazers and was regarded as one of the best offensive lineman in Conference USA.

This 6'7", 295 lb. offensive tackle is someone who can start for the G-Men in 2012, protect Eli Manning and open up some holes for the running backs. 

Philip Blake, C, Baylor

Giants' current center David Baas has been decent for the G-Men, but New York needs to think long-term, and they need to look no further than the guy who hands the rock off to RGIII.

At 6'3", 320 lbs., Philip Blake has proven that he can protect a great quarterback, which is something he can come in and do right away in New York.

Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Giants' defensive line is coming together at the right time, but they could still use help at the tackle position.

They have great pass rushers coming off the edge in Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul, but not much on the inside of the line.

DTs Linval Joseph and Chris Canty only combined for six sacks in 2011; backup DE Dave Tollefson had more sacks than each of the starting DTs for the Giants.

6'5", 310 lb. Devon Still would be a work in progress, but he could definitely help the Giants in 2012.  He put together a solid 2011 campaign, with 49 tackles and 4.5 sacks. 

Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Before injury, Jake Ballard was playing at a high level for the Giants.  He was the third-leading receiver for New York, with 38 receptions, 604 yards and four touchdowns but is a free agent this summer.

Bear Pascoe has shown that he can catch the ball but is still more of a run-blocking TE.

That's why the 6'4", 255 lb. TE from Clemson is a perfect fit for the G-Men.  

Allen set career highs across the board in 2011, accumulating 48 receptions, 577 yards and eight touchdowns. 

If Ballard walks, Allen could fill his shoes as an offensive weapon, leaving the blocking to Pascoe.

Honorable Mentions

Chris Polk, RB, Washington—Who knows the future of Brandon Jacobs in New York?

A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois—The emergence of Victor Cruz and decline of Mario Manningham has shown that you can't take WRs for granted.

Tahir Whitehead, LB, Temple—A great player who could add depth to a soft Giants' linebacking corp

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State—Have you seen the Giants' offensive line?