New York Giants Draft Cheat Sheet

Picks: Round 1, No. 31 (31 Overall); Round 2, No. 32 (63); Round 3, No. 32 (95); Round 4, No. 31 (130); Round 5, No. 30 (165); Round 6, No. 28 (194); Round 6, No. 32 (198); Round 6, No. 33 (199).

Team draft needs (in order of most pressing): S, LB, CB, WR, OL, DT, DE, RB, TE, K/P, QB

Names to know:

Kenny Phillips (S, Miami) — “The U,” as the University of Miami is sometimes called, produces football stars like no other. Phillips should have no problems modeling former ‘Canes like the Baltimore Ravens’ Ed Reed and the late Sean Taylor as both a team leader and a hard worker.

Dan Connor (LB, Penn State) — Last year current Buffalo Bill, and former Penn State standout Paul Posluszny was an injury away from competing with San Francisco 49er’s Patrick Willis for defensive rookie of the year. This year, Connor hopes to showcase the skill set necessary to better the production of his former teammate’s rookie season. For a team losing two starters from its linebacking core, the Giants would be more than pleased with that.

Jerod Mayo (LB, Tennessee) — Projected as a better player than Connor by some and thus potentially unavailable when the Giants pick. If he is there, however, the Giants should jump at the chance to select the junior. Mayo’s single coverage skills would make it even easier (if that’s possible) for the Giants to send multiple rushers without fear of being hit with the big play.

Also know: Brandon Flowers (CB, Virginia Tech), Quentin Groves (LB, Auburn), Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College)

Storyline to follow:

If the latest rumors are true, Jeremy Shockey could be on the move this weekend. The tight end’s name has been linked to multiple teams, most notably the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton, the Saints’ head coach, was once the Giants’ offensive coordinator and has a close relationship with Shockey.