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The Giants' first two draft picks will be on offense.**
- MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction -They might be, but it's hardly a lock. I think they could be looking for defensive line help early in the draft.
- JOHN SCHMEELK: Fiction -I think it makes sense for the first two picks on the offensive side of the ball, and if the Giants added an offensive lineman, tight end or even a wide receiver I would be thrilled. Jerry Reese, however, has always prioritized the pass rush and defensive line, and with the departures of Justin Tuck and Linval Joseph, I would not be surprised to see the Giants reinforce that unit on day two, or perhaps even day one if the right player was there. It's just a gut feeling, but I think a defensive lineman is added with one of the first two picks.
- DAN SALOMONE: Fact -While it has happened just twice in the Tom Coughlin era -- 2004 (Philip Rivers and Chris Snee) and 2012 (David Wilson and Rueben Randle) -- I believe it is very likely. The Giants spent a lot of their resources on the defense in free agency, leaving holes to fill on the other side of the ball while the team installs a new offense. They need as many big human beings up front to get back to a fundamental offense with a power running game, which both Coughlin and new coordinator Ben McAdoo have reiterated all offseason.
Jon Beason will replace Tuck as a captain.
- MICHAEL EISEN: Fact -Beason proved to be a leader last season and he is the logical choice to join Antrel Rolle as a defensive captain.
- JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact -The only reason Jon Beason wasn't a captain last year was because he showed up a few games into the season. He developed into one of the three primary leaders of the defense (with Rolle and Tuck) and I would be shocked if he didn't continue that role this season.
- DAN SALOMONE: Fact -One of the subplots I was very interested in last offseason was this topic of captains -- would it be Antrel Rolle or Justin Tuck on defense? It ended up being both as they went against the recent norm and elected five total captains, as opposed to three. So if they stay on that course, then yes, Beason will be one of them, which is remarkable given his brief time with the team. While we're on the subject, I could see Spencer Paysinger making a push for a "C" on his chest possibly on special teams. He has really embedded himself in this team.
Mario Manningham will be the No. 3 WR.
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MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction - **Barring another acquisition, I'm picking a top three of Cruz, Randle and Jernigan.
- JOHN SCHMEELK: Fiction -I think Jerrel Jernigan is ahead of Mario Manningham on the depth chart. He is younger and flashed at the end of last season, and John Mara mentioned him by name during his postseason press conference. Plus, it remains to be seen what form Manningham regains after his serious knee injury.
- DAN SALOMONE: Fact -There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm about Manningham rejoining the team from the organization -- and even Manningham himself. It all depends on his health, but Coughlin said if they're going to be the team they want to be, then Manningham needs to produce. We'll see what he has left in the tank.
Jim Burt knocking out Joe Montana is the best defensive play in Giants history.
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MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction - **I'm partial to Jason Sehorn's tipped interception touchdown in the 2000 playoffs vs. Philadelphia.
- JOHN SCHMEELK: Fiction -I don't see how you can argue the Erik Howard strip and LT recovery of the Roger Craig fumble in the 1990 Championship Game isn't the best defensive play in team history. The 49ers were running out the clock and headed to the Super Bowl before that play was made. Without it, the Giants have one less Super Bowl championship.
- DAN SALOMONE: Fiction -I'm going with the goal-line stand in Super Bowl XXI. There are two ways of thinking when it comes to these debates: you either value the skill more than the significance, or vice versa. I'm part of the latter when you're talking about history. And what better symbolizes what the Giants are all about than a goal-line stand in a Super Bowl? You can't top that.
