Mocking the NFC East: E Street still owns East

With the recent news that the NY Football Giants will franchise tag Brandon Jacobs, we thought it would be prudent to start yapping about the team that many thought would repeat in 2008, but came up just a bit short. Say what you will about Eli Manning's stats in the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but the fact of the matter is NY's defense wore down towards the end of the season, and it was a direct result of not having enough depth after losing Osi Umenyiora to a season-ending injury in pre-season and the retirement of Michael Strahan.

Sure, players like Justin Tuck elevated their game to make up for the player loses, which helped them to a 12-4 regular season record. But when the playoffs come around, a team must have all its ducks lined up. They need to be healthy, deep, and confident. Against the Eagles, the Giants had none of the three. Tuck wore out by the end of the game, and the Philly offense was able to hold the ball at the end. The lose of WR Plaxico Burress was also a blow to the Giants, though a necessary one. Burress was a distraction, and even with him and his baggage in the lineup, the Giants would likely have still have lost to Philly.

Despite the playoff lose, the Giants enter 2009 with very few weaknesses. The loss of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo might be their biggest personnel adjustment. They should have back a healthy Umenyiora and Tuck to bookend their pass rush, and with the emergence of Kenny Phillips, Aaron Ross, and Corey Webster in the secondary, the pride of the Giants (their defense) should be strong in 09. Key to NY retaining the NFC East title and getting back to the Championship Game is drafting to improve their WR and TE positions. They could also use a big upgrade at LBer and possibly DT.

I think WR and TE are the need positions. Eli Manning has proven that he can make things happen. He is a battle-tested QB who does not wilt under pressure. However, is only reliable receiver is Steve Smith (who is Mr. 3rd Down). The Giants need another reliable, strong route-running receiver, especially is Amani Toomer leaves via free agency. Here's what Mocking Dan thinks (so far) for the Giants in round one:

29. New York Giants
	Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: Plaxico Burress probably won't be back, Amani Toomer isn't getting any younger and Domenik Hixon doesn't look like anything for than a second receiver. Nicks has good size and has good hands, two attributes the team didn't lost when Burress was suspended.

Another strong candidate who could be there in the late-first round is Penn State's Derrick Williams.