SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Giants' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Outside linebacker. If the Giants want to blitz, they'll need someone who can do it, and after cutting Carlos Emmons and LaVar Arrington the team has a huge hole at outside linebacker. Reggie Torbor has been a disappointment, and Gerris Wilkinson is unproven. Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander likely will be around when the Giants pick in the second round; he's a violent hitter who reads the quarterback well. But they might not be able to wait until Round 2 to address this need.

2. Cornerback. The Giants haven't had a playmaker at corner in nearly a decade. Corey Webster has been slow to develop and hasn't shown the ability to pick off passes. Sam Madison will be 33 when the season starts, so the team needs to reload here -- especially if new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is going to install a blitz-happy scheme that would leave the corners isolated more often. Michigan's Leon Hall would be a good fit in the first round; he's athletic, quick and excellent in man-to-man coverage.

3. Running back. Brandon Jacobs might be the next Tiki Barber, but he'll have to prove it. If the team doesn't sign a veteran free agent (Dominic Rhodes has been the hot early name), it will look for a small, shifty back to complement Jacobs' power running. California's Marshawn Lynch is a first-round possibility, and Alabama's Kenneth Darby likely will be around when the team picks in the second round.

4. Defensive tackle. The Giants found a gem last year in Barry Cofield, and they need another one -- preferably one who can provide a push up the middle. William Joseph is a well-chronicled bust, and Fred Robbins, 30, won't be around forever. The team might look at N.C. State's DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler in the first round or Washburn's Trey Lewis in the middle rounds.

5. Tight end. Jeremy Shockey played hurt all last season and might benefit from taking an occasional snap off. Visanthe Shiancoe was never the ideal second tight end, and left for Minnesota as a free agent. A powerful blocker would fit the bill better. Delaware's Ben Patrick is a massive player with good hands, and his stock is rising.

6. Center. The Giants reshuffled their line after they cut Luke Petitgout; left guard David Diehl moved to left tackle and Rich Seubert moved to left guard. Seubert had been in line to replace center Shaun O'Hara if O'Hara wasn't re-signed (which O'Hara was) so Seubert's move to left guard increases the need for depth at center. There's no young center on the roster -- it's time to start grooming one.

7. Wide receiver. With Amani Toomer coming off a torn ACL and the jury still out on speedy Tim Carter, there is room for a No. 2 receiver of the future. The team hopes Sinorice Moss will work out, but he's only 5-8. Expect the Giants to look for someone with height and some speed -- Miami's Ryan Moore, likely a Day 2 pick, would fit the bill.

OUTLOOK

The direction of the first draft under new general manager Jerry Reese will depend on whether he swings a deal for a veteran running back beforehand. Reese already had inquired about restricted free agent Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in San Diego, and now he has feelers out all over the league. If Reese doesn't find one, the team will take a back on the first day.

Otherwise, the theme of the draft will be defense, especially now that both starting outside linebackers from last season are gone. The Giants haven't had much luck drafting cornerbacks or linebackers the past few years, but that will have to change -- those are their positions of greatest need. Expect the Giants to take a linebacker and a cornerback on the first day, and don't be surprised if they add a few more on Day 2.

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