The first wave of free agency is in the books and the New York Giants have gone a long way in filling some of the glaring needs on their roster.
They’ve signed a veteran cornerback in James Bradberry and added two linebackers (Blake Martinez, Kyler Fackrell), not to mention a swing tackle (Cam Fleming), a veteran backup quarterback (Colt McCoy) and tight end (Levine Toilolo).
There’s still plenty of work to do. The Giants still need to address holes at the following positions:
Running back
Saquon Barkley is great but we saw what can happen when he isn’t. His high ankle sprain exposed the Giants’ depth chart last year. Wayne Gallman (concussion) getting hurt didn’t help and then he found himself in the doghouse. The Giants need either a veteran backup player here to share the load or an emerging rookie — or both — if they are going to be effective at rushing the football this year.
Wide receiver
Sterling Shepard’s two concussions have the Giants unnerved. He’s a top option when he’s healthy, but the Giants have to be prepared — one of the reasons they kept Golden Tate. Darius Slayton had a nice rookie season, but there is no one that frightens defenses. Luckily, the 2020 NFL Draft is deep with receivers, so they may fill the need that way.
Center
The Giants did not tender Jon Halapio (Achilles) because he likely would have failed a physical. They may re-sign him down the line, but for now they have Spencer Pulley as their starter. It’s well known they are in the market for a center and with the free agent market thin, the Giants could grab one early on in the draft.
Offensive tackle
Cam Fleming is not known as a starting option and it doesn’t appear the Giants signed him to pencil him in as one, although he will have a chance to win the job. The Giants would love to replace Nate Solder at left tackle and will have the opportunity to do so with the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft. They will likely have their pick of the litter with all four top OT prospects on the board.
Edge rusher
Fackrell effectively replaces Markus Golden, so unless the Giants wait out Golden’s market this spring, they’ll be looking to get away on the cheap here. Currently, it doesn’t look as if Chase Young will fall to them in the draft and this class isn’t a very deep one at EDGE, so this need could go unfilled.
Free safety
Antoine Bethea is gone, leaving the Giants with Julian Love and Mark McLaurin as their free safeties. It’s obvious they’ll be looking for another player to add to this group. Vonn Bell and Demarious Randall are available, but the Giants may not want to meet their price. Looks like their best bet could be in the draft.
