The 2011 postseason saw one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NFL history. Despite people writing off the New York Giants after losing five of six games late in the year, they put forth a finish that shocked many. First, the Giants won their last two games to clinch the division title. From there, the Giants would go on an improbable run by defeating the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots en route to a second Super Bowl win in five years. The Giants handily proved that it matters more how you end the year, than how you started it. The shock of the Giants' run may have worn off and the NFC East is as tough as ever, but it seems that New York is ready to contend for years to come. Here are some of the Giants' big additions and subtractions so far in this young offseason, plus a breakdown of their biggest needs heading into the draft.
Additions:
Super Bowl 2012
OLB Keith Rivers
OT Sean Locklear
TE Martellus Bennett
CB Antwaun Molden
Subtractions:
RB Brandon Jacobs
WR Mario Manningham
CB Aaron Ross
ILB Jonathan Goff (free agent)
OT Kareem McKenzie (free agent)
Top 5 Needs:
1. Offensive Tackle
The Giants seem to have moved on and have no plans to bring back starting right tackle Kareem McKenzie, and I believe Will Beatty is just not good enough to be the answer on the left side. David Diehl can obviously play left tackle if needed, but the Giants need to make sure they find someone who is a capable replacement for McKenzie. Second-year tackle James Brewer is an option, but the Giants don't seem too convinced about him starting for the long run.
2. Tight End
Jake Ballard came on strong late in the season and provided a huge boost for the Giants. He came out of nowhere to catch 38 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL late in the season and the Giants could use an upgrade or added depth at this spot. Stanford's Coby Fleener could just be the guy the team goes for with the final pick in the first round, as he is the highest rated tight end in the draft and a perfect fit for quarterback Eli Manning and the passing attack.
3. Running Back
Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw formed a pretty good tandem in the backfield when healthy. Sadly, Jacobs decided to leave New York to sign a big contract with the 49ers, leaving the Giants in need of someone who can spell Bradshaw. It's no problem, though, as the Giants should be able to find help at the spot with of their picks later in the draft.
4. Middle Linebacker
New York made a splash when they traded for promising outside linebacker Keith Rivers, and he should make an immediate impact right off the bat. With Rivers on this squad, New York has the option of moving Michael Boley inside. Whatever the Giants decide, this won't be as big a need going into the draft. However, it wouldn't hurt to add some additional depth at this spot.
5. Safety
Antrel Rolle's subpar season last year has a lot of people questioning his skill and talent as a team player; however, what most people fail to realize is that Rolle played out of position most of the year to compensate for the Giants' losses at corner. When Rolle played nickel back, he played extremely well and the Giants may opt to use him at that spot in 2012. This need really isn't that pressing, but it would definitely be helpful to add more depth, whether at the draft or through free agency.
2012 New York Giants Offseason Needs
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