Sam Spiegelman

First up at the podium this morning at the NFL Scouting Combine was Giants GM Jerry Reese, who fielded questions ranging from the team’s priorities, to its approach in free agency, to in-house solutions.

Earlier this week, former Colts DE Dwight Freeney — a native New Yorker who grew up a fan of Big Blue — said it would be a dream to suit up for the Giants.

In regard to going after Dwight Freeney, Reese said the Giants “investigate everything.”

— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) February 23, 2013

Prior to the Super Bowl, reports surfaced that Giants co-owner John Mara was more inclined to give Hakeem Nicks a new contract before doing the same for Victor Cruz, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent if no deal is reached by March 12.

Earlier this week, Mara refuted that report, and Reese followed suit.

Jerry Reese on prioritizing Nicks over Cruz? “That’s not correct. They’re both good players. We don’t like one more than the other.” — Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) February 23, 2013

Former Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett was a major addition to the Giants aerial attack this season, but his future with the team remains cloudy.

While Bennett wants to remain in New York, it’s been rumored he would like to play alongside brother, Michael, also a free agent this off-season.

Should Bennett sign elsewhere, Reese mentioned Adrien Robinson, a fourth-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, as a potential replacement.

Robinson didn’t catch a single pass last season, but Reese expects the sophomore to have a shot at seeing more of the field in ’13.

Reese said picking low is a privilege, but the players he’s getting are developmental. Mentioned the TE they got last year, Robinson. — Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) February 23, 2013

 

Reese on Adrien Robinson: He just needs to get out there and play. Hopefully he’ll be able to get out there.

— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) February 23, 2013

Many of the Giants free agents this off-season are members of the offensive line. Among the players they risk losing are William Beatty, arguably the team’s best offensive lineman, as well as guard Kevin Booth and tackle Sean Locklear.

It’s been suggested the team may use its franchise tag on Beatty in order to retain him for another season; Reese offered up this plan of attack:

Reese said Giants will look to free agency + draft for OL help. Expect them to look at a few FA OLs.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 23, 2013

A down season for Justin Tuck has muddied the defensive end’s future with the club.

Tuck , 29 going on 30 and a free agent in 2014, has been the subject of many possible release candidates. This season he recorded four sacks, a year removed from an injury-plagued campaign in which he had five.

Reese expects Tuck to remain with the Giants, but will have to rediscover his 2011 form when he dirtied the jerseys of opposing quarterbacks 11.5 times.

GM Jerry Reese had a conversation with Justin Tuck about underperforming. Hopes Tuck can “get back to his old form.” #NYG#NFL

— Jane McManus (@janesports) February 23, 2013

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