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2010 NFL Draft

15. New York Giants (8-8)

Jason Pierre-Paul (USF)  

With DE Derrick Morgan still on the board, it's hard to imagine the Giants letting him go undrafted.  The Giants can draft linebacker later on, as drafting Sean Weatherspoon at this spot is a bit of a reach.  There have been rumors that if Morgan is here, the Giants will draft him, and entertain offers for disgruntled DE Osi Umenyiora.

Why he's good for the Giants:

Pierre-Paul is an interesting pick for the Giants.  He is a very raw talent, who with the right coaching, has the tools to become a dominant pass rusher.  I don't see him starting right away, but he is a natural pass rusher, something that we really lacked last season.  This is a good pick, although I did like Derrick Morgan a bit more.

Giants Not as Interested in McClain as Everyone Thinks

According to DraftInsider.net, the New York Giants, who are in the market for a big time inside linebacker, are not as happy with Alabama ILB Rolando McClain as everyone expected them to be.

"Opinions are mixed on McClain as some teams don’t like him and a few think he’s soft.  One team not enamored with McClain are the New York Giants.  Sources have told us the organization much prefers Sean Weatherspoon and if the opportunity arises for the Giants to trade down and select the Missouri linebacker later in the frame, they would jump at the chance.  We understand the Giants are hoping Derrick Morgan falls into their laps."

This is pretty crazy, considering McClain has been the consensus number 1 linebacker in the draft since the end of the season.  There have been questions regarding whether or not he is soft, but the Giants know more than we do, and I figure I'll be happy if we trade down and still get the player we want.  I don't see Derrick Morgan falling to us, as pass rushers are a premium commodity, but if we trade down, get some extra picks, and draft Weatherspoon, I'd be extremely pleased.  

Jason Taylor to the Jets "Close to Done"

According to the Sun Sentinel, a deal between FA LB Jason Taylor and the New York Jets is "close to done."  This deal is just waiting on a few issues that need to be worked out, but Taylor appears likely to be headed to New York.  If this proposal happens, "the deal would be for two years at $3.45 million, the maximum the Jets could pay him under the new rules for an uncapped NFL year," according to the report.  

If this happens, it would be a pretty good deal for both sides... The Jets don't have to worry too much about using a high pick this year to draft the pass rusher they have been missing, which allows them to focus on putting together their offense.  The drafting of a WR might be in order if Taylor does indeed sign.  For Taylor, who is coming off minor surgery, it gives him some security if it's a two-year deal.  Not to mention he has the opportunity to stick it to the Miami Dolphins, who did not show much interest in retaining his services.  
 

2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010 NFL Mock Draft

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.   

2010 NFL Mock Draft

8. Oakland Raiders(5-11)

DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)

Despite everyone's thoughts that Al Davis will pick workout warrior Bruce Campbell out of Maryland, I believe that he will come to his senses and draft this position of need.  With veteran DE Greg Ellis on his last leg, this is a very valuable pick for the Raiders.  Morgan possesses all the traits needed to become a great player in the league, and can bring something to the Raiders defensive line from day 1.  He has a great knack for getting to the quarterback, but possesses the ability to be great in run support as well. Also, with the ability to line up in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, he is one of the more versatile lineman in the draft.   

Why he's good for the Raiders: 

Morgan is by far the most polished DE in the draft, and I think that Al Davis will make the right move here.  With DL Richard Seymour anchoring the line, look for this defense to be a lot better with the pass rushing abilities of Morgan.  The secondary is one of the top in the league, and defense wins games, so look for Davis to address this issue.  With the return of DL Coach Mike Waufle from the New York Giants, I believe that Morgan will have all the coaching needed to become a star in the league.