Part One: New York Giants Offseason Tasks, NFL Draft and Resignings

OK let's be honest.

Every single one of us has been thinking at least once or twice, who the Giants might draft in April 2009. Hopefully we get the 32nd pick again and turn another star into a "Big Blue Superstar"

Since Jerry Reese's takeover, everyone we seem to draft is a diamond in the rough, just waiting to be dug up and thrown on the gridiron. In 2006, we acquired the talented Barry Cofield, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Gerris Wilkinson. In '07 we scooped up Aaron Ross, Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Steve Smith.

How about the latest draft in 2008? Kenny Phillips, Terrell Thomas, and Bryan Kehl all got selected by Jerry "Draft Guru" Reese.

The way the Giants are playing right now, the NFL Drafts have been fun to watch for one reason. There are usually only one or two positions we need to hit on and there have always been so many options.

But what exactly do we need right now? Well, a better way to decide is to first look at our free agent situation.

Giants' Unrestricted Free Agents Following 2008 Season

RB: Brandon Jacobs
RB: Derrick Ward
WR: Amani Toomer
CB: Corey Webster
S: James Butler

In my opinion, the two "must signs" are the men on top. After that, I feel that Webster is definitely next in line to land a new deal.

Concerning Butler and Toomer is much different.

Butler plays a position that has been roping in huge contracts all over the place [See: Reed, Ed]. There is definitely a possibility that we lose him. If there is any upside to it, we save ourselves some cash and plug in Kenny Phillips, who has shown promise.

Amani Toomer, I think, will stay as well. Now don't get me wrong here, I love Amani Toomer. He is one of the classiest WR's in the NFL and nicest guys I have ever watched in an interview. The thing is though, why would he ever want to leave? He has been respected by the organization and is about to hit 35-years-old. I think he will take a smaller end deal for three or four years and call it good.

Draft Outlook

This next part is written with the idea that the previous actions actually DO happen.

There are four or five extremely talented line-backers in this year's draft, and I can almost guarantee you one of them will be playing for the New York Giants next year. Here are the best three.

1. Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest (Senior) No. 3 on Scouts Inc. Top 32 [First Senior] Youtube Highlight Video

2. Ray Maualuga, ILB, USC (Senior) No. 11 on Scouts Inc. Top 32 [Fourth Senior] Introducing Rey Maualuga

3. James Laurinaitis, ILB, OSU (Senior) No. 20 on Scouts Inc. Top 32 [Seventh Senior]
The Animal Unleashed

Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this. You want to check out those videos.

If anything stood out to me, it was Curry's speed. Around 40 seconds into that video he takes a pick to the house, and he looked like he could run the 40 yard dash in 4.3, maybe even less.

It will definitely be interesting to see how the draft turns out. Expect more offseason coverage in the near future.

Written By, Travis Rand, NYG and NFL Bleacher Reporter
Travis' Archive can be found here