2012 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants Full 7-Round Mock Draft

The New York Giants were an up-and-down ride in 2011, as the Giants had to scratch and claw just to make the postseason before quarterback Eli Manning led the G-Men on the magical run that culminated in their victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.

However, it's already time to put the trophies and rings down and set the memories of that victory parade aside, as the business of defending that world championship has begun.

Even world champions have holes in their roster, and filling them isn't any easier when you're picking at the back end of every round, so here's a pre-combine look at how the draft might shake out for the guys in New York that, last we saw them, were lifting the Lombardi Trophy.

Round 1, Pick 32 (32): Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College

The Giants may well have won the Super Bowl, but it was with a menagerie of players manning the middle linebacker position, as New York lost starter Jonathan Goff to a torn ACL before the season even began.

Even if Goff were guaranteed to return at 100 percent in 2012, Boston College middle linebacker Luke Kuechly is a gritty, instinctive player who led the nation in tackles en route to winning the Butkus and Lombardi Awards. And if his lack of athleticism and a soft 4-3 middle linebacker market combine to cause Kuechly to fall this far, he'd be far too good a value to pass on with the last pick of the first round.

Round 2, Pick 32 (64): Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

Although it didn't seem to faze Eli Manning much, as he threw for nearly 5,000 yards last year, the New York tight ends didn't contribute a whole lot in the passing game, and both Jake Ballard, who paced Giants tight ends with 604 receiving yards in 2011, and Travis Beckum suffered serious knee injuries.

That makes adding a player at the position something of a priority for Big Blue in 2012, and All-SEC tight end Orson Charles of Georgia would fill that hole quite nicely.

The 6'3", 241-pound Charles has speed that makes him a mismatch for linebackers and safeties, and the Bulldogs standout would add another dimension to Eli's arsenal.

Round 3, Pick 32 (95): Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH)

The New York Giants' offensive line was one of the strengths of the team for many years, but as increasing injuries beset an aging unit, it's becoming clear that, at the very least, an infusion of some depth and youth is needed.

Offensive guard Brandon Brooks of Miami of Ohio is a 6'4", 350-plus-pound wrecking ball of a man that, with a year or two of conditioning and tutelage, could evolve into an outstanding starter in the National Football League.

Round 4, Pick 32 (127): Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College

Much like with the middle linebacker position, the New York Giants made do with a makeshift group of cornerbacks in 2011 after losing top corner Terrell Thomas for the year before it even started.

With Thomas, Aaron Ross and Will Blackmon all set to hit free agency, the Giants could be looking at anything from a small need for depth to a gaping hole at the position by the time the draft comes around.

Regardless of which situation they find themselves in, the Giants could again look no farther than Boston College, where cornerback Donnie Fletcher would be a quality addition. The 6'1", 195-pound Eagles team captain quietly had a solid season and has both nice size and good speed.

Round 5, Pick 32 (159): Trevor Olson, OT/OG, Northern Illinois

It's getting late in the draft, which means it's either time to start swinging for the fences or strengthening sandbags, and for the Giants that means it's back to the offensive line with a depth pick to close out the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

Northern Illinois offensive tackle Trevor Olson is a bit undersized at only 306 pounds, but there's room to build onto his 6'6" frame, and the three-year starter is a smart and versatile player capable of filling in just about anywhere on the line where he's required.

Round 6, Pick 32 (191): Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada

The emergence of wide receiver Victor Cruz was certainly a pleasant surprise for the New York Giants (and then some), but his ascendance may also have priced free agent-to-be Mario Manningham out of their market.

Nice problem to have, but it still leaves a hole to plug, and 6'2", 215-pound wide receiver Rishard Matthews of Nevada, who topped 90 catches and 1,300 yards in 2011 for the Wolfpack, could potentially grow into a more than serviceable replacement.

Round 7, Pick 32 (223): B.J. Coleman, QB, Chattanooga

Mr. Irrelevant himself!

Actually, Tennessee-Chattanooga quarterback B.J. Coleman would have the opportunity to be anything but that were he to be the final selection of the 2012 draft, as the 6'3" signal-caller with the big arm could easily develop into a quality backup for and possible successor to Eli Manning under center.

Think Matt Flynn. Apparently, Mel Kiper does.

Believe me, David Carr doesn't want to actually take a snap in a game any more than Giants fans want him to.