Now Umenyiora is back. He bolsters a defensive front seven that finished in the NFL's top 10 in both run defense and sacks. New York also added three veteran starters up front in free agency: end Chris Canty, tackle Rocky Bernard and linebacker Michael Boley.

The Giants have long subscribed to the theory that you win games up front. They again have the deepest, most talented front seven in the NFL. That front became even deeper on draft day when the Giants selected elite college pass rusher Clint Sintim of Virginia in the second round.

The one offensive starter gone from 2008 is wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who was released as he sorts through his off-the-field issues. The Giants filled that void with two draft picks – Hakeem Nicks in the first and Ramses Barden in the third.

Nicks was the most polished receiver in this draft, leaving North Carolina as the school's all-time leading receiver. His skill level does not match that of Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin – but Nicks comes out of a pro-style attack at North Carolina and was viewed by talent evaluators as the wide receiver who could have the quickest and biggest impact in this draft.

The Giants aren't building this team for the future – they are building for now. Nicks gives them now on the flank. And Barden gives them size. He was the biggest receiver in this draft at 6-6 – size that will help New York replace the 6-5 Burress in the red zone.

By Rick Gosselin