Here is what I would like in an ideal world for the Giants 2010 offseason.
I have assumed the status quo, that there will be no new CBA before next season


Coaching Changes

New Defensive Coordinator - Romeo Crennel (Browns)

New Defensive Line Coach / Asst Defensive Coordinator - Pepper Johnson (Patriots)

New Special Teams Coach - Bobby April (Bills)

The defensive system would remain a 4-3, perhaps with a few 3-4 wrinkles thrown in. Crennel gives us a proven, experienced DC with a history with both Coughlin and the Giants. Pepper Johnson would be groomed as Crennel's eventual replacement at DC.

There should be at least one more coach getting fired namely Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn


Giants Free Agent

Unrestricted Free Agents - QB David Carr, DT Fred Robbins, LB Danny Clark, P Jeff Feagles

Restricted Free Agents - LB Chase Blackburn, G/T Kevin Boothe, WR Domenik Hixon, S C.C. Brown, NT Barry Cofield, CB Kevin Dockery, WR Derek Hagan, RB Danny Ware, WR Sinorice Moss, T Guy Whimper, LB Gerris Wilkinson, DE Dave Tollefson.

Player Cuts and Departures
I would cut both Antonio Pierce and Rocky Bernard. Neither are the players they used to be and it is time for younger players. I would also not resign Robbins or Clark; it is time to look for other players to get the job done.

I expect Jeff Feagles will finally hang up his boots and David Carr will likely get a chance to compete for a starting spot somewhere.

Restricted Free Agent Tenders

I would tender Chase Blackburn, Kevin Boothe, Barry Cofield, Kevin Dockery, Domenik Hixon and Dave Tollefson to appropriate tenders.

I would not tender Danny Ware, Gerris Wilkinson, Guy Whimper, Sinorice Moss or CC Brown; it is time to move in a different direction.

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Trades

Osi Umenyiora
Osi has had his public issues with the team this season and at one point discussed being traded. I think a lot of his problem was with Sheridan, but there is another ongoing problem - money and quite frankly that isn't going to change anytime soon. How long is Osi going to remain content, particularly if things don't go as smoothly for him?

The Giants have said that Umenyiora is in their plans and he should rebound next year, but I think he could be expendable for the right price. Jerry Reese certainly isn't going to give him away and will only trade him for a really good deal; otherwise Osi will be a Giant next year.

Al Davis loves speed and needs a quality pass rusher badly with the likely departure of Seymour in free agency. More importantly, Davis is up there age wise and really needs someone who can make an immediate impact.

I think the Raiders would offer their 1st round pick [#8] for Umenyiora (he traded his 2011 1st for Seymour despite having no contract). Reese would make the deal to get an ideal player for the Giants in the draft.

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Free Agency
With the young state of the team, the CBA and the new DC, there will be a limited amount of free agents available and they will be older guys.
Reese will continue to use free agency to fill holes and use the draft to develop the team. It is obvious that most of our urgent holes are on defense.
I would look at signing the following free agents

DE Richard Seymour (Raiders)
Seymour knows Crennel and is a very good player. He isn't young, but there is still a lot of tread on the tyres. He doesn't want to play for the Raiders, the Giants would likely be a very attractive option. Seymour could play DT, but I think we would use him at LDE and flip Tuck over to RDE.

DE Aaron Kampfman (Packers)
Kampfman is a good DE and can play either end spot. He isn't a good fit at OLB for the Packers and would likely be very interested in the Gmen. Like Seymour he has a fair bit of tread left on the tyres and adds valuable experience and a quality 3 DE rotation.

There will be no excuses, there will be significant changes on the defensive front. Seymour and Kampfman provide proven playmakers and valuable veteran leadership for what will be a young defensive unit. This would be a much more physical defensive line.

CB Dunta Robinson
We need help in our secondary and the best player available in free agency is Dunta Robinson. Webster has been generally good and Terrell Thomas has emerged, but with the prolific passing in the NFL we really need three starting calibre CBs. Robinson also has genuine speed which will help us match up against the faster wide receivers (which have causes us problems in the past). Robinson wants a long term deal which the Texans haven't been willing to do. I think is unlikely they franchise him again; he also has a good opportunity for post season football and sponsorship money in NY.

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Positional Changes

William Beatty to LT; Diehl to LG
Diehl has been adequate at best at LT as has Seubert at LG. Beatty instantly upgrades LT as does Diehl sliding over to LG. Seubert becomes quality depth at multiple positions.

Aaron Ross to FS; Kenny Phillips to SS
Ross had been training at safety in recent weeks, with the emergence of Terrell Thomas, it makes sense to keep him at FS where his speed and instincts will be very useful; with an entire offseason to adjust, Ross be a very solid FS. Remember Ross is a very good tackler and run support player.

This also instantly upgrades our safety depth with Johnson and Rouse. With Ross at FS, Phillips can move closer to the action where he is better suited.

Matthias Kiwanuka to SLB
This was a tough one. Sintim is very raw has a fair bit of work ahead and is some ways from being a quality starter; in particular he really doesn't play well in space. At this point, Sintim is unlikely to be ready to be a consistent starter at SLB next year. Kiwanuka has been very solid at DE, but isn't dominant. With the free agent acquisitions and Tuck moving to LDE, there is space to move Kiwanuka back to SLB where he played his rookie year. Crennel should be able to use Kiwanuka well, much like he did with Willie McGinest. Kiwanuka is exactly what we like at SLB and can be a legitimate playmaker. Sintim provides depth and rotation as he develops; he could also be used as a situational rush DE.

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Draft
1. LB Rolando McClain, Alabama (6-4, 258, 4.65)
McClain is a tough, physical run stopper with great instincts and decent coverage. McClain also has great leadership and can QB the defense. McClain will compete with Goff for the starting job and will be groomed as the long term replacement for Pierce.

1. S Earl Thomas, Texas, (5-11, 198, 4.45)
Thomas is a quality, instinctive safety. He is a ball-hawk FS, with very good speed and decent tackling . Berry is raw as a redshirt sophomore and will need time to develop, but he will immediately upgrade our sub packages.

2. DT Brian Price, UCLA (6-2, 305, 5.05)
Price is a quick and powerful DT who makes plays behind the line of scrimmage (led the nation in 2009). Price provided a quality disruptive guy for our various packages whilst he develops for the future.

3. QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi (6-3, 215, 4.65)
This would be a best player available pick. Snead's stock is low, but he has 1st round calibre tools and potential future franchise QB. Between Bhomar and Snead, Eli's understudy is set for the foreseeable future.

4. WLB Rennie Curran, Georgia (5-11, 225, 4.55)
Curran is a tackling machine who makes plays all over the field. Curran is shorter than ideal , but he is very fast, has good coverage and makes plays. Curran will be a good fit as Boley's understudy and will be a quality special teamer. Curran would also be valuable in our sub packages rather than playing a safety at LB.

5. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State (6-5, 284, 4.80)
Carrington, is a DE with good physical tools and decent ability to get to the QB. This DE class is extremely deep with talent

6. RB Lonyae Miller, Fresno State (5-11, 220, 4.50)
Miller is a decent, explosive RB in what was a very crowded Fresno St backfield with Ryan Matthews and Robbie Rouse. Ware has not been able to seize his opportunities so the Giants will likely look to upgrade.

7. P Zoltan Mesko, Michigan (6-5, 231, 4.75)
With Feagles gone, we need a punter; Mesko is the best of this year's group and has a strong kick.

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Possible Roster

Offense (25)

Quarterback (3) - Eli Manning, Jevan Snead, Rhett Bhomar

Wide Receiver (6) - Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Ramsees Barden, Domenik Hixon, Derek Hagan

Tight End (3) - Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum, Bear Pascoe/Darcy Johnson

Running Back (4) - Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Aaron Brown, Lonyae Miller/Gatrell Johnson

Full Back (1) - Madison Hedgecock

Left Tackle (1) - William Beatty

Right Tackle (2) - Kareem McKenzie, Kevin Boothe

Left Guard (2) - David Diehl

Right Guard (2) - Chris Snee, Adam Koets

Centre (2) - Shaun O'Hara, Rich Seubert



Defense (25)

Left Defensive End (2) - Richard Seymour, Alex Carrington/Dave Tollefson

Right Defensive End (2) - Justin Tuck, Aaron Kampfman

Under Tackle (2) - Jay Alford, Brian Price

Nose Tackle (2) - Barry Cofield, Chris Canty

Strong Linebacker (2) - Matthias Kiwanuka, Clint Sintim

Middle Linebacker (3) - Jonathan Goff, Rolando McClain, Brian Kehl/Chase Blackburn

Weak Linebacker (2) - Michael Boley, Rennie Curran

Cornerback (5) - Corey Webster, Dunta Robinson, Terrell Thomas, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Dockery/DJ Johnson/Vince Anderson

Strong Safety (3) - Kenny Phillips, Michael Johnson, Aaron Rouse

Free Safety (2) - Aaron Ross, Earl Thomas


Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1) - Lawrence Tynes

Punter (1) - Zoltan Mesko

Long Snapper (1) -Zak DeOssie

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Some may think the trade is unrealistic and Seymour could be franchised.

Davis already traded a first rounder for Seymour and he doesn't want to stay there.
Osi's market value isn't that high at present, but I think Davis is the type of guy who would make that trade. The bottom line is otherwise we keep Osi, no real problem. With no new CBA, there will be limited guys available in free agency, which makes a trade more likely if you need immediate veteran help.

Considering the contracts of Haynesworth, Canty etc, franchising Seymour would cost a heck of a lot, I am not sure Davis wantes to spend that much.


Even if Osi remains a Giant (and there is no reason to trade him unless we get a blockbuster deal) and Seymour is franchised, a DE rotation of Tuck, Umenyiora and Kampfman is still quite good.

Here is a version without the trade

Here is what I would like in an ideal world for the Giants 2010 offseason.
I have assumed the status quo, that there will be no new CBA before next season



Coaching Changes

New Defensive Coordinator - Romeo Crennel (Browns)

New Defensive Line Coach / Asst Defensive Coordinator - Pepper Johnson (Patriots)

New Special Teams Coach - Bobby April (Bills)

The defensive system would remain a 4-3, perhaps with a few 3-4 wrinkles thrown in.
Crennel gives us a proven, experienced DC with a history with both Coughlin and the Giants. Pepper Johnson would be groomed as Crennel's eventual replacement at DC.

There should be at least one more coach getting fired - Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn



Giants Free Agent

Unrestricted Free Agents - QB David Carr, DT Fred Robbins, LB Danny Clark, P Jeff Feagles

Restricted Free Agents - LB Chase Blackburn, G/T Kevin Boothe, WR Domenik Hixon, S C.C. Brown, NT Barry Cofield, CB Kevin Dockery, WR Derek Hagan, RB Danny Ware, WR Sinorice Moss, T Guy Whimper, LB Gerris Wilkinson, DE Dave Tollefson.

Player Cuts and Departures
I would cut both Antonio Pierce and Rocky Bernard. Neither are the players they used to be and it is time for younger players. I would also not resign Robbins or Clark; it is time to look for other players to get the job done.
I expect Jeff Feagles will finally hang up his boots and David Carr will likely get a chance to compete for a starting spot somewhere.

Restricted Free Agent Tenders
I would tender Chase Blackburn, Kevin Boothe, Barry Cofield, Kevin Dockery, Domenik Hixon and Dave Tollefson to appropriate tenders. I would not tender Danny Ware, Gerris Wilkinson, Guy Whimper, Sinorice Moss or CC Brown; it is time to move in a different direction.



Free Agency
With the young state of the team, the CBA and the new DC, there will be a limited amount of free agents available and they will be older guys.
Reese will continue to use free agency to fill holes and use the draft to develop the team. It is obvious that most of our urgent holes are on defense.
I would look at signing the following free agents

DE Richard Seymour (Raiders)
Seymour knows Crennel and is a very good player. He isn't young, but there is still a lot of tread on the tyres. He doesn't want to play for the Raiders, the Giants would likely be a very attractive option. Seymour could play DE, but I think we would use him at DT.

DE Aaron Kampfman (Packers)
Kampfman is a good DE and can play either end spot. He isn't a good fit at OLB for the Packers and would likely be very interested in the Gmen. Like Seymour he has a fair bit of tread left on the tyres and adds valuable experience and a quality 3 DE rotation.

There will be no excuses, there will be significant changes on the defensive front. Seymour and Kampfman provide proven playmakers and valuable veteran leadership for what will be a young defensive unit. This would be a much more physical defensive line.

CB Dunta Robinson
We need help in our secondary and the best player available in free agency is Dunta Robinson. Webster has been generally good and Terrell Thomas has emerged, but with the prolific passing in the NFL we really need three starting calibre CBs. Robinson also has genuine speed which will help us match up against the faster wide receivers (which have causes us problems in the past). Robinson wants a long term deal which the Texans haven't been willing to do. I think is unlikely they franchise him again; he also has a good opportunity for post season football and sponsorship money in NY.



Positional Changes

William Beatty to LT; Diehl to LG
Diehl has been adequate at best at LT as has Seubert at LG. Beatty instantly upgrades LT as does Diehl sliding over to LG. Seubert becomes quality depth at multiple positions.

Aaron Ross to FS; Kenny Phillips to SS
Ross had been training at safety in recent weeks, with the emergence of Terrell Thomas, it makes sense to keep him at FS where his speed and instincts will be very useful; with an entire offseason to adjust, Ross be a very solid FS. Remember Ross is a very good tackler and run support player.
This also instantly upgrades our safety depth with Johnson and Rouse. With Ross at FS, Phillips can move closer to the action where he is better suited.

Matthias Kiwanuka to SLB
This was a tough one. Sintim is very raw has a fair bit of work ahead and is some ways from being a quality starter; in particular he really doesn't play well in space. At this point, Sintim is unlikely to be ready to be a consistent starter at SLB next year. Kiwanuka has been very solid at DE, but isn't dominant. With the free agent acquisitions and Tuck moving to LDE, there is space to move Kiwanuka back to SLB where he played his rookie year. Crennel should be able to use Kiwanuka well, much like he did with Willie McGinest. Kiwanuka is exactly what we like at SLB and can be a legitimate playmaker. Sintim provides depth and rotation as he develops; he could also be used as a situational rush DE.



Draft

1. S Earl Thomas, Texas, (5-11, 198, 4.45)
Thomas is a quality, instinctive safety. He is a ball-hawk FS, with very good speed and decent tackling . Berry is raw as a redshirt sophomore and will need time to develop, but he will immediately upgrade our sub packages.

2. LB Brandon Spikes, Florida (6-3, 258, 4.75)
Spikes is a quality ILB prospects with excellent leadership ability. Spikes will compete with Goff for the starting spot and is the eventual heir for Pierce.

3. QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi (6-3, 215, 4.65)
This would be a best player available pick. Snead's stock is low, but he has 1st round calibre tools and potential future franchise QB. Between Bhomar and Snead, Eli's understudy is set for the foreseeable future.

4. WLB Rennie Curran, Georgia (5-11, 225, 4.55)
Curran is a tackling machine who makes plays all over the field. Curran is shorter than ideal , but he is very fast, has good coverage and makes plays. Curran will be a good fit as Boley's understudy and will be a quality special teamer. Curran would also be valuable in our sub packages rather than playing a safety at LB.

5. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State (6-5, 284, 4.80)
Carrington, is a DE with good physical tools and decent ability to get to the QB. This DE class is extremely deep with talent

6. RB Lonyae Miller, Fresno State (5-11, 220, 4.50)
Miller is a decent, explosive RB in what was a very crowded Fresno St backfield with Ryan Matthews and Robbie Rouse. Ware has not been able to seize his opportunities so the Giants will likely look to upgrade.

7. P Zoltan Mesko, Michigan (6-5, 231, 4.75)
With Feagles gone, we need a punter; Mesko is the best of this year's group and has a strong kick.



Possible Roster

Offense (25)

Quarterback (3) - Eli Manning, Jevan Snead, Rhett Bhomar

Wide Receiver (6) - Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Ramsees Barden, Domenik Hixon, Derek Hagan

Tight End (3) - Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum, Bear Pascoe/Darcy Johnson

Running Back (4) - Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Aaron Brown, Lonyae Miller/Gatrell Johnson

Full Back (1) - Madison Hedgecock

Left Tackle (1) - William Beatty

Right Tackle (2) - Kareem McKenzie, Kevin Boothe

Left Guard (2) - David Diehl

Right Guard (2) - Chris Snee, Adam Koets

Centre (2) - Shaun O'Hara, Rich Seubert



Defense (25)

Left Defensive End (2) - Justin Tuck, Alex Carrington/Dave Tollefson

Right Defensive End (2) - Osi Umenyiora, Aaron Kampfman

Under Tackle (2) - Richard Seymour, Jay Alford

Nose Tackle (2) - Barry Cofield, Chris Canty

Strong Linebacker (2) - Matthias Kiwanuka, Clint Sintim

Middle Linebacker (3) - Jonathan Goff, Brandon Spikes, Brian Kehl/Chase Blackburn

Weak Linebacker (2) - Michael Boley, Rennie Curran

Cornerback (5) - Corey Webster, Dunta Robinson, Terrell Thomas, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Dockery/DJ Johnson/Vince Anderson

Strong Safety (3) - Kenny Phillips, Michael Johnson, Aaron Rouse

Free Safety (2) - Aaron Ross, Earl Thomas


Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1) - Lawrence Tynes

Punter (1) - Zoltan Mesko

Long Snapper (1) -Zak DeOssie