New York Giants 2009 Draft Review

With Plaxico Burress out of New York and trade for Braylon Edwards (or another receiver) maybe or maybe not happening, the Giants entered this past weekend's draft with one burning question:

What to do at receiver?

With their first pick, they seemed to have addressed the need, and then continued to add another receiver, as well as great overall depth on their entire team.

This draft proves the Giants are among the league's elite when it comes to their front office, and if this draft class performs as well as it looks like it could on paper, their team will be Super Bowl contenders for years to come.

Read further for pick analysis and their final grade:

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

The Giants addressed their talent-starved position with a truly athletic and game-breaking talent. Nicks has all the physical tools needed to be a successful No. 1 option, including the knack for the big play.

Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

After getting their much-needed offensive weapon, the Giants turned to Sintim, an athletic and versatile linebacker, to shore up their aging defense. Sintim will be playing in a different style of defense than he's accustomed to, but his abilities are too good for him to not make some sort of an impact in his first season.

William Beatty, OT, UConn

While the Giants already have a stout offensive line, adding a talented behemoth of a lineman like Beatty never hurts. Beatty is strong and athletic, and shouldn't have been available for the Giants, making him a great value pick.

Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly

While Hakeem Nicks is probably better suited to help out right away, Barden's size (6'6'' and 229 lbs), along with solid speed, suggest he will be the eventual replacement for the departed Burress. In this class, we're potentially looking at two future Pro-Bowlers at receiver for New York.

Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin

While Kevin Boss is a solid option, he's nowhere near the talent level that Beckum resides at. Beckum has the fluidity and playmaking ability like Kellen Winslow, and could possibly end up being a better offensive weapon than Jeremy Shockey was, if he can stay healthy.

Andre Brown, RB, NC State

If New York fans were worried about the Giants letting go of Derrick Ward and finding a replacement behind Brandon Jacobs, they can now rest easy. Brown is a sound athlete who can catch out of the backfield, has experience, and gives New York excellent value in the fourth round.

Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State

While we'll probably never see Bomar lining up behind center for New York full-time, he could prove to be a quality back-up behind Eli Manning. Bomar has solid potential and good tools, making him a relatively solid pick in the fifth round.

DeAndrew Wright, DB, New Mexico

Wright has good athleticism and decent speed for the position, and while he won't fight for a starting job, adds youth and talent to an aging position.

Stoney Woodson, DB, South Carolina

Woodson has solid speed and coverage skills, and was brought in as added depth, along with Wright. The Giants secondary was a position that could have used addressing earlier in the draft, but Woodson could prove to be a reliable back-up.

Final grade: A

The Giants could have helped themselves with more talent in their secondary and in their linebacker corps, but they helped themselves tremendously in so many areas, that all can be forgiven.

While replacing Plaxico Burress seemed like a difficult task, the Giants helped themselves out immensely by grabbing two guys who could both end up being stars in the NFL.

Clint Sintim and Warren Beatty add tremendous depth to two positions where they won't immediately be needed, while their presence alone will protect the team from disaster, should any major injuries strike as they did last season.

Travis Beckum rounds out the elite prospects New York drafted, giving Manning his third solid option, while Andre Brown could prove to be a solid back-up or third back behind Ahmad Bradshaw.

Rhett Bomar and the two secondary players add depth where it's welcomed, while defensive line is the only position left completely ignored.

Considering the injuries they had last year, including the loss of Michael Strahan to retirement, it would have been helpful to bring a fresh, young lineman in to compete.

Regardless, this was one of the smartest drafts by any team in the league, assuring the Giants are here to stay among the league's elite.