Reese's Pieces

New York, NY (WFAN)  -- GM Jerry Reese is a man of his word. He said in the Pre-Draft Press Conference that the rumors about the team possibly putting together a package to get Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin were all conjecture and rumors. He also said they were going to do what was best for the Giants and that they like they their draft picks and like developing players. With that all said, no moves by the team on Day 1 of the draft. They kept their picks and took North Carolina receiver Hakeem Nicks with the 29th overall selection. When the pick rolled around Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oklahoma State's Michael Crabtree, Missouri's Jeremy Maclin and Florida's Percy Harvin were all off the board. There was one guy who was still available, non wide receiver, USC LB Rey Maualuga who I thought they might seriously consider grabbing and then going wide out with their 2nd pick at 45. Reese said there were 4 guys they were considering with Nicks the only receiver and the eventual choice.



He said smiling that Maualuga "might have been" one of those 4 when I asked him...but who knows and I guess who cares as they went with what he said was value and need in Nicks. Both Reese and Coughlin stressed that they liked his size (6'1" 212), his hands and his ability to make plays after the catch. They compare him to a Boldin type receiver and comes at a lower price. Nothing about that sounds bad out of a 29th overall pick. Now will he produce? He has the raw materials to be a very good receiver in this league. Check out his college stats.

Reese was asked if they would still consider making a trade for one of the established receivers to which he replied that he's open to anything..his standard answer. So, with that addressed the team picked a linebacker with the 45th selection; Virginia OLB Clint Sintim and with the 60th pick it was Connecticut Left Tackle William Beatty. Sintim a great value pick for the team and could end up as the starting strongside linebacker of the future, while Beatty is a great pickup and with some development could add some needed depth to the offensive line.

There was one move on Day 2 though. The team traded up with the Eagles and nabbed a rare bread of wide receiver in Cal Poly's Ramses Barden with the 85th pick. A 6'6 229 lb guy who although played at a small school caught 50 touchdowns and averaged 20 yards per catch. He ran a 4.55 40, but all you have to hear is 6'6 229 wide receiver and it's clear his upside is huge. And hearing him speak following the pick, I was impressed. He is a well spoken kid who sounded excited to be part of the Giants organization and willing to learn. Those are two things that I am sure Tom Coughlin loves hearing as well. The rest of the picks look like this:

3 (100th) - Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin (6-3, 239)
4 (129th) - Andre Brown, RB, N.C. State (6-0, 224)
5 (151st) - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State (6-2, 225)
6 (200th) - DeAndre Wright, CB, New Mexico (5-11, 198)
7 (238th) - Stoney Woodson, CB, South Carolina (5-11, 195)

I think they did well. I had no doubt Reese would make the selections that were best for both need and value when it came pick time. Looking at the past 2 years and how the players he has drafted have contributed to the team, I see this group as being no different. There has been some high praise for Brown out of NC State and he will possibly be able to fill the void left by Derrick Ward who left for the Bucs.

So, Giants fans, don't fret, although no Braylon or Anquan trades on the weekend, it looks like once again a successful draft and they will get a chance to show their stuff at Rookie Mini-Camp May 8th-9th. Regular OTA's don't start till end of May with Veterans Mini-Camp June 16th-18th. That's the story post draft 2009..all and all a good one. Oh, I almost forgot..the best part: the 34th Mr Irrelevant was K Ryan Succop from South Carolina selected 256th by the Chiefs..and yes..the BEST part his name IS pronounced "suck-up" come, on...that's funny!!!! :)

mia