2008 NFL Draft: Giants' Defense Will Get Stronger

The Giants are going to address their open linebacker slot in the draft, and they may use their first rounder (31st overall) to do so.

The Giants have not drafted a linebacker in the first round since 1984 when they took Carl Banks of Michigan State with the third overall pick.

The plan is to move Mathias Kiwanuka back into the DL rotation. That would give the team two open OLB spots, since Kawika Mitchell left via free agency for Buffalo.

They will temporarily slide Gerris Wilkerson and/or Zak DeOssie into these roles and draft one or more OLBs to eventually challenge those two in training camp.

There will be at least one quality player at this position for the Giants to choose from when their turn to draft finally comes.

That's the price you pay for winning the Super Bowl.

Some suggestions....

Dan Conner, Penn State (really an ILB, but can be moved)

Shawn Crable, Michigan (my personal favorite)

Marcus Howard, Georgia

Cliff Avril, Purdue

Gary Guyton, Georgia Tech

Jerod Mayo, Tennessee

These players should all be there when the Giants draft at 31. Some may even be there when the Giants' pick again (63).

I am looking forward to Jerry Reese's second draft as Giants GM. As you know, all eight of his choices from last year's draft made the club, a group that had a major impact on the Giants' amazing Super Bowl run.

Published from http://www.bloggingthegiants.blogspot.com