Matt Peterson tracks the offseason needs of every team in the league. Today’s franchise, the New York Giants.
Season Recap:
The Giants overcame late season struggles and fought their way through the playoffs to claim a fourth Super Bowl title. Eli Manning elevated himself to the elite level and a big part of that was the sudden emergence of WR Victor Cruz, who played like one of the top receivers in the league. The Giants have a target on their back for 2012 as the defending champs.
Team Needs:
1. Tight End- Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski showed how big of an impact a stud tight end has on the defense. Jake Ballard, Travis Beckum, and Bear Pascoe did a decent job of shouldering the load, but the Giants number one priority should be getting Eli Manning a difference maker at the position. Coby Fleener or Dwayne Allen should be in consideration at pick 32.
2. Right Tackle- Kareem McKenzie is a free agent and it looks as if he wont be back with the G-Men in 2012. The Giants need to find a new starting tackle and could find their guy in the first two rounds.
3. Offensive Guard- Diehl, Snee, and Boothe played well in 2012 but the Giants need to get some more depth and youth.
4. Outside Linebacker- With the potential departure of DE Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka could be moving back to DE, which would create an opening at OLB. The Giants should add an OLB in free agency.
5. Inside Linebacker- Jonathon Goff and Chase Blackburn are scheduled to become free agents, leaving an uncertainty at the position. Goff is coming off an injury but played well as the starter in 2010. Both players should be resigned for 2012.
Most of the country believes Cam Newton will be the selection, but I’m not buying it. Head Coach Ron Rivera begins his tenure by selecting the best player in the draft. Peterson brings playmaking skills to a young secondary and a spark in the return game. The Panthers will consider AJ Green but pass due to their emerging young core of wideouts. I personally believe Jimmy Clausen will improve in year two and that the quarterbacks in this class are not worthy of being taken over the elite prospects such as Peterson, Green, Dareus, or Miller.
Dareus almost makes too much sense for the Broncos, but it is just such a perfect fit. Denver is weak up front due to their transition into a 4-3 defense and are desperate for a force up front. Dareus could possibly have a Suh-like impact for the Broncos- while defensive ends Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers can cause pressure on the quarterbacks. If Denver stays put at number two, then Dareus is their guy.
Newton falls into the laps of Buffalo and Chan Gailey gets an interesting player to work with. Newton is by far the biggest question mark in the draft. Some compare him to Donovan McNabb and Ben Roethlisberger, while others say he is the second coming of Jamarcus Russell or Vince Young. To me, Newton has all the skills in the world to succeed but the question is if he wants badly enough. Buffalo is an ideal landing spot for Newton because he can sit and learn the game under Harvard-Grad Ryan Fitzpatrick. 
