I think we all pretty much agree that the Giants greatest need is at middle linebacker. Antonio Pierce has lost a step,aging and suddenly injury prone. We could use an outside linbacker but there are no apparent game changers in this years draft. Someone could always be a sleeper but usually not in the middle. This year there is one player who stands out as a difference maker and his name is Rolando McClain. McClain played at Alabama under Nick Saban and was the leader on a very good defense. He is leaving after his Junior season and has all the tools. He is a physical specimen at 6’4″ and 248 pds. He runs a 4.6 and his attitude and character are unquestioned. He may or may not fall to us but it is possible. Most of the teams drafting ahead of us have other needs. It seems like Denver and Kansas City are our primary concerns but both have other pressing needs as well. Here is my list!
(1) Rolando McClain-Alabama 6″4″ 248lbs
(2)Brandon Spikes 6’3″ 244lbs-Florida
(3) Daryl Washington 6″3″ 228lbs-T.C.U.
(4)Sean Lee Penn State 6″2 234 lb
(5)Micah Johnson 6’2″ 254lbs-Kentucky
(6)Boris Lee 6’0″ 232lbs-Troy State
These are the six guys as I would rank them but there is a lot of space between #1 and #6. Brandon Spikes is projected anywhere from 15 to middle second round. He played at Florida and is slow. He does play agressively and he hits but, I was never impressed with Florida’s defense and can’t think of anyone who hasn’t busted as a pro. Daryl Washington projects as round 3 but I give him a good shot at being a very good player. He played for the Horned Frogs and they have been college footballs best “no one ever heard of team” The guy can play.
After that there are a bunch of guys but no one who should be more than a middle round to late round guy. I picked Sean Lee out of Penn State because he is a very good player and he does come from Linebacker U. Micah Johnson is a big tough guy who can really play. He is big and mean and maybe the sleeper in this group. I chose Boris Lee out of Troy State because I have a thing for players from Troy State. He is short a 6′ and 232lbs. All he did was lead a very good team in tackles the last two years with 4.5 sacks and he stings you. Osi and Demarcus Ware are Troy State products as is the safety that Buffalo took first last year. Turns out he was the best player on the team!!
So, there is one guy who is a no brainer and one who possibly grades out in the first round. This is why we have to be ready to sign a free agent, make a trade or go for another big need. I wonder what will happen with Mays. Don’t be surprised if he falls to us and then we will have to decide where he could play. There are a number of very good O-Linemen and a few safeties who might be there at 15 and we will talk about the outside backers and safeties next time.
I am picking the Saints in the Super Bowl 27-21 over the Colts.
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