New York Giants' Defense: Looking Strong Going Into College Draft

It is easy to do Monday morning quarterbacking with last years Giants team. It’s totally painless to shift all the blame onto Eli’s offence.

Yet the bulk of power for the “Defense” was not present due to retirement, and injury. Last season the Giants were just not capable, and did not have the heart.

Frankly, the Giants were extremely fortunate to finish as strong as they did and that is a testament to the over all quality of these New York Giants and their organization.

This seasons newest additions of Michael Boley, Rocky Bernard, Chris Canty, and CC Brown will certainly aid the Giants immensely in their hopeful return to next season’s playoffs and ultimate prize the Super Bowl.

The Giants do breath much easier knowing that Osi Umenyiora is back from his season long injury and no doubt Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka are equally excited about that. Justin and Mathias are great athletes, but Osi gives them speed, power, and depth.

When a team’s power is limited (star wise), as the NY Giants were last year from what was a powerhouse unit with attitude they became targeted by apposing quarterbacks who were more free to exploit the situations (mediocre QB's looked good against the Giants last season).

Albeit, this year, barring anything-insane happening, the Giants are not showing situations and they could not be in better shoes.

One thing the Giants have going for them this season is experience—the valuable play they got from those who would have seen much less (if any) playing time due to injuries and of course retirement.

Needless to say, the Giants will be much deeper this year due to the added experience and the “D” Line and Ends will be sound.

The question mark seems to rest heavily at safety with Kenny Phillips and Michael Johnson. Both of these kids have an upside they just need to be pressured.

Safety’s that can be passed on are throughout the league. It is without question that Brown was brought in to strengthen the position—make it more aggressive and competitive. C.C. will do that in a big way.

The time has come for Phillips and Johnson to get more aggressive, use their speed and take chances, and become more of a threat. That was really missed in last season’s team. No spark—no fire! But that was last season.

The addition of Brown should take care of that. There is legitimate hope and promise at the safety position. Overall the defense will be better. The Giants have plugged the "GIANT" gap that was ever so apparent last year.

Giant fans have a lot of room for expectation and hope for a grand conclusion to the 2009 season. The bottom line will be how well they do in the draft.

The Giants have three picks in the first 100 draftees and five total picks through the third round. There is absolutely no reason why Giant fans will not be ecstatic with the final outcomes.

It seems realistic that by the end of round five New York will have solved all dilemmas—including their dire need for a kicker. We will know all on the 26th and that will be another story.

“New York Giants Defense: Looking Strong Going Into College Draft” was originally posted by Lace Banachek at http://www.blognyg.com/