Sea. 2 (2013-2014) - Offseason - Retirements, Re-Signings, and NFL Draft

Notable losses to FA: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, CB Corey Webster, RT David Diehl, C David Baas

Notable gains in FA: LB Parys Haralson, LG Steve Huchinson, C Andre Gurode

Not expected to make any big splashes in free agency outside of LB Parys Haralson, the New York Giants managed to re-sign #1 WR Victor Cruz to a long term deal, but somewhat surprisingly, decline to re-sign #1 RB Ahmad Bradshaw who had an outstanding season. In addition, they decided to continue to save room under the salary cap by choosing not to come to a long-term deal with starting SS and team captain Kenny Phillips, and so they applied the franchise tag to retain Kenny's services for at least one more year.

Many analysts suspect the move to release Bradshaw and to tag Phillips is because of the crop of rookies expected to enter this year's NFL Draft corresponds well to running back and strong safety based on NYG's scout team's target college prospects, but are also satisfied with and ready to rely upon a 1-2 punch of RBs David Wilson and Andre Brown, possibly with a veteran FA thrown into the mix.

Areas of need for NY:
- Middle Linebacker
- Outside Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Strong Safety
- Left Guard
- Center
- Free Safety
- Tight End
- Backup Quarterback

Given NYG's scout team's developments thus far, many project NYG to definitely select a running back and a strong safety, but NYG's GM "EP" has declined to rule anything in or out of bounds at this point, and also pointed to the potential opportunities that may arise in free agency.

Round number and reasoning behind the New York Giants Season 2 (2013) NFL draft picks (drafting 27th overall and multiples thereof):

1. CB Barry Boggs - given that the league has prohibited trading up or down in the draft, NYG had to choose at this spot despite having no picks on their draft board, after intense yearlong and combine scouting, worth a 1st round draft choice. And so they took a gamble on a CB with outstanding measurables - speed, agility, and acceleration - as most view Boggs as a project player needing considerable development (73, C).
2. MLB Tremont Buchanon - needing strength at the linebacker spot and not finding worthwhile talent at either outside linebacker position, New York went with this MLB out of Mississippi State. NFL draft analysts say that although NYG arguably reached to get him in the second round given how raw of a player he is, his upside potential is excellent (71, A).
3. CB Jermaine Trevor - unhappy with the safeties available, NYG decided to take the best player on their board available while still bolstering their secondary, which happened to be yet another cornerback (which turned out to be extremely fortunate, given (1) CB Corey Webster's departure in FA and (2) insurance for 1st round CB pick Boggs. The pick was widely praised by NFL draft analysts, who say that Trevor should shine in the NFL and is expected to actually outplay the 5'10 Boggs. Most analysts consider this the best pick the Giants made in the draft (6'1, 77, A).
4. LT Tyler Roberts (TBD) - another best player on the board (but conscience of need) pick, given Roberts imposing size (6'8) and build, the pick was drafted as both insurance for pro-bowler starting LT Beatty and potentially to be moved to another o-line spot.
5. LB Adam Russell (TBD) - considered to be a shot in the dark for NYG, they decided to take a flyer on him due to his man coverage and block shedding abilities suggested he was the best player on NYG's board.
6. QB Matt Ramsey (TBD) - part of the so-called "lottery" random selection process for the sixth and seventh rounds, many consider Delaware St.'s Ramsey to be a sleeper hit for the G-Men and either potential trade bait after learning from Eli, a solid backup in case of injury, and/or a future starter after several years a la Aaron Rodgers. His talent is also expected to give the G-Men the flexibility to carry only 2 QBs on their roster.

Analysis: Obviously NYG was unable to hit on their primary needs of outside linebacker and safety, but addressed those in non-direct ways (FA acquisition OLB Paryls Haralson, and after getting multiple CBs in the draft, moving CB Terrel Thomas to FS, which frees up Rolle to share the SS spot with Phillips). MLB Tremont Buchanon might fit in well with the Giants 4-3 scheme, and LT Roberts and QB Ramsey give the G-Men additional depth at their respective positions.