The NFLDraftguys staff is going simulate playing the GM of each of the 31 teams picking in the first round and justify their picks. You can look forward to a new pick every day leading up to April 28, when the staff will be in Radio City Music Hall to see if they took our advice.
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Follow the progress of the On The Clock Draft Board, where you can see exactly how the first round would play out if the NFLDraftguys staff were making the calls in the war room.
Sean Baca
With the 20th pick in the 2007 NFL draft the New York Giant SHOULD take Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
Leonard Davis was the only free agent the Giants seriously pursued before losing out to Dallas. This tells me they know it's a high priority given the number of holes they have. They traded for Reuben Droughns and signed Kawika Mitchell to fill a couple of gaps and Staley would help tremendously, he is possibly one of the top two tackles in the draft.
Staley is perhaps the best athlete at the tackle position and does a great job at working to the second level of the defense. The Giants will utilize a power running attack that will work between the tackles and Staley would be a stalwart player for the Giants for many years to come. Again receivers are thin in NY but not in the draft and they should find quality in later rounds. I could see Ginn, Bowe or Jarrett as well but their failed attempt at Davis appears to be a dead give away as to their intentions for next season.
Marc Faletti
With the 20th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the New York Giants Should select Jon Beason, OLB, Miami.
The Giants lost what had already been an old and underwhelming OLB corps from last year, and if they want any hope of containing offenses in 2007, they'll need to replenish the position. The Giants could also use a few extra doses of toughness and leadership in their unstable locker room.
Jon Beason provides immediate help in each of these areas. He's a versatile 'backer who can handle any LB position, srawing comparisons to last year's undersized impact playmaker, Ernie Sims. Beason flows to the ball instinctively, finishes his tackles with authority, and can cross the entire field to make the play. He also tore his MCL last season and played through the pain to lead Miami in tackles. He may not barrel through blockers, but if his teammates can pick up a few linemen, Beason will do the rest.
Some Miami players have a primadonna complex (see: Shockey, Jeremy), but Jon Beason isn't one of them. That's a big reason they need him manning a LB spot in New York next season.
Cecil Lammey
With the 20th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the New York Giants SHOULD take Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State Nittany Lions.
The Giants have many needs, CB & LB being first and foremost. Well, they also need a new head coach, but they can't draft one. Having missed out on Leon Hall and Aaron Ross, the Giants now look to take the best OLB off the board.
"Poz" is a great player, and a natural OLB. At the combine Poz put on a great show, and only solidified his sterling reputation among scouts. Only the 2nd player in NCAA history to be awarded the Bednarik Award (given to the best LB in the nation). He has great read and react instincts, and is very adept at sniffing out the play. His film study makes him a great student of the game, and he has a tireless work ethic.
The Giants are in desperate need of an influx of young talent on the defensive side of the ball. Poz can make plays from sideline to sideline, and his instincts make him a part of every play. A player that is always around the ball is an incredible benefit for a defense. Poz can become a great leader for this defense in a few years, but most importantly he can make a big impact this year.
Sigmund Bloom
With the 20th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the New York Giants SHOULD take Paul Posluszny, LB, PSU.
The Giants need help at WR, CB, and LB, any of the three would make sense, and there's value to be mined at all all positions at #20 - it's actually a sweet spot for value in the first round, so at least they've got that going for them.
WR is not an immediate need as long as Amani Toomer is set to make a full recovery, and after rumors swirled that he hung up the cleats for the year despite possibly being able to play, he needs to be on the field for week 1. Even if they have doubts about that, there will be some nice WRs who can step in right away available for round 2. The same basically goes for corners. The only position that offers them a true immediate impact is OLB, where they are likely to have their pick of the litter.
The pick should come down to Beason vs Puz, and while it's hard to ignore how many Hurricanes the Giants have taken early in recent years, Paul Posluszny just seems like a better fit with his gritty style and potential to play all three LB positions. They really can't go wrong at this pick with Beason or Posluszny, and they should have the option to take either.
