New York Giants: Mock Draft 2009

Unfortunately for Giants fans everywhere, the season is over, and we must wait six dismal months to begin cheering for Big Blue again. 

The 2008 season started with and incredible 11-1 run, followed by a 1-3 dismal finish and an early playoff exit, which happened after the incidental shooting of Plaxico Burress that left most fans and players in denial. 

The Red Zone deficiencies were evident in the final games of the year, as the Giants went cold every time they got close. It seemed even if Plaxico wasn't making the plays, he was at least drawing attention from the opposing team.

Cheer up Giants fans, for even if we have to move on without Plaxico, we still have Jerry Reese, not to mention nine draft picks come April. 

The Giants have but a few weaknesses, and given the success of General Manager Jerry Reese, he should be able to address them accordingly. Although I am not aware of the development of the young players, the team should look to find a replacement for Plaxico.

The following are the picks I want to see the Giants make to ensure we make another run for the title in 2009.

Round One - Brian Cushing OLB USC - Had an outstanding senior season and played on one of the best defenses in college football history.  Although it is wishful thinking to assume Cushing will fall to the late first round, they should definitely take him if they get the opportunity.

Round Two - Kenny Britt WR Rutgers - Britt, at 6'4", could be the answer to the Giants' need for a legitimate end-zone threat. He had a terrific senior season at Rutgers, compiling 87 receptions, 1371 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Round Two - Shonn Greene RB Iowa - The winner of the Doak Walker Award for the most outstanding tailback in college football, he should be a great replacement for Derrick Ward, as it is unlikely the Giants can sign both Jacobs and Ward.

Round Three - Fili Moala DT USC - After the first three picks, the Giants can look to build depth and develop talent for the future. A beast in the middle, Moala can be molded into a great NFL player by pro bowl SNUB Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield.

Round Four - Phillip Hunt DE Houston - Said to be a product of a weak conference, Hunt was the only bright spot on a terrible Cougar defense. With this pick, the Giants can feel free to move Mathias Kiwanuka back to OLB and team him up with (hopefully) Cushing.

Hunt had a great season, nodding 14 sacks in 13 games and is a terrific speed rusher. Learning from Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will only improve his game.

Round Five - Scott McKillop ILB, Pitt - Selected as a Second Team All American, Scott McKillop compiled 137 tackles in his senior campaign. Another player for the future with this selection, as he can learn from Antonio Pierce.

Round Five - Jason Watkins, Florida OT - Any player the Giants can get from Florida is a good selection. Some say he is a product of the Spread offense, but he has quick feet and good size, any time you can get SEC talent this late they should take the opportunity.

Round Six - Kevin Huber P Cincinnati - Let's face it Giants fans, Jeff Feagles can't keep doing it. Huber averaged an amazing 46.7 ypa in 2008 and led the nation. With an already deep and young roster, the Giants can afford to get a special team-er here.

Round Seven - Cornelius Ingram TE Florida - Injured his ACL before the 2008 season, so his draft stock will have sunk enormously. However, he still has great talent and is a decent blocker.  They can get a solid backup with Ingram, and avoid spending a 1st or 2nd round pick on Brandon Pettigrew or Jermane Grisham.

2009 New York Giants Depth Chart: (As much as it pains me, let's assume Amani Toomer retires, something I've heard, Plaxico is suspended by the league, and Jeff Feagles and Carney Both retire or get released(Carney))

QB - Eli Manning

RB by committee - Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Shonn Greene

FB - Madison Hedgecock

OL - David Diehl, Rich Seibert, Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, Kareem Mackenzie

WR - Kenny Britt, Steve Smith, (backups - Dominick Hixon and Mario Manningham)

TE - Boss

Defense:

DE - Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora

DT - Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield

LB - Mathias Kiwanuka, Antonio Pierce, Brian Cushing (maybe Chase Blackburn at first)

CB - Aaron Ross, Corey Webster

SS - Michael Johnson (I see him beating out butler

FS - Kenny Philips

*nickle corner, Terrell Thomas

K - Lawrence Tynes

P - Kevin Huber