This past season was a tough pill to swallow for the defending Super Bowl Champions.  They finished 9-7 and one game out of the playoffs.  After starting the season 6-4 heading into the bye, New York was in control of returning to the playoffs to defend its title. 

If it wasn’t for the Washington Redskins’ magical run they would have made it.

In order to contend with the Redskins next season the Giants will need to fill some holes this April at the NFL Draft.  One of the biggest needs for New York is in its secondary.  Injuries have been an issue for second-year cornerback Prince Amukamara along with the impending free agency of Justin Tryon, Brian Witherspoon and Bruce Johnson, it definitely creates a need at that position.

The only two wide receivers that are guaranteed to return next season are Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle.  The salsa dancing Victor Cruz is set to be a restricted free agent, Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden are going to be unrestricted free agents.  With players the likes of Tavon Austin, Keenan Allen and Cordarrelle Patterson coming out of college this would be the time to draft more weapons for Eli Manning.

Last offseason the Giants brought in former Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett, who finished the season with 55 receptions for 626 yards and five touchdowns, all career highs.  Other than Bennett the Giants didn’t get much production out of the position.  The duo of Bear Pascoe and Travis Beckum combined for four catches, 35 yards and a touchdown all from Pascoe.  With the potential of Bennett and Beckum leaving this offseason, the Giants may want to check into Zach Ertz or Tyler Eifert.

When it comes to the NFL Draft the Giants are known for taking the best athletes whether it is an offensive lineman, defensive lineman or one of the players listed above.  I will anticipate that New York will go offense in the first round.  Stay tuned to eDraft on Thursday for an extensive look at the Giants seven-round mock draft.