New York Giants: Report Card for Every Member of the 2011 Roster

The New York Giants are back on top.

When they lost to the Redskins at home to fall to 7-7 on the season, no one thought Tom Coughlin would be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy a few short months later. But as the photo above shows, the Giants are once again champions of the football world.

It was a roller-coaster season for Big Blue, who dealt with major injuries, close losses to good teams and shocking losses to bad teams. But they got hot at the right time, and as surreal as it may seem, the Giants are Super Bowl champions.

Here's a player-by-player breakdown of every player who was active for at least one game during the 2011 season.

Eli Manning, QB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 359-for-589 (61.0 percent), 4,933 yards, 29 TD, 16 INT, 92.9 QB rating

Postseason stats: 106-for-163 (65.0 percent), 1,219 yards, 9 TD, 1 INT, 103.3 QB rating

Easy Eli. Eli-te. bELIeve. Can Manning's Super Bowl MVP season be defined by one phrase?

No. You had to see it to believe it.

For most of the season, Manning was the only thing keeping the Giants afloat, since the postseason-defining pass rush didn't become red hot until Christmas Eve against the Jets. His 18 fourth-quarter touchdowns (including three in the playoffs) are simply incredible. Only 31, the future looks bright for Eli.

Grade: A+

David Carr, QB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: None

Postseason stats: None

It still baffles me that the first-overall pick in the 2002 draft hasn't thrown a touchdown since the 2009 season. Playing behind one of the most durable quarterbacks in the NFL, Carr didn't play a single snap in 2011.

Grade: N/A

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB

Games played: 16

Regular season stats: 171 carries, 659 yards (3.9 YPC), 9 TD, 34 receptions, 267 yards, 2 TD

Postseason stats: 63 carries, 272 yards (4.3 YPC), 1 TD, 16 receptions, 114 yards

After signing a four-year deal worth $18 million in the offseason, Bradshaw's first season under his new deal was, statistically, underwhelming. His troublesome foot injuries resurfaced, causing him to miss four games. Still, he made some clutch runs late in the season and seems to have solved his fumbling problem (six in 2010, one in 2011).

Bradshaw will be the starter in 2012, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the Giants use an early-round pick on a running back in April.

Grade: B-

Brandon Jacobs, RB

Games played: 18

Regular season stats: 152 carries, 571 yards (3.8 YPC), 7 TD, 15 receptions, 128 yards, 1 TD

Postseason stats: 37 carries, 164 yards (4.4 YPC), 1 TD, 4 receptions, 16 yards

It's been a rough couple of years for Jacobs. After rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2007 and 2008, his yardage slipped in 2009 and he lost his starting job in 2010. As the Giants' No. 2 RB, his job is to convert on short-yardage situations, which he rarely did this season.

He's a good enough back-up and he wants to stay with the team in 2012, but in order for that to happen, he'll need to take a big pay cut, because he's not going to get $4.9 million next year.

Grade: C

D.J. Ware, RB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 46 carries, 163 yards (3.5 YPC), 27 receptions, 170 yards

Postseason stats: 4 carries, 10 yards (2.5 YPC), 2 receptions, 21 yards

Ware is a role player and nothing more. Kevin Gilbride uses him well, because when Ware is in the backfield, no one is quite sure if Eli Manning will pass or hand off. He'll stick around in the same role in 2012.

Grade: D+

Da'rel Scott, RB/KR

Games played: 11

Regular season statistics: 5 carries, 16 yards (3.2 YPC), 2 receptions, 13 yards, 14 returns, 341 yards (24.4 yards per return)

Postseason statistics: None

The small rookie out of Maryland had a big preseason, but didn't make much of an impact afterwards. In fact, he wasn't even active for any of the Giants' postseason games. The return game never really got going, though Jerrel Jernigan looked good late in the season. Scott will have to play his way onto the roster in 2012.

Grade: Incomplete

Henry Hynoski, FB

Games played: 15

Regular season stats: 12 receptions, 83 yards

Postseason stats: 3 receptions, 20 yards

Hynoski was used mainly as a blocker in his rookie season, which was helpful given the new-look offensive line that suffered numerous injuries. He was quietly one of the Giants' more effective rookies in 2011.

Grade: B

Hakeem Nicks, WR

Games played: 19

Regular season stats: 76 receptions, 1,192 yards, 7 TD

Postseason stats: 28 receptions, 444 yards, 4 TD

Another year, another big season for Nicks. His monstrous hands make him an elite receiver, and he's still just 24. The emergence of Victor Cruz really benefited Nicks during his insane playoff run. If his playoff stats are projected over a 16-game regular season, Nicks has a line of 112/1,776/16.

Insanity.

Grade: A+

Victor Cruz, WR

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 82 receptions, 1,536 yards, 9 TD

Postseason stats: 21 receptions, 269 yards, 1 TD

GM Jerry Reese showed unwavering confidence in Cruz after letting Steve Smith walk through free agency and sign with the Eagles. It paid off. Cruz exploded into one of the premier receivers in the league. Alongside Nicks, the Giants have one of the best, if not the best, receiving duos going into 2012.

Grade: A+

Mario Manningham, WR

Games played: 16

Regular season stats: 39 receptions, 523 yards, 4 TD

Postseason stats: 13 receptions, 189 yards, 3 TD

Manningham was a universal disappointment for fantasy owners who expected him to have the breakout year that Victor Cruz eventually did, but Super Mario turned it on in the playoffs. In the first three postseason games, he caught a touchdown pass. He was kept out of the end zone in the Super Bowl, but made a spectacular over the shoulder grab on the eventual game-winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

Manningham will hit the open market in March. The Giants clearly want to bring him back, and he has said that he would like to return, but he would have better opportunities elsewhere. Still, his chronic knee injuries (missed four games in '11) could keep his market cool, and a return to the G-Men is very possible.

Grade: B-

Devin Thomas, WR/KR

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 3 receptions, 37 yards, 25 returns, 607 yards (24.3 yards per return)

Postseason stats: None

Thomas put up similar return averages to Da'rel Scott and was scarcely used offensively. His biggest moments came on special teams, recovering two punt return fumbles in the NFC Championship Game. The Giants scored on both ensuing drives.

Grade: C-

Jerrel Jernigan, WR/KR

Games played: 12

Regular season stats: 8 returns, 186 yards (23.3 yards per return)

Postseason stats: 5 returns, 115 yards (23.0 yards per return)

"One-Play J.J.", as he was not-so-affectionately named by Tom Coughlin early in the season, was a non-factor in his rookie year. He never caught a pass, and rarely did he ever line up at WR. Drafting him in the third round out of Troy, the Giants clearly see some potential here, but it didn't show in 2011.

Grade: Incomplete

Ramses Barden, WR

Games played: 8

Regular season stats: 9 receptions, 94 yards

Postseason stats: None

The Giants' patience with Barden is clearly fraying. After starting the season on the PUP list, he was activated and failed to make any impact whatsoever. He was inactive for all four postseason games.

Drafted in the third round of the 2009 draft, the Giants valued Barden because of his size. Many compared him to Plaxico Burress. Barden has just 174 receiving yards in his three-year career.

Grade: F

Domenik Hixon, WR

Games played: 2

Regular season stats: 4 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD

Postseason stats: None

In Week 2 against the Rams, Hixon made an incredible grab in the end zone to give the Giants a 21-6 lead. It wasn't a happy moment, though, because Hixon tore his ACL on that play, and it was the end of the season for him. It was the second ACL tear in as many years for Hixon, and he'll enter free agency once again coming off a severely injury-shortened season.

He said on his Facebook page that he and the Giants are "working on something" to bring him back for 2012. With Mario Manningham likely on his way out, a healthy Hixon could be a nice No. 3 receiver.

Grade: Incomplete

Michael Clayton, WR

Games played: 5

Regular season stats: None

Postseason stats: None

It's amazing that Clayton was a first-round pick by the Bucs in 2004 and went on to post an 80/1,193/7 receiving line in his rookie season considering how far he's fallen since then. He hasn't reached 500 yards in any season since. He caught just two passes in 2010 with the Giants. He caught none in 2011 and ended the season on injured reserve.

Clayton could return to the Giants as a camp body, but holds virtually no value as an offensive tool.

Grade: F

Brandon Stokley, WR

Games played: 2

Regular season stats: 1 reception, 7 yards

Postseason stats: None

Stokley was signed just as depth. He made one catch, injured his quad and was released with an injury settlement. It might be the end of the line for the two-time Super Bowl champion.

Grade: Incomplete

Jake Ballard, TE

Games played: 18

Regular season stats: 38 receptions, 604 yards, 4 TD

Postseason stats: 5 receptions, 43 yards

After losing Kevin Boss to the Raiders, the Giants TE's game was murky. The team signed former Cardinals TE Ben Patrick before he suddenly retired.

Ballard stepped up in a big way. His 604 receiving yards in 2011 are more than Boss had in any of his four seasons with Big Blue. Still, Ballard struggled with some nagging injuries, and his blocking ability leaves something to be desired.

He was a fun story in 2011, but after tearing his ACL in the Super Bowl, Ballard will likely start the 2012 season on the PUP list. The Giants might opt to bring in a free agent like Jermichael Finley or Fred Davis.

Grade: B+

Travis Beckum, TE

Games played: 17

Regular season stats: 5 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD

Postseason stats: 7 receptions, 45 yards

Injuries derailed Beckum's season. He had a clean shot at the starting tight end job before being injured in the preseason and missing the Giants' first two games, which gave Jake Ballard his chance to shine. Upon his return, he played second fiddle. Then, in the Super Bowl, he tore his ACL.

Beckum will miss the better part of the 2012 season, a contract year for him no less.

Grade: D

Bear Pascoe, TE

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 12 receptions, 136 yards

Postseason stats: 5 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD

After playing a major role in the 2010 season, filling in for FB Madison Hedgecock after he suffered a season-ending injury, Pascoe's job returned to normal in 2011. He was a blocking tight end, used sparingly in the passing game. However, he did choose a good time for his first NFL touchdown: the NFC Championship Game against his former team, the 49ers.

After ACL tears to both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum, Pascoe is the only healthy tight end with NFL experience on the Giants roster.

Grade: B

David Baas, C

Games played: 15

Baas signed a lucrative multi-year deal to become the Giants' new center after it became apparent that Shaun O'Hara wouldn't be healthy enough to be effective in 2011. Baas was an OK center, rarely making a bad snap, but missed five games due to injury in the first year of his five-year deal. If he doesn't stay healthy in 2012, he could be a candidate for release.

Grade: B-

Chris Snee, G

Games played: 19

In an offseason where the offensive line changed dramatically, Snee was one of the only constants. 2011 wasn't Snee's best year (it was the first time he hasn't been selected as an All-Pro since 2007), but he remains one of the key leaders on the O-line. 

Grade: B+

Kevin Boothe, OL

Games played: 20

With a banged up offensive line all year long, Boothe was given many opportunities to succeed and did a nice job. He filled in all over the line for injured players and was able to hold his own pretty well. It'll be interesting to see if the Giants award him a starting job in 2012 or if they give injured OT Will Beatty another shot.

Grade: A-

David Diehl, OT

Games played: 20

Diehl was really a victim of an awkward decision by Tom Coughlin in the preseason. Coughlin wanted to fit Will Beatty into the Giants lineup, but in order to do so, had to move Diehl from his natural position at LT to LG. He didn't do well.

Later in the season, Beatty was placed on I.R. with a detached retina, and Diehl was moved back to LT, but the damage was already done. It seemed like Diehl was never fully able to adjust, as he occasionally got beaten badly in pass protection. He'll try to return to form in 2012.

Grade: C-

Kareem McKenzie, OT

Games played: 20

As strange as it sounds, McKenzie was the only offensive lineman to play every game this season at his natural position, RT. At times, though, McKenzie was seen getting beaten bad by opposing defensive linemen. He's a free agent in March, and the Giants are tentatively expected to let him test the market.

Grade: B

Mitch Petrus, G

Games played: 12

Petrus was inactive for eight games this season, but later on in the season, received some playing time when the injury bug paid a visit. In all honesty, he looked pretty good. It was a small sample size, but an impressive one. 

Grade: Incomplete

Tony Ugoh, OT

Games played: 7

"Oh that's right. I forgot about that guy. You think that's a good sign?" - Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Grade: Incomplete

James Brewer, OT

Games played: 2

The rookie out of Indiana got very little playing time in his first season as a pro. Not much to go off of here.

Grade: Incomplete

Jim Cordle, C

Games played: 10

Cordle was signed from the practice squad when David Baas dealt with injuries. He received very little playing time behind Baas and Kevin Boothe.

Grade: Incomplete

Will Beatty, OT

Games played: 10

Beatty has been given every opportunity to succeed. This was supposed to be his first full year as a starter, and he struggled before being placed on injured reserve with an unfortunate injury: a detached retina. He's under contract for 2012 and will likely be given another shot, but he can expect competition.

Grade: C-

Stacy Andrews, OL

Games played: 9

Stacy Andrews joined the Giants in 2011, a season after his brother, Shawn Andrews, played for the team. Much like Shawn, Stacy also missed time due to injury. But while Shawn dealt with bumps and bruises throughout the year, Stacy's condition was much more dire: blood clots were discovered in his lungs.

He was rightfully placed on injured reserve, but the good news is, Andrews is expected to make a full recovery and resume his football career. He hopes to re-sign with the Giants. Depending on whether or not Kareem McKenzie re-signs, the Giants may oblige.

Grade: C+

Justin Tuck, DE

Games played: 16

Regular season stats: 37 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 2 stuffs, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defended

Postseason stats: 12 tackles, 3.5 sacks

It took awhile for Tuck to finally heat up, as he dealt with neck and groin injuries in the early part of the season. He was forced to miss four games. He got hot at the right time (as a lot of Giants did this year), and while it looked like 2011 would be a year to forget for the Giants' defensive captain, he ended it with a Super Bowl championship.

Grade: B

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 86 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 8 stuffs, 2 forced fumbles, 6 passes defended

Postseason stats: 18 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 4 stuffs, 4 passes defended

The 2010 draft was pretty weird. The Giants had a need at middle linebacker following Antonio Pierce's retirement. Rolando McClain seemed to be the answer. And then, the Raiders selected him before the Giants had a chance.

Confusion erupted when the Giants selected Jason Pierre-Paul, a defensive end. A curious pick, especially considering the Giants had Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka already at the position.

In his second season, JPP became a Pro Bowler, All-Pro selection and Super Bowl champion. He is one of the most electrifying pass-rushers in the game right now, and he's still just 23. He's going to be fun to watch for the next several years.

Grade: A+

Osi Umenyiora, DE

Games played: 13

Regular season stats: 25 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 1 stuff, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass defended

Postseason stats: 9 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

It was a tumultuous season for Umenyiora. He demanded (a) a raise from the Giants, or (b) a trade. He received neither. He missed the first four games recovering from knee surgery. He would miss three more later in the season after suffering a high ankle sprain.

But he was a beast when he played. In 13 games played, he had 12.5 sacks. He's just one year removed from tying an NFL single-season record for most forced fumbles. He'd be the No. 1 defensive end on many NFL teams. But many teams don't have Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul as their starters.

After the post-Super Bowl good feelings wear off, Osi will likely be re-engaging in contract negotiations with the Giants front office. If the Giants won't budge, a trade becomes a very real possibility.

Grade: B-

Dave Tollefson, DE

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 21 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass defended

Postseason stats: None

Tollefson is an interesting character for the Giants. He's, simply put, not a great NFL talent, but does a nice job in his reserve role. Tollefson started just one game this season and received very little playing time when Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were both healthy, but still racked up five sacks. Pretty impressive.

Tollefson has more value to the Giants than he does any other team. Expect him to re-sign with the Giants on another one-year deal, especially with Umenyiora's uncertain future with the club.

Grade: C

Justin Trattou, DE

Games played: 6

Regular season stats: 1 tackle

Postseason stats: None

Trattou was buried on the depth chart and practice squad for most of his rookie season. The undrafted rookie had 57 tackles during his senior season at Florida in 2010, so there is some upside here. But Trattou is no lock for next year's roster, especially with the talent in front of him on the depth chart.

Grade: Incomplete

Chris Canty, DT

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 47 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 6 stuffs, 1 pass defended

Postseason stats: 5 tackles, 1 stuff, 2 passes defended

Just look at that face mask. Are you not terrified?

Canty had himself a good season in his first year as the Giants' No. 1 defensive tackle. Barry Cofield had a stellar season in 2010, and he left in free agency. Canty did a good job filling in.

Under contract through the 2014 season, Canty will continue to be the Giants' top defensive tackle moving forward.

Grade: B+

Linval Joseph, DT

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 49 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 stuffs, 4 passes defended

Postseason stats: 11 tackles, 1 stuff, 1 pass defended

Linval Joseph is a monster of a human being (6'4", 323 pounds). That being said, he's a darn good defensive tackle. He had a much bigger role than he probably expected going into the season. After playing in just six games in his rookie season of 2010, Joseph was forced to start after rookie Marvin Austin tore his pectoral muscle in training camp. He did a nice job.

There's room for improvement, but he should be under less pressure in 2012 when Austin returns. Joseph will remain the starter next year.

Grade: B-

Rocky Bernard, DT

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 30 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defended

Postseason stats: 8 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 pass defended

Bernard was actually released in late July as a cost-cutting measure, but was re-signed a few days later to a one-year deal. He saw limited playing time as the Giants' No. 3 defensive tackle and had a few shining moments. A free agent, Bernard's future with the Giants is uncertain.

Grade: C

Jimmy Kennedy, DT

Games played: 6

Regular season stats: 4 tackles, 1 stuff

Postseason stats: None

The former first-round pick was simply used as depth this year, having been signed the day after Marvin Austin's pectoral muscle tear. He was inactive for the Giants' final seven games. He'll be a free agent in March and will not be a priority for the Giants' offseason.

Grade: D

Dwayne Hendricks, DT

Games played: 1

Regular season stats: None

Postseason stats: None

Hendricks was active for just one game and was promptly sent back to the practice squad.

Grade: Incomplete

Michael Boley, OLB

Games played: 18

Regular season stats: 93 tackles, 1.0 sack, 4 stuffs, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defended

Postseason stats: 27 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 stuff, 2 passes defended

Entering the season, Boley was the only linebacker on the roster who had ever played a full season at the position. He became one of the key players of the defense and was usually terrific when used in coverage. He'll remain the Giants' top linebacker entering 2012.

Grade: A

Mathias Kiwanuka, OLB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 84 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 12 stuffs, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT, 2 passes defended

Postseason stats: 5 tackles, 0.5 sacks

Many forget that Kiwanuka was a free agent after last season, and Jerry Reese shrewdly re-signed him to a two-year deal. In his first full year at linebacker, Kiwanuka did not disappoint. He was terrific in defending the run.

While there is certainly room for improvement, Kiwi did a solid job in 2011 and will be starting again in 2012.

Grade: B+

Chase Blackburn, ILB

Games played: 9

Regular season stats: 26 tackles, 1 stuff, 1 INT, 2 passes defended

Postseason stats: 26 tackles, 1 stuff, 1 INT, 1 pass defended

Blackburn had a solid return to the Giants, made especially impressive by the fact that he was unsigned until December. It had been roughly 11 months since the last time he played in an NFL game. In his first game back, he intercepted NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. In the Super Bowl, he intercepted Tom Brady. If there was any rust, it didn't show.

This offseason, the Giants might look to improve at the middle linebacker position, leaving Blackburn's future with the team up in the air. The front office will certainly give re-signing Blackburn more consideration than they did last year.

Grade: B

Jacquian Williams, OLB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 78 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 stuff, 4 passes defended

Postseason stats: 15 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended

Expectations weren't very high for Williams entering the season; he was a sixth-round draft pick, and the lockout certainly hurt this year's rookies. But injuries in the Giants linebacking corps forced Williams into action. A stud on special teams, he got plenty of snaps on defense as well.

His shining moment, however was forcing the fumble in the NFC Championship Game in overtime that led to the game-winning field goal. Williams' role will likely be the same in 2012 as it was this year.

Grade: B-

Greg Jones, ILB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 31 tackles, 1 stuff

Postseason stats: 7 tackles

Jones was thrown into the fire early in his NFL career. Following ACL tears to Jonathan Goff and Clint Sintim, Jones was thrust into the middle linebacker role. The Giants surprisingly didn't sign a free agent to fill the gap. The results were underwhelming. It's hard to blame Jones, considering he is a rookie and he spent a good amount of the preseason not expecting to start, but he still wasn't very good.

Chase Blackburn was signed in December, and Jones virtually disappeared. With plenty of starting experience, his roster spot should be safe in 2012.

Grade: C-

Mark Herzlich, OLB

Games played: 11

Regular season stats: 12 tackles

Postseason stats: None

Herzlich is a truly inspiring story. During his time at Boston College, he was on the fast track to the NFL before having a battle with cancer, forcing him to miss the entire 2009 season. But Herzlich came out on top and is cancer-free.

Still, a return to the field in 2010 wasn't enough to get him drafted in April. Because of the lockout, his NFL future remained unknown until July, when he signed with the New York Giants.

Ultimately, Herzlich was not used to a great extent in his rookie season, although he did earn two starts on defense during Michael Boley's absence. However, he was a healthy scratch for all of the Giants' playoff games. Everyone is rooting for Herzlich, and hopefully, he'll return in 2012.

There's an immense amount of talent here, but he needs some time to develop. Expect him to be back.

Grade: C+

Spencer Paysinger, OLB

Games played: 19

Regular season stats: 12 tackles

Postseason stats: 3 tackles

Another undrafted rookie, Paysinger was also used scarcely on defense. He'll have to fight for his roster spot in 2012.

Grade: Incomplete

Corey Webster, CB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 51 tackles, 1 stuff, 6 interceptions, 16 passes defended

Postseason stats: 11 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defended

Webster is the Giants' longest tenured defensive back, and he really shined this year. The Giants used him as a shadow corner, covering opposing team's No. 1 receivers. Throughout the season, Webstser kept guys like Stevie Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Roddy White, Greg Jennings and Michael Crabtree in check. His six interceptions are a career high. 

During Super Bowl week, Webster called himself a shutdown corner, putting himself in the same class as Darrelle Revis. Maybe he's not Revis, but it's hard to argue that Webster is becoming an elite cornerback.

Grade: A

Aaron Ross, CB

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 60 tackles, 1 stuff, 4 interceptions, 12 passes defended

Postseason stats: 11 tackles, 1 stuff, 3 passes defended

Entering 2011, it seemed that Ross was about to achieve "first-round bust" status. He hadn't had an interception since 2008. He had never played a full season. He was already third on the depth chart behind Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas, and it seemed that he could fall deeper after the drafting of Prince Amukamara.

But then, Thomas tore his ACL and Amukamara missed all of training camp and a big chunk of the season. By default, really, Aaron Ross was starting at cornerback. And he did well. His four interceptions are a career high, as are his 12 passes defended. However, he was beaten badly quite often in 2011, but the good really outweighs the bad.

Still, it's no coincidence that Ross' best season just happened to come during a contract year. He'll be a free agent along with Thomas, and only one is expected back. When he's healthy, Thomas is the better player. Re-signing Ross would be costly. Don't expect him back in 2012.

Grade: B+

Prince Amukamara, CB

Games played: 11

Regular season stats: 14 tackles, 1 interception, 3 passes defended

Postseason stats: 3 tackles

Amukamara wasn't expected to have a major impact in his rookie season, but this was still a disappointment. He was the last first-round draft pick to sign and then promptly fractured his foot and missed all of training camp, all of the preseason and the team's first nine games. He excited the crowd in his first NFL game, however, intercepting a Vince Young pass the first time he was ever thrown to.

But that was about it.

Amukamara was electrifying during his career at Nebraska, and it's pretty surprising that he was available when the Giants picked. That being said, in the long term, Amukamara projects as a major talent. But for the next season or two, he'll function as a nickel corner.

Grade: C-

Will Blackmon, CB/PR

Games played: 10

Regular season stats: 6 tackles, 6 returns, 25 yards (4.2 yards per return)

Postseason stats: 3 tackles, 1 return, 4 yards (4.0 yards per return)

Ugh. Just, ugh.

Blackmon was a part of the dreadful return game in 2010. The Giants inconceivably brought him back in the middle of the 2011 season. He was just as ineffective.

Not to mention, he was a major liability on defense. In the regular season game against the Packers, Blackmon, for some reason, was covering Jordy Nelson, who burned him for a huge gain on the Packers' last-minute drive, setting up the game-winning field goal.

I'd say it's a sure thing Blackmon won't be back in 2012, but obviously, the Giants see something in him that no one else does, so who knows?

Grade: F

Michael Coe, CB

Games played: 10

Regular season stats: 10 tackles, 1 stuff, 1 pass defended

Postseason stats: None

Coe was used mainly as a nickel corner before being placed on injured reserve. As a free agent, he won't nearly be the Giants' top priority.

Grade: D

Justin Tryon, CB

Games played: 6 (3 with IND, 3 with NYG)

Regular season stats: 10 tackles, 1 pass defended

Postseason stats: None

Tryon was used sparingly in the defense, but was a solid special teamer in his three games with the Giants before getting injured. He's a free agent, but the Giants could look at bringing him back on a cheap deal.

Grade: C

Brian Williams, CB

Games played: 4

Regular season stats: 1 tackle

Postseason stats: None

Williams was terribly ineffective in four games with the G-Men and was released.

Grade: F

Antrel Rolle, FS

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 96 tackles, 2 stuffs, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended

Postseason stats: 24 tackles, 1 stuff, 1 pass defended

Rolle has been the Giants' only huge free-agent signing in recent memory, and he took some flak in his first season for being a little bit too outspoken. He matured exponentially in 2011. Still outspoken, Rolle chose his words more carefully and became a leader in the locker room. While Justin Tuck is the captain (as he should be), Rolle says the things to fire up the fans and the team that Tuck won't.

On the field, Rolle was reliable as well. The Giants secondary as a whole wasn't great, but they improved when it came to giving up big plays. Rolle was a big part of that, and we didn't see him getting badly beaten too much. Again, there's room for improvement, but overall, Rolle had himself a nice season.

Grade: B

Kenny Phillips, SS

Games played: 19

Regular season stats: 82 tackles, 1 stuff, 1 forced fumble, 4 interceptions, 11 passes defended

Postseason stats: 16 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defended

Phillips had an off year in 2010, his first season after undergoing microfracture knee surgery in 2009. But 2011 could certainly be defined as a bounce-back year. His four interceptions in 2011 matched his interception total throughout 2008-2010.

Although the Giants' secondary as a whole ranked 29th in the league, it's hard to pin the struggles on one specific player. Looking back, just about every defensive back can be seen making mistakes besides Phillips, who had a fairly clean season. 

Phillps' rookie contract expires after next season. With no major talent behind him on the depth chart, Phillips is a prime extension candidate.

Grade: A-

Deon Grant, SS

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 64 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 stuff, 1 interception, 6 passes defended

Postseason stats: 19 tackles, 1 interception, 3 passes defended

Grant is the definition of "veteran presence." His age 32 campaign wasn't great, but he really established himself as a leader and a source of energy.

Grant has plenty of experience; From 2001-2009, he started every game in his career. That streak ended, of course, when he signed with the Giants, but in 2010, was a very good No. 3 safety. This year, he had his moments, but was a huge liability in coverage, although he defended well against the run.

Grant will be a free agent in March. It wasn't until mid-August that he was re-signed by the Giants in 2011, so don't expect him to be a priority this year. However, seeing him return on another one-year deal is certainly possible.

Grade: C-

Derrick Martin, S

Games played: 18

Regular season stats: 12 tackles

Postseason stats: 1 tackle

Used almost exclusively on special teams, Martin wasn't overly impressive, and therefore, won't be a priority for the Giants this offseason.

Grade: D

Tyler Sash, SS

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 17 tackles, 2 forced fumbles

Postseason stats: 7 tackles

Sash played nearly all of his snaps on special teams, and therefore, couldn't make a big impact in his rookie season. However, he could earn more playing time next year if the Giants decide not to re-sign Deon Grant.

Grade: Incomplete

Lawrence Tynes, K

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 19-of-24 FG (79.2 percent), 43-of-43 XP (100.0 percent)

Postseason stats: 8-of-10 FG (80.0 percent), 10-of-10 XP (100.0 percent)

Lawrence Tynes now has two Super Bowl rings and can proudly say that he kicked the game-winning overtime field goals in both NFC Championship Games.

Still, this was not Tynes' best year. It seems that his strength on kickoffs is going down. Even with the new kickoff rules, it was still a challenge to kick it through the end zone. And late in the season, Tynes' field goals were not perfectly straight, making every field goal a little more interesting. Perhaps this can be attributed to the thigh injury that caused him to miss most of the preseason.

Still, he got the Giants to the Super Bowl and will remain New York's kicker for the foreseeable future.

Grade: B

Steve Weatherford, P

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 82 punts, 45.7 yards per punt, 25 inside the 20 (30.5 percent of all punts)

Postseason stats: 22 punts, 45.4 yards per punt, 6 inside the 20 (27.3 percent of all punts)

After the Matt Dodge nightmare, the Giants knew they needed a new punter, so they just got the one who was already playing in the Meadowlands. Weatherford had an incredible season with the Jets in 2010, tying an NFL record with 42 punts inside the 20. But after a rough postseason, the Jets let him walk in free agency. It turns out he just walked to the other locker room.

Weatherford didn't have as great a season in 2011, but the punting game improved significantly over Dodge's performance in the previous season. Plus, he had a few big postseason moments. For example, in the NFC Championship Game, he handled a low snap from Zak DeOssie, making it possible for Lawrence Tynes to hit the game-winning field goal. In the Super Bowl, Weatherford buried the Patriots inside their own 10-yard line three times.

Weatherford is a free agent, but there are rumors that he and the Giants are already discussing a multi-year deal.

Grade: B+

Zak DeOssie, LS

Games played: 20

Regular season stats: 10 tackles

Postseason stats: None

A Pro Bowler last year, DeOssie helped bring the Giants back to another Super Bowl. He was only used on special teams, but he did about as good a job as you can ask for. Long-snappers are a dime a dozen in the NFL, but you can never really point to any major mishandle DeOssie had that cost the team.

That being said, he may have been one of the biggest goats on the team after his low snap in the NFC Championship Game had Steve Weatherford not came to his rescue. He'll return to the same role in 2012.

Grade: A-