New York Giants: Taking a Closer Look at Tom Coughlin's NFL Combine Remarks

Last year it was a center, and this season Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants are looking to nab a tight end in the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Draft

Injuries sustained in Super Bowl XLVI to starting tight end Jake Ballard and backup Travis Beckum will most likely result in the two tight ends starting the 2012 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post quoted Coughlin in regards to the issue at the tight end position.  

“Whether it’s draft or whatever, we’re going to have to have some way of compensating so that we have enough people in camp to be able to work.”

When asked about getting a tight end in the draft, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk quoted Coughlin saying,

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“It would be a nice thing. We had a pretty good combination we thought in terms of people who could block, people who could run up the field, that type of thing. Jake Ballard really did an outstanding job in all capacities. Became an excellent receiving tight end, made big play after big play for us and that was a great thing. Unfortunately, Ballard and Beckum both get injured, seriously injured in the Super Bowl. They both had their surgery and they’re on their way to recovery, but as you know that’s a lengthy recovery.” 

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If the Giants plan on going hard after a tight end, the name Dwayne Allen immediately comes to mind, as I detailed in a previous article.

New York could use some help at TE, as Ballard, Beckum and Bear Pascoe combined for just 55 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns during the 2011 regular season.

Who's Coming Back?

After discussing draft needs, Coughlin discussed the future of Osi Umenyiora and Brandon Jacobs, who he says will be back if he has his way.

“Brandon’s been an outstanding part of our team for any number of years [and] two Super Bowl teams. And as far as I’m concerned, he’s a big part of [the team’s future].”

Retaining Umenyiora would be huge for the Giants' defensive line, as they already feature Pro Bowlers Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul.

The three-headed defensive end tandem racked up a combined 30.5 of New York's 48 sacks in 2011.

Resigning Jacobs, though he's controversial and unhappy about his contract situation, would benefit the Giants since he played well down the stretch for the G-Men.

Despite the disagreements between the head coach and, at times, disgruntled running back, it seems that Coughlin is fond of Jacobs and would welcome him back with open arms.

Coughlin also believes that 2010 standout cornerback Terrell Thomas and linebacker Jonathan Goff are part of the plan for 2012.

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“All you can do is you have a plan. And the plan certainly does include those two guys. How soon or whatever, that remains to be seen. The overall scope of needs, who you’d like to have and so on and so forth, that all becomes part of the plan.”

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That's about as much as TC can say about the matter since it's not really up to him who the Giants re-sign and who they let go.

The resigning of both guys allows the Giants to direct their focus towards other positions in the draft, such as the offensive line, tight end, wide receiver and safety.

The Offensive Line

It's no secret that the Giants' offensive line was poor at times, but Coughlin doesn't want to hear it.

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“It's a very talented offensive line. Two out of the past four Super Bowls we've just won, and it basically was the same guys, give or take one or two. Eli [Manning has] always been a quick decision-maker, but the combination of our protection schemes, our athletes up front, the quarterback's ability to get the ball out quickly. That has served us very well because our sack numbers over the years have been down. That may be that one game Eli was exceptional at getting rid of the ball, but it comes down to protection as well. We're certainly a good offensive line, but in every circumstance, you have to continue to build and develop and bring along young players."

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Of course the head coach isn't going to throw his entire O-line under the bus. But in the back of mind, Coughlin has to know that the Giants must address the offensive line in the draft or through free agency.

They ranked dead-last in the rushing game, averaging a mere 89.2 YPG and 3.5 YPC during the regular season.  

Offseason Surgery

The Giants' head coach noted that Tuck, Chris Canty and Linval Joseph underwent surgery following the Super Bowl win in Indianapolis.

Though they combined for only six sacks in 2011, Canty and Joseph play an enormous role on the defensive line, handling the interior and allowing the edge rushers to reach the quarterback.

Conclusion

All in all, it appears that the Giants have a lot to look forward to in 2012. 

Aside from Mario Manningham most likely leaving via free agency, the Giants appear to be receiving a handful of healthy members back for next season.

Combine that with a strong draft and a couple of moves in free agency and there's no reason not to think of them as a Super Bowl favorite heading into the 2012 season.

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