1 - Kenny Phillips S, Miami-Florida (6-2, 212); 2 - Terrell Thomas, CB, USC (6-0, 202); 3 - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan (6-0, 181); 4 - Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU (6-2, 237); 5 - Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt (6-2, 245); 6 - Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky (6-4, 229); 6 - Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Miss (6-3, 278)
Analysis: The Giants' biggest area of need was in the secondary, and they can breathe much easier after selecting Phillips and Thomas on the first day. Phillips should compete for a starting job, while the smart Thomas looks like more of a nickel candidate at this stage. Manningham has had both his skills and character lamented more than any other player in the Draft, and will be a player to watch both on and off the field. Kehl and Goff offer linebacking depth. The selection of Woodson likely means that David Carr and Jared Lorenzen are battling for one job behind Eli Manning. Henderson was a reach that will have trouble making the team, and the Giants might have been better off with an interior line candidate in that spot. The absence of offensive linemen in this Draft makes it critical that the New York line stay healthy throughout 2008.
Bottom Line: The champs addressed their major needs in the secondary, and otherwise acquitted themselves well by selecting value.
Grade: A-
