Rapid Reaction: Giants pick Prince at 19
April, 28, 2011
By Ohm Youngmisuk

Giants general manager Jerry Reese said he would go for the best player available on his board. All indications were the Giants were going to go for an offensive tackle, but when Prince Amukamara dropped to No. 19, the Giants snatched him up. The Giants are getting the second-best cornerback in this draft. They did pass on Alabama running back Mark Ingram and Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo. But it's hard to argue with this pick.

PLAYER: Prince Amukamara
SCHOOL: Nebraska
POSITION: Cornerback
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 206

THE 411: Amukamara is the second-best cornerback in this draft, and he dropped after some people had him pegged as a top-10 pick. Some have said his arms aren't as long as teams would like them to be, but he and LSU's Patrick Peterson are the two best corners in the draft.

Other concerns include how his production dropped a bit from his junior to his senior season. Amukamara had five interceptions his junior year but none during his senior year. That may have something to do with the departure of Ndamukong Suh. He also could have fallen to No. 19 because of the run on quarterbacks early.

HOW HE FITS IN: Amukamara will come in and be in the secondary mix right away according to Reese. Can he compete with Aaron Ross for the third corner spot? The Giants have Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas as their top two corners, but are thin after Ross. They can use depth and talent there. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has to like this pick. Amukamara gives them more speed in the secondary, and the Giants say he will contribute on special teams, possibly as a gunner.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "We're really surprised that he was there," Reese said. "We thought he would be taken a lot higher than that. There were some concerns about his production on the ball this past season because he had more production on the ball the year before. We think he can still play the ball really well and he's a spectacular, physical player."

"It's a value and a need pick as well," Reese added. "He will be in the mix in our secondary. It's always a concern [that he dropped off] but we go off our talent scouts. We thought he was a terrific player and we never dreamed that he would be there [at No. 19]."

"The value of this pick and where he was ranked, there wasn't any question about the fact that this player should be on the New York Giants," coach Tom Coughlin said. "At one point there were four or five players in position there where we felt real good about it and as our pick matured there was Prince and he was clearly the highest-rated player on the board."

"You can never have enough cover guys," Coughlin added. "If you watch the way people play today with the addition of receivers ... the more cover people that you have the better off you are going to be. Plus this young man is physical, he's fast, has very good size, he's confident which you have to be [in order] to be a corner in this league."

Rapid Reaction: Giants take DT Austin
April, 29, 2011
Apr 29
7:54PM ET
By Ohm Youngmisuk

The Giants took a Prince in the first round. In the second round, they took a defensive tackle who comes with some baggage.

The Giants drafted North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin with the 20th pick in the second round (No. 52 overall) -- one of the Tar Heels who was suspended for the season amidst an NCAA investigation into improper benefits and academic misconduct.

The Giants needed an offensive lineman and a linebacker. But in this case, it appears they again went talent over need.

PLAYER: Marvin Austin
SCHOOL: North Carolina
POSITION: DT
HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 309

THE 411: Austin has big talent, but comes with character questions. Some have likened him to Ndamukong Suh, thinking that eventually he can develop into a force. But his suspension last year makes him a question mark. North Carolina kicked Austin off the team for receiving improper benefits. Clearly the Giants felt he was worth the risk as this was a value pick. General manager Jerry Reese said Austin's demeanor and motor have been compared to Keith Hamilton.

HOW HE FITS IN: The Giants can use another defensive tackle because of the uncertainty surrounding Barry Cofield. Cofield is coming off a terrific season and wants to return, but he has said he could request a trade if he has to play again for a one-year restricted free agent tender. Cofield could become a restricted free agent or unrestricted free agent depending on the new CBA. Mathias Kiwanuka is in the same boat. Austin's arrival gives the Giants insurance in case Cofield is traded or leaves. Austin now joins a crowded front line that includes Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard and last year's second-round pick, Linval Joseph.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "We did a lot of homework on him," Reese said. "We couldn't pass him up. I think he was very remorseful. I think he's disappointed that he didn't play. When he gets here, we'll keep a close eye on him like some other players we have drafted in the past."

"We took a very talented defensive lineman that has had some issues, without a doubt," head coach Tom Coughlin said. "We did a lot of studying on this guy, with probably seven or eight of our people that were at the workout at North Carolina. We had a private interview with him at the combine. And I spent quite a few minutes on the phone with him prior to telling him that we would be drafting him in the second round and that there were some very high expectations for him if he were to come here and be a New York Giant. I think he understood that."

"His grade, just strictly looking at his football ability is very high," Coughlin added. "He wants the opportunity to prove a lot of people wrong."

Rapid Reaction: Giants take WR Jernigan
April, 29, 2011
Apr 29
9:47PM ET
By Ohm Youngmisuk

The Giants used their third-round pick (No. 83 overall) on a speedster they hope can be a playmaker on special teams as well.

PLAYER: Jerrel Jernigan
SCHOOL: Troy
POSITION: WR
HEIGHT: 5-9
WEIGHT: 185

THE 411: The 5-9 Jernigan runs a 4.46 40, can play as a slot receiver, return punts and kickoffs, and was Troy's Wildcat option. He set the Sun Belt conference record with 5,972 all-purpose yards. Jernigan had 84 receptions for 822 yards and six touchdowns last year. He also had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a punt return touchdown as well last year. He is considered to be one of the elite pass catchers in the draft and is projected to be a guy who can immediately help on special teams.

The Giants were one of the worst teams in punt returns last season and desperately need speed on special teams. Jernigan worked on returning punts with former Troy player and Buffalo Bills special teams standout Leodis McKelvin. He's considered to be a shifty threat after the catch.

HOW HE FITS IN: The Giants have a ton of wide receivers, but Steve Smith, Ramses Barden and Domenik Hixon are all coming off surgeries. Hixon could regain his old returning duties, but Jernigan now gives the Giants an option there and a speedy one at that. If Smith's recovery from microfracture surgery is slower than expected, Jernigan gives the Giants an option in the slot. The bottom line is, the Giants can use speed and playmakers, and Jernigan sounds like somebody with some home-run ability. He will have Hakeem Nicks, Smith, Mario Manningham, Barden, Victor Cruz and Hixon all possibly ahead of him on the depth chart at receiver, though.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He is a little guy but is extremely fast, versatile, he is their Wildcat quarterback, slot receiver, returns punts and kicks, high school quarterback, you love those kind of guys," said Marc Ross, the Giants' director of college scouting. "He will add speed to our team on offense and special teams."

Rapid Reaction: Giants take OL in fourth
April, 30, 2011
Apr 30
1:10PM ET
By Ohm Youngmisuk

James Brewer was a fixture at right tackle for the Hoosiers.
PLAYER: James Brewer
SCHOOL: Indiana
POSITION: OL
HEIGHT: 6-6
WEIGHT: 323

THE 411: Brewer is a right tackle and helped the Hoosiers finish 15th in the nation in fewest sacks allowed with 12. He is a guy that will need development and is considered to be a "late bloomer." Can improve with his strength and technique. Only played one full season for the Hoosiers after missing the 2006 and 2007 seasons while dealing with foot problems. He played in eight games in 2008 but struggled with weight issues before suffering a severely sprained ankle. Brewer started all 12 games in 2009 opposite LT Rodger Saffold but played in nine games in 2010 after dealing with more ankle issues and a leg injury. He was a basketball player in high school and the Giants like his upside.

HOW HE FITS IN: The Giants needed an offensive lineman and they finally got one in the fourth round. ... Brewer is a right tackle, so he could be a potential replacement down the line for Kareem McKenzie, who has one year left on his contract. But the Giants say he can play both right and left tackle. ... On the left side, the Giants have Shawn Andrews, David Diehl and William Beatty but the Giants could move Diehl to left guard with Rich Seubert on the mend. Shaun O’Hara should be ready to go by the season opener at center after undergoing two surgeries in the offseason. ... They have a decision to make with Andrews, who has a $3.5 million roster bonus due 30 days after the league year begins. Andrews played well when healthy but had back issues. ... Brewer will provide more depth for the Giants offensive line. He will be a guy the Giants will have to develop.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He is a big man," GM Jerry Reese said. "I think he thought he was going to be a basketball player. Not a lot of 330-pound basketball players around.
This guy is going to get so much better with the pro techniques and this being his full-time job. We see him coming in and develop, not a lot of pressure to come in and play right away."

"We would like for him to get a little stronger and learn better technique but we think there is tremendous upside for this guy," Reese added. "The thing about these guys who we call late bloomers, if they are not competitive, you tend to shy away from them a little bit. But this guy is very competitive."

Rapid Reaction: Giants draft LB in sixth
April, 30, 2011
Apr 30
4:33PM ET
By Ohm Youngmisuk

Greg Jones is ready to join Big Blue after a standout career in Spartans green.
The Giants finally took a linebacker with the first of their three sixth-round picks by taking Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones.

PLAYER: Greg Jones
SCHOOL: Michigan State
POSITION: LB
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 242

THE 411: Jones was considered to be one of the top inside linebackers in the country entering his senior season. He has sound instincts, decent closing speed and is a good tackler despite his height. He ran a 4.8, 40 at the combine. He recorded at least 100 tackles in three consecutive seasons for Michigan State. He had 154 tackles and nine sacks during his junior year and was named Big Ten defensive player of the year. He didn't match the lofty statistics from a year ago, finishing with 106 tackles and just one sack as a senior. But he led Michigan State to a share of the Big Ten title and finished as a first-team All-American for the second straight year. Jones has been praised for his leadership skills and effort and his is very durable.

HOW HE FITS IN: The Giants need help at linebacker. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell used two linebackers often last season with three safeties. They have Michael Boley and Jonathan Goff, but can use a third linebacker to contribute. Keith Bulluck is a free agent and Clint Sintim is coming off an ACL injury. Jones might push last year's fourth-round pick Phillip Dillard in camp.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Has been incredibly productive over his time at Michigan State," GM Jerry Reese said. "One of the things that the late Tom Boisture taught me is when you scout guys, you respect production. This guy has tons of production. This guy has sacks. He has tons and tons of tackles. He’s played at a high level, very instinctive player. Another guy who’s going to come in with a chip on his shoulder because I’m pretty sure he feels like he should’ve been picked a lot higher than where he got picked. He’ll come in here with something to prove as well, along with Marvin Austin."

"We think he can play MIKE," Marc Ross, director of college scouting said. "He kind of played all three positions at Michigan State. But we see him as a MIKE, and the way he is built -- compact, thick. And he plays best in there because he is so slippery; real quick laterally. And he has the instincts and vision to play inside."

Rapid Reaction: Giants draft safety in 6th
April, 30, 2011
Apr 30
5:04PM ET
By Ohm Youngmisuk

The Giants took a safety with the second of their three sixth-round picks.

PLAYER: Tyler Sash
SCHOOL: Iowa
POSITION: Safety
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 211

THE 411: Sash recorded 217 tackles and had 13 interceptions during his career at Iowa. He has 392 yards off of interceptions. He is a strong safety who had 85 tackles and six interceptions last year. He ran a 4.6 40 at the combine and is considered to be a smart safety who provides good run support.

HOW HE FITS IN: The Giants need another safety with Deon Grant hitting free agency. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell likes to use three safeties and he might need another one to join Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips if the Giants do not re-sign Grant. Last year's third-round pick, Chad Jones, is still recovering from an automobile accident and it remains to be seen if he will play football again. Sash also might be able to help on special teams as well.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Height, weight, speed safety, more of a strong safety," GM Jerry Reese said. "Played a high level of comp. Lots of interceptions, I think he had 13 interceptions in his career there. Smart player, he came in, he can line up the entire defense. He can put everybody on there and tell you what they should do. You love those kinds of guys. We think he will definitely come in and challenge for a spot back in our secondary, back at one of our safety positions."

Rapid Reaction: Giants take another LB
April, 30, 2011
Apr 30
5:24PM ET
By Ohm Youngmisuk

The Giants added another linebacker with the last of their three sixth-round picks.

PLAYER: Jacquian Williams
SCHOOL: South Florida
POSITION: Linebacker
HEIGHT: 6-3
WEIGHT: 235

THE 411: Williams was a teammate of last year's first-round pick, Jason Pierre-Paul, at both South Florida and Fort Scott Community College. Williams is an athletic linebacker who ran a 4.63, 40 on grass according to the Giants. He's an under-the-radar linebacker who is a late developer and wasn't mentioned much by prognosticators before the draft. He led South Florida with 71 tackles last year and was a team captain.

HOW HE FITS IN: Williams brings athleticism to the team and the Giants can use that at linebacker and especially on special teams. Williams is more of a fit on the weak side. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell used mostly two linebackers and often went with three safeties last year. The Giants are looking for someone to step up as a third linebacker. Clint Sintim is coming off an ACL injury. The Giants drafted Michigan State's Greg Jones, a middle linebacker, earlier in the round. They hope Williams is a guy who will help this season on special teams and eventually could develop into a guy they will like on the outside.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Jacquian Williams is kind of an undercover guy who not many people have heard about him," said Marc Ross, director of college scouting. "This guy is almost 6-3, 235 pounds. He played about 220 or so because he has put on weight, growing into his body. He is fast. He ran 4.63 on grass at his pro day. He plays that way on the field. He plays with an edge, more of a run-and-chase kind of guy who plays hard, flies around and he likes to hit."

"He jumps off the tape at you because of his speed and competitiveness," Ross added. "And he flies around."

Rapid Reaction: Giants draft RB in seventh
April, 30, 2011
Apr 30
6:18
PM ET
By Ohm Youngmisuk

The Giants went for a running back with their final pick of the 2011 draft.

PLAYER: Da'Rel Scott.
SCHOOL: Maryland
POSITION: Running back
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 211

THE 411: Scott has exceptional speed, good size and playmaking ability. He can make defenders miss. Clocked at 4.34 in the 40 at the combine, Scott rushed for 1,133 yards and eight touchdowns during his sophomore year. But over his last two years, he rushed for a total of 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns. Giants GM Jerry Reese likened him to a Willie Parker-type.

HOW HE FITS IN: Ahmad Bradshaw will be either a restricted or unrestricted free agent depending on the collective bargaining agreement. The Giants are expected to re-sign Bradshaw, but with free agency coming after the draft, the Giants took a chance on a quick running back. They already have Brandon Jacobs and D.J. Ware on the roster, but they can use depth here. And they've done pretty well when drafting a running back in the seventh round (see Bradshaw).

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He is big and fast," GM Jerry Reese said. "He had a terrific sophomore season. We hope this guy will come over here and do a Willie Parker, one of those kinds of things."

"His production fell off," Reese said. "But we're hoping we can catch lightening in a bottle with this guy."

Nothing too much here, but some may find it interesting

It's always good to hear another point of view. Nice breakdown on all the players, thanks