Associated Press
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. ó After taking four months in the wake of his shooting to decide that troubled receiver Plaxico Burress didn’t fit into their plans, general manager Jerry Reese and the New York Giants have roughly three weeks to decide whether they can find a deep threat in the NFL draft.
Reese did not return an e-mail on Saturday, seeking comment on how the Giants would replace the man who caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Super Bowl victory over the then-undefeated New England Patriots in February 2008.
However, there is no doubt the team will not miss Burress’ off the field problems, tardiness and unwillingness to follow the rules.
The draft will provide some interesting options for replacing Burress. New York has the 29th pick overall, but it also has 10 picks with two in each of the second and third rounds.
It is unlikely that Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, Jeremy Maclin of Missouri and possibly Percy Harvin of Florida will be available when the Giants select, but they should have a shot at either Kenny Britt of Rutgers or Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina if they do not make a move.
Crabtree had 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years of college. Maclin, who also only played two seasons, had 102 of his 182 catches this past season with 13 going for TDs.
While a dynamic player, Harvin is a combination running back and receiver.