I'm gessing they let Luke go because of 2 reasons...
1) money
2) they were either impressed enough with Diehl on the outside or Guy Whiper developed enough to warrent a chance. They wouldn't just cut him for no reason. They also probably dont like all those penalties he committed.
Lavar Arrington has an injury history, and I believe his contract had a more option style. They would have had to up his pay to stay, and they weren't thrilled with his play. He was adequate before injury, but not that big play LB that they wanted.
Carlos Emmons... your complaing that he left? I'm really not one to dog on older players but the guy was getting hurt and noticibly slower than his hay day. I don't know why you'd want him to stay around.
Morton was a good return man... not sure why they let him go. Maybe Moss will have a larger role as a return man? Morton and Ponder were keys to that high scoring offense 2 years ago, with the outstanding field position they gave the Giants. I agree, why let Morton go? He wasn't making a lot of money, and was an above average return man last year, and real good two years ago. Maybe they didn't want to use a roster spot on a guy who exclusivly plays only special teams... I'm guessing Jennings and Moss see more returns.
I liked Brandon Jacobs last year and I do hold that belief that running backs are largly fungible... or replaceable. So much of that position depends on the line, and the offense. The biggest mistake the Giants could have made, was to either open up that piggy bank and sign a big time running back free agent, or draft a running back with their first round pick. I wouldn't be totally opposed to Mcghee for a 3rd rounder, but don't invest heavily on a RB. I think the GM is doing the right thing.
Droughns doesn't scare anybody, but he is a proven commodity. He isn't a star, but can be at least average. I'm guessing that it's Jacobs job, and Droughns is more of a change of pace/ backup player. The Giants could still draft a speedier player in the late rounds to have a diversified RB core ( Jacobs big back, Droughns mixed, and let's say Lorenzo Booker as a speedier back). Running backs can be had in the later rounds of the draft, and there is no reason to waste the 1st round pick on a back, when this team has other holes.
Mitchell is supposed to be a speedier player who can play in zone pass coverage. He isn't some super star acquisition, but he was a 2nd round pick and could fill a role.
I'd say the Giants biggest needs are Corner ( and safety), and outside linebacker. They could also select a DT or offensive tackle, or even receiver.
The biggest needs are at OLB, then Corner imho.
- Pierce isn't the most athletic LB, but he is smart. They could really use a big play LB, and I'd rather lean towards Timmons or Beason, instead of Poz.
- They could use a good man/man corner, and that could possibly be Chris Houston, Revis, or Ross from texas.
Corner is a more important position than RB and OLB. As a Giants fan, you should probably wish for a Corner in round 1, OLB in round 2, then best available and RB in the later rounds.
However, it wouldn't shock me if they took a tackle or receiver in round 1. When toomer got hurt, Manning really had two targets... Burress or Shockey. Sinorice Moss has to develop ( and stay healthy) and they could use another all around receiver.
