2002 RECORD: 10-6 TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (9th); Offense (6th) ADDITIONS: Free agents -- KR/PR Brian Mitchell (Eagles), P Jeff Feagles (Seahawks), LS Ryan Kuehl (Browns), FB Jim Finn (Colts), CB Ray Green (Dolphins), DE Keith Washington (Broncos), RB Dorsey Levens (Eagles), K Mike Hollis (Bills). Draft picks -- 1. DT William Joseph (Miami); 2. DE Osi Umenyiora (Troy St.); 3. TE Vishante Shiancoe (Morgan St.); 4. CB Roderick Babers (Texas); 5. G Dave Diehl (Illinois); 6a. WR Willie Ponder (Southeastern Missouri); 6b. WR David Tyree (Syracuse); 7a. S Charles Drake (Michigan); 7b. C Wayne Lucier (Colorado); 7c. WR Kevin Walter (Eastern Michigan) SUBTRACTIONS: P Matt Allen (released), FB Adam Wright (released), LB Clayton White (Bucs), WR Herman Moore (released), TE Dan Campbell (Cowboys), CB Jason Sehorn (Rams), G Jason Whittle (Bucs), S DeWayne Patmon (released), OT Mike Rosenthal (Vikings), DT Ross Kolodziej (49ers). Team news | Roster | More on Giants draft

		Wed., June 4 Is the addition of K Mike Hollis the most significant offseason move? Hollis doesn't have the league's strongest leg, but he will do precisely what New York needs him to do, which is make the makable field goals. Matt Bryant actually had a better conversion percentage in 2002 than did Hollis (81.3-75.8), but the veteran is solid in the clutch and won't have the coaches fretting over most chip shot 30-yarders. Despite converting just 43 of 61 field goal tries the last two seasons, Hollis is an 80-percent kicker for his career. The perception, given the manner in which Hollis exited both Jacksonville and Buffalo in contract disputes the last two years, is that he is a me-first guy. Nothing could be further from the truth. But more than just the acquisition of the eight-year veteran Hollis, it is the wholesale overhaul of the kicking game that should serve the Giants well, and perhaps help them narrow the gap with the Eagles. Brian Mitchell is the most prolific return man in league history and will handle both the punt and kickoff runback chores. Jeff Feagles is a terrific hang-time and directional punter and, in 15 seasons, has averaged 18.8 kicks inside the opponents' 20-yard line, while posting a 41.7-yard gross average and also a net average of 35.8 yards. General manager Ernie Accorsi didn't ignore that most esoteric of special teams jobs, either, signing Ryan Kuehl as the club's new deep-snapper. That cost him a record $325,000 signing bonus. But given the fiasco at the end of the playoff loss at San Francisco, it might have been money well invested.

While players and fans might have stewed over the wild-card loss to the 49ers for days, even weeks, it took owner Wellington Mara less than 24 hours to look forward to next season. Mara elicited memories of the 1985 team that lost to the Bears in the playoffs, but went on to be Super Bowl winners the next season. While that '86 squad was built on defense, the '03 Giants could be just as dangerous on offense.

When Jim Fassel took over the play-calling duties from Sean Payton after Week 8, the Giants went from 12 points per game to 27. Kerry Collins led the NFC in passing yards, Tiki Barber finished the year with over 1,900 rushing and receiving yards, Amani Toomer was second in the conference in receiving yards and Jeremy Shockey, the catalyst for the offense, led all NFL tight ends in receptions and yards.

What they've added?
While the team needed to move on from the 49ers loss, management didn't forget how that contest ended. Or the missed extra point and field goals in Minnesota. Or punter Matt Allen's NFL low 36.9 average. With special teams a priority for the first time in the Fassel era, the team revamped the entire unit. Brian Mitchell, the all-time leader in kickoff and punt-return yards, was lured away from the rival Eagles. Jeff Feagles, a 15-year veteran and placement specialist, replaces the released Allen. Veteran Mike Hollis was brought in to challenge incumbent Matt Bryant. Ryan Kuehl was given a hefty contract to just long snap. The team also drafted Syracuse's David Tyree in the sixth round for the sole purpose of a being a gunner.

After the re-signing of wide receiver Ike Hilliard, the skill positions on offense are all but set. The Giants most effective formation last season was a double tight end set, so it will be interesting to see who gets the nod for the departed Dan Campbell -- Marcellus Rivers or third round pick Vishante Shiancoe, neither highly regarded for his blocking. The third receiver spot is open with Ron Dixon, who when healthy played well for Hilliard, and Tim Carter competing for snaps. Carter is coming off an Achilles injury that ended his season early last year. Dorsey Levens was signed for short-yardage situations, signaling even less playing time for Ron Dayne.

The Giants needed depth on the defensive line and addressed that in the draft. First-round pick William Joseph will rotate in at tackle and could possibly start if Keith Hamilton isn't healthy (Achilles) or is disciplined by the league (drug arrest). Second-round pick Osi Umenyiora is a raw speed rusher who will see action on the end. With the Wills -- Allen and Peterson -- manning the starting cornerback spots, fourth-round selection Rod Babers will compete with Ralph Brown for the nickel corner role.

What they're missing?
Like the previous offseason, there was a chance the Giants offensive line would be shuffled again. But the team wasted little time in re-signing left tackle Luke Petitgout; left guard Rich Seubert garnered a contract extension; and restricted free agent center Chris Bober was tendered. The departure of Jason Whittle (Bucs) and Mike Rosenthal (Vikings) leaves the right side of the line with holes. But offensive line coach Jim McNally has shown he's one of the best in the business at molding young, unproven linemen and he'll have another chance at that with Tam Hopkins and fifth-round draft choice Dave Diehl at guard. Ian Allen is the early frontrunner at the right tackle position with last year's third-round choice Jeff Hatch thrown in the mix as well.

Fantasy Focus

Taken only as the 24th running back in the average 2002 ESPN fantasy draft, Tiki Barber surprised many when he finished as fantasy's No. 7 back for the season. When Jim Fassel took over the playcalling, Barber became fantasy's fourth-best runner in the season's second half. Barber's stats jumped from averaging 16.6 carries for 546 yards and four TDs in the first eight games to averaging 21.3 carries for 841 yards and seven TDs in the final eight contests. Previously, Barber received few goal-line carries, but that changed last season. With his new goal-line chances, Barber becomes a fantasy top 10 back. -- Roger Rotter, ESPN.com fantasy editor

While the linebacking corps returns intact, Dhani Jones and Brandon Short haven't been consistent playmakers and Mike Barrow, who's still productive, is getting long in the tooth at age 33.

What it all means?
The Giants believe they are on the cusp of a championship run. But the two other times a Fassel-led team made the playoffs (1997, 2000), the Giants were postseason spectators the following season.

Some sports teams are so traditional, their methods become an institution all their own. Princeton executes the backdoor, "Take me out to the ballgame" is sung at Wrigley Field and the Giants run the ball three times, punt and play hard nosed-D. It's been that way for what seems like forever. But while the defense still plays at a high level, if the Giants are going to find their way to where they think they belong, it's going to be on the arm of Collins, the legs of Barber and the hands of Shockey.

Brian P. Kelly is an assistant editor for ESPN.com.