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Three players most affected by the way the Giants went about their draft business yesterday pushed aside the threats to their own jobs and were unanimous in their vocal support of the newly-imported talent.
The selection of safety Kenny Phillips in the first round has a direct bearing on incumbent starter James Butler. The pickup in the third round of receiver Mario Manningham can be seen as a knock on third-year Sinorice Moss. The sixth-round addition of quarterback Andre' Woodson is likely the death-knell for the Giants career of Jared Lorenzen. Yet seldom was heard a discouraging word.
"It's good for us to have a guy like that, a big plus for us to have another young guy coming in," Moss said of Manningham.
Two years ago, Moss was the next big thing, a small speed receiver the Giants traded up to get in the second round. His first year was riddled with injuries, his second produced 21 catches before more health problems put him on the sideline for the entire playoff run.
"I know what I can do and I know what I bring to this team, so there's no pressure on me at all," said Moss. "I'm just looking forward to getting the opportunity to make some plays and come out here and shock the world, that's my thing."
Butler said two assistant coaches have already spoken with him about the Phillips selection, but he said he didn't need to hear anything. "I've got tremendous confidence in what I do, in my abilities and what I bring to the table and that's really all that matters," said Butler, who added he soon will sign his contract tender, which will pay him $1.4 million this season.
Woodson broke most of Lorenzen's records at Kentucky and Lorenzen is excited that his former Wildcat is coming aboard. He admitted, though, that his first reaction to the Giants drafting a quarterback was "Uh oh."
"I guess the battle started Sunday when they drafted him," Lorenzen said.
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The Giants this afternoon will be guests of honor at the White House, where Eli Manning and Michael Strahan are expected to present President Bush with a Giants jersey.
Copyright 2007 NYP Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
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