New York Giants' Offseason To-Do List

Jerry Reese should be applauded for importing enough defensive talent to mount a playoff run.

But his work isn't done yet. Another side of the football needs a Giant offseason facelift, and Reese, the Giants general manager, can't stand idly by, particularly in a division like the NFC East.

New York was an 11-game winner this past season, thanks to a stellar defense and in no part to Ben McAdoo's limited offense. To make a return trip to the postseason (and fare better against the Aaron Rodgerses of the world), this team should note the following 10 steps—most of them involve revamping the on-roster offensive talent. 

Deploy More Than Two Offensive Formations

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Was McAdoo's notorious laminated play sheet just for face-covering purposes?

I'm being serious. The Giants rolled out the same boring offensive formations week after week. That big old sheet couldn't have had that many plays written on it.

Everything centered around 11 personnel—one tight end, one running back, three wide receivers. More often than not, it involved placing Eli Manning in shotgun with one blocker to his left or right. If I can notice these tendencies, you better believe opposing defensive coordinators can too.

Most running downs resulted in draw plays. Most passing downs involved over-the-middle routes like slants to Odell Beckham Jr. McAdoo needs to grow his playbook in 2017—or risk further predictability and stale play.

Seriously Consider Finding Eli Manning's Heir

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Lump "Playoff Eli Manning" in with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. He's just not a real thing.

Instead, take our favorite confused-looking quarterback for what he is: an aging 36-year-old veteran who makes as many downfield throws as he does head-shaking mistakes. Manning missed wide-open receivers and regressed in 2017. It's time to look to the future.

Reese knows it, too. Releasing or trading the two-time Super Bowl winner isn't an option, but locating his successor in the draft certainly is. Expect the Giants to do their due diligence on every passing prospect this offseason and give McAdoo, a former quarterback coach, a chance to build his offense from the ground up.

Recalibrate Management's Stance on Odell Beckham Jr.

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Beckham was the Giants offense in 2016.

So naturally, both McAdoo and Reese singled the star receiver out for a few sideline tantrums, including one that involved a kicking net. Because that's the thing that needs fixing on this Giants team, right?

Wrong. The Giants were doormats right before McAdoo's arrival; they could frankly use 52 more guys with Beckham's passion. And while we're on the subject of unnecessary OBJ criticism, the 24-year-old also was grilled for smiling after an Antonio Brown touchdown. Let me get this straight: He can't show any emotion, good or bad, during a game at all? Give me a break.

Reese and McAdoo need to find a way to harness those emotions, not shut them out. If they can't handle this generational talent, I can name about 31 other teams that would happily try.

Solve the Offensive Line Issue

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Ereck Flowers' game tape could double as a "How Not To Block" instructional video.

The former first-round pick is lost, both in on-field technique and locker room savvy. He's swatting reporters instead of swatting away defensive ends. And I can't count the number of times he's resorted to head-butting opposing defenders instead of getting in their way.

He's just one trouble area on a line that's filled with them. McAdoo has to reevaluate line coach Mike Solari and his ability to actually tutor these kids. If he can't, importing more blocking prospects via the draft will just end up with more frustration.

Develop a True Tight End Presence

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In Green Bay, McAdoo built an offense around quick Aaron Rodgers throws and a tight end safety net.

One of those elements is missing in his new gig. The Giants don’t currently possess a Jermichael Finley—someone who can always find space in a zone and move the chains. So McAdoo has made do with names like Will Tye and Jerell Adams. Those two are promising options, but they're not No. 1 tight ends.

That changes this offseason. From all accounts, this incoming tight end class is the deepest we've seen in a decade. Just pick one, Reese; chances are he'll be better than what's currently on the roster.

Decide If Paul Perkins Is Starting Material

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New York might've found something special in a fourth-round pick running back.

Just how special Paul Perkins can be is still up for debate. Is he only built for rotational roles, like the one he served for most of his rookie season? Or is he the star contributor who came on at the end of 2016 and looked like the second coming of Ahmad Bradshaw?

The answer doesn't impact Perkins' career alone. It'll affect Rashad Jennings, who might be on the chopping block should Reese and Co. perceive the UCLA product as a long-term guy.

Choose Between Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins

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I don't envy what figures to be Reese's biggest offseason call.

Two seasons removed from that fireworks mishap, Jason Pierre-Paul looked more like his old self. And four seasons into his career, Johnathan Hankins proved to be an invaluable piece of what ended up as the league's second-best run defense.

Reese can't afford to bring back both off the free-agent market. I'd advise him to prioritize Hankins, given how well the defense worked with him and Damon "Snacks" Harrison manning the middle and the run-first nature of the NFC East. But the lead-up to that choice should keep him up at night.

Keep Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Off the Free-Agent Market

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Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo devised the perfect game plan to topple Rodgers.

He just didn't count on losing its centerpiece. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's early injury exit changed the complexion of the Giants-Packers game—and should serve as a reminder that Big Blue need this guy to best the NFC's amazing quarterbacks. He has to be kept.

One problem: The 30-year-old veteran is due $8.5 million in each of the next two seasons. New York might not be able to stomach that sum, given how many money bags it is forking over to Janoris Jenkins at the moment. Would a restructure work for both sides?

Add One More Rotational Pass-Rusher

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When the Giants were winning Lombardi Trophies, their defense got after quarterbacks in waves.

This current Giants defense doesn't have that depth. Yes, Olivier Vernon is a cornerstone-type player at defensive end. But who's coming in after him?

Not Pierre-Paul, should the free-agent-to-be find more moolah somewhere else. Romeo Okwara found a niche as a third end, but there's no other on-roster names who impress. Remember: This team had to start a fullback on its D-line not too long ago.

I'd like to see this group get deeper and more multiple. Target a Justin Tuck type—someone who can slide inside to tackle seamlessly on passing downs. Perhaps Jabaal Sheard from New England could play that role, if signed.

Nab Another Difference-Making Linebacker

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Reese struck gold when he snagged Jonathan Casillas off the free-agent market.

But Lawrence Taylor he is not. And on goes the Giants' span of avoiding top linebacking talent like it was the bubonic plague.

Big Blue haven't invested a first-round pick at the spot since my dad suited up for them. Reese is the obstacle here; he's used his first-round selections to supplement only four positions (defensive end, defensive back, offensive tackle, running back) since taking over as general manager.

Something's gotta give. All the best defenses in football have a difference-maker at the second level. And this is a franchise that, despite recent history, has a proud linebacking heritage. Time to go out and get one, Jerry.