Taking It Back to the Old School: Why the Giants Need a Playmaker at Linebacker

No, I'm not suggesting we summon Lawrence Taylor out of retirement to revamp our linebackers core. However, Giants fans can't feel confident with their current mix of players at the position. Antonio Pierce, Chase Blackburn, and Danny Clark are not the answers. I'm willing to give Bryan Kehl, Jonathan Goff, and Zak DeOssie time.

Memo to General Manager Jerry Reese: DRAFT A LINEBACKER. With talents such as Aaron Curry, Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, and Clint Sintim available in the 2009 NFL Draft, there's no reason to not draft a linebacker in the first round. Who was the last pro-bowler to make it for the Giants at linebacker? (Not counting alternates) That's right, you'd have to look it up. I do know Antonio Pierce made it to the game as a first alternate in 2007.

So what's the big deal about linebackers? They make defenses better, period. I know Giants fans remember the 2005 playoffs when our defense signed guys out of football to try and slow down Steve Smith and the Carolina Panthers.

You remember the score, 23-0 at the Meadowlands. Four years later, it's still a hard loss to digest. Perhaps you're thinking it's been four years and we've won a Superbowl with this current defense. I know what's on your mind, "Why fix it if it ain't broken?"

Kawika Mitchell, Antonio Pierce, and Reggie Torbor were the starting linebackers throughout our miraculous playoff run which culminated with a Superbowl victory. Jerry Reese, Tom Coughlin, and Steve Spagnuolo (now gone) knew they were getting away with smoke and mirrors in the back seven. This is evident in how Reese has drafted the past two years by taking CB Aaron Ross in 2007 and FS Kenny Phillips in 2008.

Logically, one can follow that Mr. Reese is targeting a linebacker at 2009's draft. Especially now that Bill Sheridan (former LB coach) is the defensive coordinator, it's safe to assume that a linebacker's name will be chosen at the 29th slot or earlier.

There are still some questions looming: Where does Mathias Kiwanuka fit? Why take a linebacker when we have more pressing needs? What if the best prospects are gone?

Mathias Kiwanuka is a tweener, meaning that he can play both defensive end and SAM linebacker. I don't trust him in coverage, but he's a force when rushing the quarterback. Sheridan understands that and will utilize him in pass rushing scenarios as both a defensive end and linebacker. He needs to bulk up to play DE full time. However, we're stacked at the position with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck.

I want a Giant fan to convince me what other pressing need we really have. If you bring up Plaxico Burress, I want evidence of a rookie who when taken at 29 overall was able to elevate his team's offense as a No. 1 receiver. Don't mention Marques Colston because he's from Hofstra U and those boys can flat out play.

There's very little chance we find the next "Colston" in this draft. Clearly, there are some talented linebackers in this draft who could start over Danny Clark RIGHT NOW.

If the best prospects are gone, I entrust Reese to make a deal that will put this team in the best position to succeed. That basically means our general manager is a scout at heart and he'll find someone to fit our defense better than any of us ever could. I'm lobbying hard for one of the USC linebackers.

Rey Maualuga is the ideal pick if he somehow slips, but I wouldn't mind dealing a second rounder to move up if a team wants to trade out of the 1st round. Cushing is quicker and better in coverage, but I'm not sure if he can lead this defense how I envision Maualuga doing so. Rey Rey only led one of the best defenses in the nation at USC.   He could replace Pierce at MLB eventually and compete with Blackburn at the other outside linebacker position now.

Another avenue for the Giants to bring in a playmaker would be via free agency. I'm not a huge fan of it although Antonio Pierce worked out pretty well. The only concern I have is that the Giants (especially with Reese as GM) never over-pay on free agents, and I can't see it this year considering the lack of playmakers available.

Outside of Karlos Dansby and Bart Scott, Channing Crowder is worth a look despite his lack of size. I'd prefer the Giants brought in depth at WR if Amani Toomer and/or Plaxico are gone.

Let's go Giants. Share your thoughts Giants fans.

Thanks.