sports uncensored 24/7

2010 NFL Mock Draft

15. New York Giants (8-8)

S Earl Thomas (Texas)

With Alabama LB Rolando McClain off the board, and a clear need at the safety position due to Kenny Phillips' injury, the New York Giants take Earl Thomas off the board.  Thomas, a red shirt sophomore,  was a constant play-maker for the Longhorns, and I believe he will be a great safety in the league.  What he lacks in size, he makes up with great instincts and coverage skills.  As a sophomore, Thomas managed to log 71 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 16 pass breakups.  Without Phillips, the Giants really struggled against the pass, and did not get much run support from their safeties either.  This is a great pick because I feel that Eric Berry and Earl Thomas were very close talent wise.  It's obvious, with the releasing of veteran LB Antonio Pierce, that the Giants are in desperate need to fill that void as well, but with there only being one LB worthy of this draft slot, the Giants address another need.     

(ESPN Online)

Why he's good for the Giants:

With the signing of FA Deon Grant, the need is still there for an above average safety.  With Phillips possibly missing part of the year with his knee injury, and a team that gave up almost 27 points per game, this is a major concern going into this upcoming season.  With a lot of 2nd round talent at the linebacker position, this is an easy move for the Giants to make.   

Phillips Optimistic Regarding his Return

It's been a difficult time for the New York Giants, as well as S Kenny Phillips in regards to the timetable set for his injury recovery.  But, according to the Daily News, Kenny Phillips says his rehab will have him set to return by the time training camp starts.  This is very promising, as well as surprising, considering that we have heard rumors that his knee condition- patellofemoral arthritis- is considered to be career threatening.  Phillips had the surgery done in September of last year, and has been consistently rehabbing his knee since then from his home in Miami.  

According to the Daily News,  

"Phillips will likely sit out the organized team activity (OTA) sessions in May and  June and the mini-camp in mid-June, but he "definitely expects to be ready for the start of full-speed practices in late July."

Great news for the Giants if this all goes according to plans, but I'm not going to hold my breath in regards to Phillips' health.  I do believe it was a great idea to sign some safety depth, but I also believe that it would be a good idea to still draft someone back there, even if it isn't with our first 2 or 3 picks.  Last year, our secondary depth was clearly an issue, and we can't afford to go into another season being forced to put up with players like Aaron Rouse or C.C. Brown back there.  

Rolle to Visit With Giants Today

Pro Bowl safety Antrel Rolle is expected to meet with the New York Giants today, as free agency opens up for the NFL.  Rolle, who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals yesterday, will be asked to shore up a defense that allowed 26.7 points per game this past season, which was 30th in the league.  The Giants are desperate due to the inability of safeties C.C. Brown and Aaron Rouse, and the injury of Kenny Phillips.  Rolle is rumored to be seeking a deal that will pay him in the upwards of $8 million per season.  He recently turned down a deal to stay with the Cardinals that would have paid him $38.6 million over six years.    

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Anything that keeps C.C. Brown and Aaron Rouse off the field would be ideal.  They lacked all the fundamentals and attributes needed to be a serviceable safety in this league.  While I don't believe Rolle is the best option, and would rather draft a safety, he is the best one on the market right now, and if signed the Giants can focus their energy on shoring up the linebacker situation there.  

Phillips Ahead of Schedule

New York Giants S Kenny Phillips says he is ahead of schedule in his recovery after going through microfracture surgery.  Kenny, who had the surgery in September, has begun his recovery and rehabilitation process by running in water.  He will be unable to start running on land for another two months though.  His doctor and team physician, Dr. James Andrews, has agreed that there is good process, but I'll wait until he begins  more intense rehabilitation before getting too excited.      

ROD MAR / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Phillips was sorely missed this year... I truly believed he was in for a real breakout season, and the defense obviously struggled in the secondary all year long.  I mean, I'm excited that he's doing well and progressing quickly, but at the same time, one of the biggest problems I had going into the season was lack of depth at the safety position.  I really want to see us go into the draft looking for some sort of upgrade at the safety spot, even if Kenny goes into the season fully recovered.  Microfracture surgery is a very serious procedure, and I can't see us going into next season without upgrading LB, DT, but especially S.  Good luck Kenny.